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By WGU Team

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Ginger Parker-SouthardÌýof Cherokee, North Carolina,Ìýis a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee IndiansÌý(EBCI).ÌýShe is also a WGU graduate with an M.S. in nursing leadership and managementÌýwhoÌýworksÌýat EBCI Public Health and Human Services.ÌýAs part of her responsibilities,Ìý, which was created to curb an increase in cases of Hepatitis C in theÌýcommunity, create a better way to dispose of used needles, and connect drug users to treatment programs and other services. So far, the incentive program has been a notable success.Ìý Ìý

For many studentsÌýlikeÌýParker-Southard, access toÌýeducational programs—especiallyÌýwith assistance fromÌýstateÌýfinancial aid programs—canÌýleadÌýto a stableÌýcareer. Education pathways canÌýchangeÌýan individual’sÌýpersonalÌýtrajectory, enhance career advancement,ÌýandÌýaddressÌýcommunityÌýneedsÌýforÌýskilledÌýhealthcare, education, business,Ìýand technologyÌýworkers andÌýproviders.ÌýÌý

Across the country,ÌýstatesÌýoffer students aÌýwide variety of grants and scholarships.ÌýBut too often,Ìýthese programs are linked not only to residency but to the type of institution or program that a student chooses to attend—usually traditional, in-personÌýstateÌýcollegesÌýand universities.ÌýBecause of outdated laws and regulations, studentsÌýwho attend WGUÌýor other nonprofit online universitiesÌýrarely have access to the state-based funding available to many other residents.ÌýÌý

The onset ofÌýCOVID-19 has made traditional education pathways harder to access, especially for underserved learners. Increasing the number of affordable, accredited, high-quality education and training pathways available to students is more urgent than ever.ÌýTo ensure all learners can advance their careers and participate in rebuilding a stable economy, states must reexamine financial aid requirements andÌýensure equitable access to state-based funding.ÌýÌý

Students should be able to access need-based aid programs to attend any high-quality institution with proven student success and employment outcomes.ÌýFor students who attend institutions like WGU, thisÌýwould mean a relatively small investment from states—the difference between the tuition total and what is covered through federal Pell grants.ÌýÌý

Nonprofit WGU was created by states, for states, in order to supplement traditional higher education offerings. WGU offers high-quality postsecondary degrees that are essential to community infrastructure through aÌýcompetency-based educational model that improves flexibility and affordability for students. WGU degrees haveÌýproven value to students, communities, and statesÌýin workforce-relevant careers that are largely recession- and pandemic-proof.Ìý

WGU’s curriculum is completely online, eliminating the need for room and board, and uses a unique tuition structureÌýthatÌýcombines the cost of tuition, fees, and materials into a flat rate per six-month term. The average annual cost for an undergraduate degree at WGU is $6,670 versus . For aÌýstudent who is awardedÌýthe maximum annual Pell grant of $6,345,Ìýa state grant of just a few hundred dollarsÌýwould help theÌýaverage WGU student to fully fundÌýtheir educationÌýeach year.ÌýÌý

We urge legislators and policymakers toÌýrethinkÌýfinancial aid regulationsÌýas we navigateÌýthis pandemic environment. State laws, rules,Ìýand regulations around institutional eligibility for financial aidÌýshould be examined and revisedÌýto meet the needs of residents in their communities.ÌýÌý

WGU partners with community leaders, policymakers, and fellow educators to lead innovation in higher education and create accessible, affordable pathways to workforce-relevant degree and credentialing programs. To find out about opportunities to join us, contact governmentrelations@wgu.edu.Ìý