NSSE results reflect an engaging experience, supportive faculty, and rigorous coursework
Although they study online and at their own pace, students at WGU Missouri and its parent university, WGU, report high levels of student engagement, faculty support, and overall educational experience, according to the latest results of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). In fact, the survey found that these and other factors lead students to say they would attend WGU again at a significantly higher rate than the national average.
“We often hear from our students that they’re pleased to discover WGU Missouri provides even more interaction with faculty than they would expect to get at a brick-and-mortar institution,” said WGU Missouri Chancellor Angie Besendorfer. “We’re proud to provide high-quality education with individualized support, even as students have the convenience of studying at home.”
The survey, which is conducted annually, polled 315,000 students from 600 institutions in the U.S. and Canada—including more-traditional online and brick-and-mortar schools—asking them to rate their experiences. Students gave WGU the highest scores possible at levels well above the national average in the following areas:
- Quality of interactions with faculty—19 percentage points higher
- Quality of academic support—25 percentage points higher
- Would attend the same institution again—28 percentage points higher
- Overall rating of entire educational experience—19 percentage points higher
In addition, WGU students report that their degree programs and coursework are rigorous and challenging, preparing them well for career advancement. Areas in which the university excelled include:
- Challenging coursework—15 percentage points higher
- Acquisition of job-related knowledge and skills — 12 percentage points higher
- Time spent on studies per week — 6 percent higher
Nonprofit and fully online, WGU is the leader 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 Missouri is two and a half years.
About WGU Missouri
WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members provide one-on-one guidance, support, and instruction.
Established through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $6,000 per year for most programs.
Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).
*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).
Contact for media inquiries:
Kelly MacNeil
314.677.2302
kellymacneil@wgu.edu