New Collaboration to Promote Affordable Degree Options
In a significant move to enhance educational accessibility, StraighterLine, a frontrunner in affordable, self-paced college courses, has recently joined forces with University of the People—the pioneering tuition-free, accredited online university. This partnership introduces an innovative pathway allowing students to attain a bachelor's degree at a mere $5,000, making higher education more attainable than ever, especially amid rising student debt concerns.
The launch of this new program is part of StraighterLine's comprehensive 'Finish Your Degree' initiative which seeks to dismantle barriers preventing individuals from completing their college education. With over 350,000 learners already benefiting from StraighterLine's offerings, the program is particularly geared towards supporting working adults, parents, and other non-traditional students looking to advance their careers without accumulating extensive debt.
CEO Matt Hulett expressed enthusiasm regarding the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of providing low-cost, high-value education. “We are excited to partner with University of the People,” he stated, noting the mutual goal of empowering students through innovative and flexible educational solutions.
Degree Program Details
Students participating in the $5K Degree Program will progress through their general education courses with StraighterLine at a manageable monthly flat rate. Upon completion, they will transition to University of the People to finalize their degree requirements. The program currently offers three concentrations:
- - Business Administration and Health Science for $5,000
- - Computer Science for $6,000
Each course taken through StraighterLine is pre-approved for credit transfer to University of the People, guaranteeing that every class keeps students on track to obtain their degree. This level of assurance is a major advantage, eliminating uncertainties often faced by students regarding credit transferability. Shai Reshef, President of University of the People, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with their commitment to improve access and affordability in higher education.
Embracing Affordability
The initiative is designed to tackle the pervasive issue of student debt, which affects millions of learners. With courses that empower students to study at their own pace and without the pressures of traditional semester limitations, this collaboration offers a refreshing alternative to conventional education pathways, where students often find themselves overwhelmed by debt and lengthy degree timelines.
Additionally, both organizations are dedicated to making quality education available across demographics, thus reshaping how education is perceived and accessed in modern society. The partnership will provide University of the People students with access to StraighterLine’s Semester Membership plan at a discounted rate, further amplifying the affordability of their educational journey.
“‘Finish Your Degree’ stands as a testament to our dedication to eradicating barriers that hinder educational completion,” Hulett remarked. With the inclusion of University of the People in their partnership network, StraighterLine continues to enhance its mission, now joined by more than 180 institutions committed to this cause.
A New Era of Education
As the landscape of education continues to evolve, initiatives like this one by StraighterLine and University of the People are crucial in promoting accessible pathways for higher learning. For many, the prospect of earning a degree, which once felt unattainable due to financial constraints, is now within reach thanks to the new $5,000 option. For more information and to learn how to take the first step towards completing a degree, visit
finishyourdegree.org.
In conclusion, the partnership signifies a critical step towards redefining the future of education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or financial situation, can pursue their academic aspirations effectively and affordably. This collaboration not only highlights the importance of innovative educational programs but also serves as a motivational catalyst for learners everywhere who wish to overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals.