SALT LAKE CITY - For the fifth consecutive year, nonprofit, online Western Governors University (WGU) has been named to Military Advanced Education's 2012 Guide to Top Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities. Published annually, the guide provides information regarding college options for U.S. service people and veterans.

WGU offers online accredited degree programs that are flexible, accessible, and supportive for military personnel and spouses who are often faced with challenges that make it difficult to earn a degree at a traditional college. With over 50 online bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education, and Health Professions, including Nursing, students can study on their own time, from anywhere with an Internet connection. Additionally, students receive ongoing support from faculty who serve as one-on-one mentors through their entire degree program. WGU's terms are six months long and can begin on the first day of any month.

WGU graduate Loretta Lombard, a Lt. Col. for the U.S. Air Force, earned her MBA while on active duty. She was able to complete her degree while being deployed three different times to three different continents. "The six-month terms allowed for adjustments to my availability due to my military requirements and family priorities. If I had to leave on Temporary Duty, I could easily pick up where I left off and get going again when I could return my attention to school," Lt. Col. Lombard said.

Selected by Military Advanced Education for the guide based on the quality of academics, the nonprofit university's degree programs are approved for tuition assistance for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel and Veterans are eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill. Scholarships are available for active service people, their spouses, and veterans.

WGU is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for adult learners. Major General R. Martin Umberger of the Indiana National Guard, a strong supporter of military-friendly options for higher education, believes institutions like WGU will help America's military members reach their personal and professional potential. "Our soldiers and airmen will benefit tremendously from the parallel offerings of online learning opportunities," he said.

As a top Military-Friendly institution, WGU provides several benefits for military members and their families.

  • Degree programs that are approved for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits under the GI Bill, as well as tuition assistance for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members
  • Scholarships specifically designed for active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military spouses
  • Competency-based learning, which allows students to advance when they demonstrate mastery of subject matter rather than by logging classroom hours
  • Option to accelerate degree completion for students who can devote additional time to their studies
  • Learning resources and course materials that are available online 24/7 from anywhere there is an Internet connection
  • Affordable tuition-just under $6,000 per year for most programs

Source: Western Governors University