SALT LAKE CITY — For the fifth consecutive year, Western Governors University (WGU) has been recognized as a Military Friendly® School. The announcement highlights WGU’s mission to expand access to higher education opportunities to nontraditional students, particularly military service members and their families. WGU’s flexible, affordable degree programs are ideal for military personnel and their families, who are often stationed overseas and are frequently required to relocate.

The 2015 Military Friendly® Schools list is featured on www.militaryfriendly.com and recognizes the top 15 percent of universities, colleges, and trade schools working to provide better education opportunities to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. More than 10,000 schools were surveyed for the annual list recognizing the best practices in military education.

WGU’s online, competency-based programs were recognized for allowing students to study, learn, and take proctored exams on schedules that fit their busy lives—anytime and anyplace where there’s an Internet connection. This flexibility is vital for military students and spouses. Designed to meet the needs of working adults, WGU’s model, which measures learning rather than seat time, allows students to study and learn on their own pace and schedule, with constant one-on-one faculty support.

WGU was also recognized for its affordability. Tuition is charged at a flat rate of about $6,000 per year for most programs, regardless of the number of courses completed. As a result, many students accelerate their degree programs and finish faster, saving time and money. WGU accepts Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, and scholarships are offered throughout the year to military students and spouses, helping make WGU even more affordable for those serving our country.

“WGU recognizes the sacrifices our military service members and their families have made through service to our country and is proud to serve them as they improve their lives,” said Gail Iversen, manager of Military and Veteran Benefits at WGU.

WGU offers more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. For more information, visit: www.wgu.edu/military-friendly.

The Military Friendly® Schools designation process includes extensive research and a data-driven survey of schools nationwide approved for Post-9/11 GI Bill funding. The survey and methodology are developed with assistance from an independent Academic Advisory Board, comprised of educators from across the country. Results are independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media. The survey is free and open to all post-secondary schools who wish to participate. Survey criteria can be found at http://www.militaryfriendly.com, and a complete list of schools is available at http://www.gijobs.com.