Rural Community College Alliance Signs Transfer Agreement with Western Governors University
New partnership expands access to affordable bachelor’s and master’s degrees for rural learners nationwide
UNION, MO, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 — The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) and Western Governors University (WGU) have signed a new transfer institution agreement designed to strengthen educational opportunity for the millions of Americans living in rural communities.
Through this agreement, graduates and employees of RCCA’s 80-member institutions will gain access to seamless transfer pathways into WGU’s accredited online degree and certificate programs, as well as eligibility to apply for WGU’s Community College Partner Scholarship—valued at up to $3,500. WGU will also waive application fees for all RCCA member graduates and employees.
The partnership was formally announced during a signing ceremony between the two partners on the opening day of RCCA’s 2025 Annual Conference at East Central College in Union, Missouri. Leaders from both organizations also took part in a panel presentation titled “Enhancing Rural Community Growth: How WGU’s Partnerships Empower Rural Students to Stay Local, Learn Local, and Grow within Their Communities,” which highlighted how the collaboration will address persistent barriers to higher education in rural communities.
“Together, we are supporting rural learners who face geographic and economic barriers by connecting them to programs that align with workforce needs in their communities,” said Christopher Breitmeyer, RCCA President. “This partnership is about helping our institutions expand options, increase student success, and ultimately retain talent that strengthens both our educational systems and our local economies.”
WGU offers more than 110 bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in business, technology, health care, and education. Its competency-based model allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of material rather than following fixed schedules, making it ideal for working adults and place-bound learners.
“Since its founding in 1997, WGU has been committed to expanding access to higher education for students in rural communities, who often face limited options compared to their urban counterparts,” said Dr. Courtney Hills McBeth, WGU’s chief academic officer and provost. “This challenge has only widened with recent college closures and program cuts. WGU is honored to provide rural learners with a high-quality, low-cost, and flexible option that enables them to pursue higher education without leaving their communities or sacrificing the demands of everyday life.”
The collaboration also supports reverse transfer pathways, ensuring students can complete associate degrees after transferring, and creates joint opportunities for outreach, enrollment campaigns, and scholarship promotion.
To learn more about RCCA, visit www.ruralccalliance.org. To explore WGU’s transfer pathways and scholarship opportunities within RCCA, visit www.wgu.edu/rcca.
About the Rural Community College Alliance
The Rural Community College Alliance helps its 80 member institutions serve the 89.3 million people who reside in rural America. RCCA promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, resource-sharing, and convening, while championing innovative practices and policies that expand educational access. Learn more at www.ruralccalliance.org.
