WGU Texas, Greater Houston Area Colleges Sign Agreement to Make Higher Education More Accessible

HOUSTON – Online, nonprofit university WGU Texas announced today the signing of agreements with Lone Star College (LSC) and San Jacinto College (SJC) that create pathways for the community colleges’ students, employees and graduates to work toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree and further their education at WGU Texas. 

“With this partnership, both institutions are committed to providing our students with educational pathways to earning a four-year degree, expand their education, and increase their earning potential,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “We are excited about helping students reach their next goal.”

This is the second transfer agreement between SJC and WGU Texas. The first was signed earlier this year and streamlined the process for SJC students and graduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at WGU Texas.

The signing event at SJC included remarks from Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton, Jr., who is a WGU Texas and SJC graduate. 

“We are excited that WGU Texas has shown an interest in continuing our students’ success,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., Lone Star College chancellor. “This agreement is a perfect example how two-year and four-year colleges can partner to create educational pathways for our students.” 

Head also joined the WGU Texas advisory board in 2019. 

Through the agreement with WGU Texas, LSC and SJC graduates, faculty, and staff may select among the more than 60 accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in information technology, business, health professions and teaching. Transfer students also receive special benefits including:

• A 5 percent discounted tuition at WGU Texas,
• Exclusive partner scholarships, valued at up to $2,000,
• Comprehensive transfer policy. 

“WGU Texas is thrilled to expand its presence in the greater Houston area by providing more LSC and SJC College students a seamless pathway to completing their bachelor’s and master’s degrees and preparing them to enter some of the state’s most in-demand careers,” said Dr. Steven Johnson, chancellor, WGU Texas. “Community colleges enroll almost half of all students in the state—over 730,000 students. This partnership creates an opportunity to link those students to alternative, viable pathways to earning a degree.”

WGU Texas’ current enrollment is more than 12,500 students, Johnson said. He added that WGU Texas students are in all nine counties that make up the Greater Houston area, with more than 1,300 transfers from Lone Star and San Jacinto Colleges, and students enrolled in 233 of the state’s 254 counties. 

For more information about WGU Texas’ community college partnerships and scholarship opportunities, visit texas.wgu.edu/cc.