Online Student Survival Guide

Archive for March, 2009

WGU has Joined Twitter!

WGU on March 27, 2009

Now you can keep up with what’s happening at WGU by following us on Twitter. Watch for new degree programs, scholarships offerings, media coverage, and more! It’s free to join, so visit www.twitter.com/WGU to start reading our “tweets” and stay connected!

The 411 on Federal Financial Aid

WGU on March 20, 2009

Using financial aid is a personal decision. When making this decision, you should know that a degree is a great investment in yourself that will pay for itself many times over.

Students may qualify for two types of student loans:

  • Federal Family Education Subsidized Loans —These loans are based upon demonstrating financial need. The interest is paid by the federal government while you are enrolled in school at least half time, or during grace or deferment periods.
  • Federal Family Education Unsubsidized Loans —These loans are not based upon financial need, and therefore are available to most WGU students. You are responsible for the interest from the day you borrow the money until you pay off the loan.

Student loans offer some unique features that make them easier to handle:

  1. Some loans don’t start accruing interest until after you’ve graduated or stop attending school.
  2. For many student loans, no payments are required until after you graduate or drop below a defined enrollment level.
  3. Depending on your income, your student loan interest, as well as your tuition, may be tax deductible.
  4. Most online colleges and universities will work help you put together a financial aid package that includes loans as well any grants or scholarships that might be available.

Interest Rates on Loans: The interest rate you are charged for both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans is variable and adjusted once a year, on July 1.

Current Interest Rate for New Loans:
Undergraduate students: 6.00 percent
Graduate students: 6.80 percent
The rate will never exceed 8.25 percent.

Useful Links:

FAFSA: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Sallie Mae: http://www.salliemae.com/

FinAid!: http://www.finaid.org/ 

 

Need Money for School?

WGU on March 13, 2009

Do these tough economic times make it hard for you to come up with the money for school?

Have you looked into scholarships? Scholarships are a great resource to use and never have to be paid back!

Through the generosity of numerous corporations and foundations, plus special federal government appropriations, Western Governors University (WGU) maintains a robust program of scholarships made available to qualified students.

Scholarships are one of the many ways in which WGU removes obstacles from your path to achieving your educational goals and improving your career opportunities. It’s part of our investment in the future of our students.

To learn more about WGU’s current scholarships offerings, click here.

CBS 4 in Denver Features WGU in “Beat The Recession By Taking Classes Online.”

WGU on March 10, 2009

“When the economy tanks, many professionals look to further their education. It’s a way to increase their earning potential and in this tough job market, a way to reinvent themselves for a career change.
But how do professionals with a mortgage, car payment and other grown-up responsibilities find the time to plunge back into college? They go to an online university where the classroom comes to you.”

 — Molly Hughes, Reporting for CBS 4 Denver

Western Governors University was recently featured on the CBS TV affiliate in Denver. The consumer segment covered how online learning is a perfect fit for busy professionals who are looking to further their education in this tough job market.

To view the full coverage, click here.

First “Creating Connections” Summit

WGU on March 6, 2009

“Western Governors University held a summit for Texas teachers Saturday at Global High School in Waxahachie with about 40 online students from across the state in attendance.

WGU is an online university and this summit, “Creating Connections,” was the first one ever held. Its purpose was to allow WGU students, graduates, instructors and the Texas Advisory Board to meet in person, some for the first time, and to interact with one another while learning things that will help them find a job and when they are in the classroom.”

To view the full article, click here.