WGU Celebrates 11 Years of Advancing Higher Education in Missouri; Launches New Anniversary Scholarship

ST. LOUIS, MO, FEBRUARY 15, 2024 — In celebration of WGU 11^th anniversary in Missouri, the nonprofit, fully accredited, online university has announced it is awarding $100,000 in scholarships to new students who are interested in furthering their education. Since arriving in Missouri in February of 2013, WGU has been committed to providing high-quality, convenient, and career-boosting college education to Missouri residents across the state, including busy adults who have some college experience but no degree. The WGU 11th Anniversary in Missouri scholarships, valued at up to $10,000 each, underscore WGU’s mission of making higher education more attainable for Missourians looking to strengthen their skillsets and advance their careers to meet the demands of today’s workforce. 

WGU has shown consistent annual growth in Missouri over the past decade and now has 3,959 students currently enrolled and 8,274 alumni – 15 percent of whom graduated in the past year. The university employs more than 200 Missourians and has partnered with 130 businesses and institutions across the state who value the university and want to create new opportunities for their employees to earn their degrees affordably and take their careers to the next level.

WGU has been credited with helping Missourians earn their college degrees who otherwise could not easily complete or afford a traditional college program. The average student age is 35, with more than 74 percent of attendees coming from underprivileged populations or being first-generation college students. Additionally, 69 percent of students work full-time while pursuing their degrees. These grads are quickly seeing a difference in their lives as more career opportunities become available. As a result, students earn an average of $22,200 more within two years of graduation. Within four years, that number grows to $29,200 for WGU grads.

"As we commemorate the 11th anniversary of WGU in Missouri, I am delighted to reaffirm our enduring commitment to innovation and accessibility in higher education," shares Terrance Hopson, regional vice president of WGU’s Midwest Region. "Despite the significant shifts in higher education and workforce demands over the past decade, our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our students and the dynamic job landscape remains steadfast. We take great pride in offering an affordable, flexible college education option for all residents of Missouri, particularly underserved adults facing life commitments and financial hurdles that might otherwise impede their educational pursuits in a traditional setting. Looking ahead, we will continue to empower many more adults to return to school and earn their degrees in the next 11 years and beyond."

WGU focuses on high workforce-need areas, offering more than 80 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education, and health professions, including nursing. Unlike a traditional college program, WGU caters to adults with previous or current work experience who are looking to further their careers through education. WGU’s competency-based education model allows adult students to complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate they have mastered the subject matter.

WGU provides scholarships, making tuition even more affordable. Missourians have been awarded more than $5.5 million in WGU scholarships. In celebration of its 11th anniversary, the university is offering $100,000 in scholarships – 10 valued at $10,000 each – to new students who qualify and apply by June 30. To learn more, visit wgu.edu/missourianniversary or call 855-948-8493.