Western International University Reduces Tuition and Refines Online Learning Approach, to Meet Demands of Working Adults

PHOENIX, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Western International University ("West"), a leading private education provider since 1978, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Apollo Global, Inc., announced today a shift in its pricing structure along with a new course delivery method designed to provide students with a more manageable and affordable higher education solution.

Effective immediately, undergraduate students at West now have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree online in accounting, behavioral science, business administration, HR management, or IT, with the total cost of a degree (including tuition and fees), at $30,400. Graduate students can earn an MBA or MS in accounting or MBA in management online for $11,950 (not including undergraduate prerequisite courses, if needed).  This represents a 51 percent reduction in West's program prices and puts its tuition at approximately half the cost of many other accredited universities.

In addition to affordability, West has improved its online learning approach and the delivery of course content tailored to the needs of busy, working professionals.  West relies on learning theories tailored to self-directed adult learners and builds curricula on the learning principles that working adults value using proven practices from traditional, online and new innovative learning methodologies.  For example, West's eight-week courses are structured to follow a weekly path of "Learn, Practice, Apply."  "Learn" includes a series of short videos and reading assignments found in e-textbooks, followed by knowledge checks designed to help process the content.  "Practice" offers interactive exercise and review quizzes with instant feedback.  And, "Apply" entails engaging with instructors and fellow students online to put the learning into practical context, as well as a completing weekly assignment of a quiz or an essay.  The assignments are structured to help balance the workload over the eight-week term. 

"Institutions that provide flexible, cost-effective, online learning options are becoming increasingly vital to the working adult population and to our nation's workforce development goals," said Tracy Lorenz, president of Western International University. "At West, we provide relevant and rigorous higher education programs that fit an individual's academic and financial goals. We know the affordability of education is a major issue today, and we've lowered tuition to open the door for more students to achieve their academic and career goals, without breaking the bank." 

West also offers a unique entrance into the University with its new student Start Smart^SM offer, which allows students the option to test drive the online education format and West by taking their first two college level courses for a total cost of $200 per course (inclusive of tuition and fees). These specific courses for all new students are not eligible for financial aid, but will apply to all West degrees should the student continue on with West as a degree-seeking student. In order to progress from the first two courses to a degree-seeking student, an undergraduate student needs a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a graduate student needs a minimum 3.0 cumulative. The goal is to give prospective students full transparency into the online academic experience as well as the commitment of time and money to ensure that a student can be successful at West.

"West is committed to delivering a relevant education to working adults across the nation. By lowering tuition, and updating and innovating the learning format, West is investing directly in its students' success," said Gregory W. Cappelli, CEO of Apollo Group and Chairman of Apollo Global. "Students at West receive a high-quality and highly flexible education at a lower cost. West was designed to respond quickly to students' needs, and it is doing just that. We are pleased with what West is bringing to today's global workforce."

West is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers associate, bachelor and master degrees with online programs in career-ready disciplines like business, accounting, behavioral science and information technology. West's mission is to provide a broad educational foundation designed to prepare students for leadership positions in a dynamic, global marketplace. All of West's academic programs focus on the global community with a real understanding of the commercial, political, and cultural issues shaping the future.

To learn more about West and its course format and program offerings, visit www.west.edu. 

About Western International University
Western International University, a wholly owned subsidiary of Apollo Global, Inc., is a leading private education provider. Apollo Global, Inc., a consolidated subsidiary of Apollo Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL) is a U.S.-based leader in world education with institutions in South America, Mexico, India and the UK. Apollo Global institutions provide academic programs serving the business needs of leading companies and online education that best prepares working professionals with the information they need to remain competitive in the workforce. 

About Apollo Group, Inc.
Apollo Group, Inc. is one of the world's largest private education providers and has been in the education business since 1973. The Company offers innovative and distinctive educational programs and services both online and on-campus at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels through its subsidiaries: University of Phoenix, Apollo Global, Institute for Professional Development and College for Financial Planning. The Company offers programs and services throughout the United States and in Latin America and Europe, as well as online throughout the world. For more information about Apollo Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, call (800) 990-APOL or visit the Company's website at www.apollo.edu.

SOURCE Western International University