WGU Celebrates One Year of Advancing Higher Education in the State of Nebraska with more than 200 Graduates

LINCOLN, NE (August 31st, 2023) Just one year after the establishment of a partnership between the state of Nebraska and Western Governors University (WGU), more than 200 students have graduated. WGU in Nebraska was established August 30, 2022 when former Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with WGU to expand access to affordable, high-quality degree programs for Nebraskans.

This partnership, dedicated to extending the reach of WGU's programs, continues to drive forward. With a sharp focus on underserved populations such as dislocated workers, veterans, and rural residents, this collaboration is deeply committed to inclusive education. Simultaneously, WGU is actively cultivating relationships with local employers and employer organizations, ensuring educational offerings remain closely aligned with workforce demands.

"The remarkable achievements of these graduates stand as a testament to the effectiveness of the partnership between WGU and Nebraska”, said Dr. Terrance Hopson, WGU regional vice president. “In just a year, we have collectively empowered these individuals to realize their educational aspirations, setting them on a path to personal and professional success. We remain dedicated to the vision of workforce development and accessible education for all, and this accomplishment fuels our commitment to empowering learners across the state of Nebraska."

WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to advance in the program as soon as they prove mastery of the material through rigorous assessment. As a result, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce. WGU has grown to be the largest online, competency-based university in the United States. There are more than 950 WGU graduates in Nebraska. Over 70 percent of WGU students in Nebraska are from one or more historically underserved populations, including large numbers of rural residents, first-generation college students, and low-income Nebraskans.

The university specializes in serving adult learners. WGU students have an average age of 34 in Nebraska, with 83 percent of students employed while enrolled in degree programs. The university offers more than 60 workforce-aligned bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through its College of Information Technology, College of Business, Teachers College and Leavitt School of Health. 

To help provide aid to Nebraskans who complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees at WGU, the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education previously took administrative action that qualified Nebraskans who attend WGU for need-based financial assistance offered by the State. This means that Nebraskans who choose to attend WGU are eligible to apply for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG). The State of Nebraska provides the grant to students who meet certain residency, enrollment, and financial need qualifications. Additionally, WGU has established the WGU-Nebraska Partnership Scholarship.

The grants and scholarships will be applied to WGU’s already-low, flat-rate tuition, which is currently about $4,100 per six-month term for most programs. Students can learn more at wgu.edu/Nebraska scholarship.