ST. LOUIS — Residents of Willow Springs, Missouri and the surrounding area are now eligible for a 5 percent tuition discount under a new partnership between WGU Missouri and Willow Springs Community Foundation. The Willow Springs Community Foundation partnership discount will apply to any of WGU Missouri’s degree programs in business, information technology, education and healthcare.

Under the terms of the agreement, Willow Springs area residents can receive a 5 percent discount (for up to two years) to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at WGU Missouri. The tuition discount reduces WGU Missouri’s already low tuition of about $6,500 per year for most programs.

“WGU Missouri is pleased to help Willow Springs Community Foundation demonstrate its commitment to the surrounding community by providing discounts and scholarships to the over 6,000 area residents without a college degree, allowing them to further their education and career.” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “The WGU Missouri education model empowers working adults to fit higher education into their busy lives through flexible, personalized learning that is surprisingly affordable.”

WGU Missouri, the state affiliate of Western Governors University, is a nonprofit online university established by the state. WGU Missouri’s competency-based learning model allows students to learn at their own pace. Rather than spending time in classes with set schedules, students can move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. As a result, many students are able to accelerate their time to degree completion — with the average time to a bachelor’s degree less than three years.

Willow Springs area residents will also be eligible for the Institutional Partners Fund, with scholarships of up to $2,000. Visit the website for more information on WGU Missouri, and details on the Willow Springs Community Foundation partnership benefits.