Online University Earns High Ratings for Student Engagement

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Students earning a degree online can feel just as connected and engaged—or even more—than those studying in more traditional environments, according to the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). In fact, students at Western Governors University — parent university of the state-endorsed, nonprofit WGU Texas (texas.wgu.edu) — rated the online, competency-based university higher than other institutions in the U.S. and Canada in several key areas. The survey, conducted annually, polled more than 350,000 students from more than 600 institutions, both bricks and mortar and online, asking them to rate their experiences. Students gave WGU the highest scores possible at levels significantly higher than the national average in a number of important areas:

• Quality of interactions with faculty—20 percent higher
• Quality of academic support—23 percent higher
• Would attend the same institution again—25 percent higher
• Overall rating of entire educational experience—16 percent higher

In addition, WGU students believe that their degree programs and coursework are rigorous and challenging, preparing them well for career advancement. WGU students:

• Rated the challenge presented by their coursework as "very much" 19 percentage points higher
• Reported spending 13 percent more time per week on their studies
• Gave top ratings to their acquisition of job-related knowledge and skills 13 percentage points higher

"Direct, personal interaction with faculty is one of the primary reasons that an online degree program from WGU Texas was the right choice for me as a full-time working parent," said Carol Caldwell of Magnolia, who is completing her Bachelors in Human Resource Management. "Far more than staring at a screen, I have deep and lasting relationships with my mentors that I would have never expected while completing my degree online. I could have earned my degree at a traditional university and instead I selected to earn my degree online in a connected and supported environment that has enriched my education and will serve me well in my career."

Nonprofit and fully online, WGU Texas is the leader and pioneer in competency-based education, offering more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs in business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. Ideal for busy adults, this innovative learning model allows students to study and learn at a pace that meets their needs, moving quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students work through course materials on their schedules, with consistent, one-on-one faculty support. Because they are not tied to traditional semesters and course schedules, many students can accelerate and finish their degrees faster—the average time to a bachelor's degree at WGU Texas is less than three years.

About WGU Texas
As the state's only online, competency-based university, WGU Texas offers accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in today's high-demand fields. WGU Texas's model is unique—rather than earning degrees based on time spent in class, students advance toward their credential at their own pace by demonstrating competency. Most degree programs are charged at a flat rate of $3,000 per six-month term.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of WGU, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Learn more at texas.wgu.edu  or call 1-877-214-7011.

Contact for media inquiries:
Jeff Burton, PR Manager
385-428-6301
jeff.burton1@wgu.edu

Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7011
texas.wgu.edu

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http://www.youtube.com/user/WesternGovernorsUniv

SOURCE WGU Texas