Persuasive Essay - Choice of University - Wgu
My recent decision to enroll in a university to continue and complete my pursuit of an undergraduate degree was not especially difficult. Selection of and commitment to a particular university was not as simple. Multiple factors including, but not limited to, price point, reputation, ease of access, and career relevance were weighed. I selected Western
Governors University and remain very satisfied with this choice.
Cost is a major determining factor, and one in which
WGU holds a tremendous advantage over competing learning institutions. One must consider the annual cost of WGU at
$5,780, compared to the average annual cost of a public institution at $32,617. Other online institutions also cannot compete in regards to cost, owed largely to WGU being the nation’s only nonprofit online university. University of
Phoenix’s cost for a four year degree is $68,400, compared to
WGU’s cost of $23,120.
Personally, there were additional considerations in regards to cost. WGU’s annual undergraduate tuition rates fall just below the annual unsubsidized Stafford Loan limit amount of
$6,000. Annual rates were also very close to annual limits on corporate tuition reimbursement under my current employer.
Furthermore, WGU charges tuition per term, rather than class or credit unit. This allows ambitious students to take additional course per term and possibly graduate early, creating additional cost savings.
Cost is relative to value, and even considering the savings involved with choosing WGU over other universities, it is still a significant financial commitment. I wanted to ensure that I would receive a quality, respected education. The University hosts results of several surveys of WGU graduates, all of which indicate an overwhelmingly positive response - including
96% positive feedback on whether or not they would recommend
WGU to others. This type of personal recommendation played a large factor in my selection of the University, as two close
Governors University and remain very satisfied with this choice.
Cost is a major determining factor, and one in which
WGU holds a tremendous advantage over competing learning institutions. One must consider the annual cost of WGU at
$5,780, compared to the average annual cost of a public institution at $32,617. Other online institutions also cannot compete in regards to cost, owed largely to WGU being the nation’s only nonprofit online university. University of
Phoenix’s cost for a four year degree is $68,400, compared to
WGU’s cost of $23,120.
Personally, there were additional considerations in regards to cost. WGU’s annual undergraduate tuition rates fall just below the annual unsubsidized Stafford Loan limit amount of
$6,000. Annual rates were also very close to annual limits on corporate tuition reimbursement under my current employer.
Furthermore, WGU charges tuition per term, rather than class or credit unit. This allows ambitious students to take additional course per term and possibly graduate early, creating additional cost savings.
Cost is relative to value, and even considering the savings involved with choosing WGU over other universities, it is still a significant financial commitment. I wanted to ensure that I would receive a quality, respected education. The University hosts results of several surveys of WGU graduates, all of which indicate an overwhelmingly positive response - including
96% positive feedback on whether or not they would recommend
WGU to others. This type of personal recommendation played a large factor in my selection of the University, as two close
References: How WGU’s tuition compares. (2013). Retrieved from http:// www.wgu.edu/tuition_financial_aid/tuition_comparison_pop Fast Facts: tuition costs of colleges and universities. (2013). Stafford Loan Information. (2013). Retrieved from http:// www.staffordloan.com/stafford-loan-info/ Tuition and Fees. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.wgu.edu/ tuition_financial_aid/tuition Student Success and Performance Data. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.wgu.edu/about_WGU/student_success_data BS in Information Technology - Network Administration. (2013). Business - Information Technology Management. (2013). Why WGU - Our Commitments. (2013). Retrieved from http:// www.wgu.edu/why_WGU/our_commitments