The program will grant degrees in such subjects as information technology and diagnostic imaging, plus master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. 20% of adults in the state of Wisconsin currently have some college education but no degree, which has closed off many job opportunities to them.
The Flexible Option will be an affordable way for these workers to obtain a degree; though prices haven’t been released, a spokesman said that the cost of taking the tests will be “significantly less expensive” than the $ 6,900 a year that tuition at Wisconsin’s state universities would otherwise cost.
Though this sounds like a perfect solution to a problem for many, not everyone is as thrilled about the Flexible Option. Faculty members are concerned about the rigors of the testing process, in order to prevent the value of the degree getting watered down.
Northern Arizona University has discussed its plans for a similar program, and we imagine that many colleges around the country will be keeping a close eye on these new ventures, as they consider how to offer more affordable and cost-effective degree programs.
