ADELPHI, Md. (March 12, 2019) – In its ongoing commitment to offer open access to quality academic programs, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has entered into an alliance with OnlineDegree.com to help make college more affordable and accessible. The new relationship allows prospective UMUC students to satisfy general education courses by taking those courses—that are tuition-free and completely self-paced—at OnlineDegree.com.
OnlineDegree.com is a rapidly growing education technology platform where students can receive college credit toward their degree completely free. Â Created by startup veterans and leading academics to help more people go back to school, students can take a variety of online general education courses without the normal applications, entrance exams or costs associated with traditional institutions.
The new platform is designed to prepare adults for higher education and works with participating accredited universities to award transfer credit for successful completion of the courses. With thousands of students now enrolling every month, the new platform provides a flexible pathway for them to complete their education without conflicting with their jobs or busy schedules while lowering education costs.
“UMUC and OnlineDegree.com have created a viable model to both solve student debt and help individuals access the education they need,” says Grant Aldrich, Founder of OnlineDegree.com. “We’re making the college dream a reality for everyone.”
A pioneer in distance education since it was established in 1947, University of Maryland University College is a world leader in innovative education models and has grown to be the largest online public university in the nation. With over 90 degrees, specializations and certificates, its academic offerings have been designed specifically for working adults, military service members and others with diverse responsibilities. UMUC courses are designed from the ground up to be collaborative online learning experiences that prepare students one for today's digital business environment.
“Our alliance with OnlineDegree.com removes many of the known hurdles that often prevent working adults from going back to school: cost and busy schedules,” says Blakely Pomietto, deputy chief academic officer at UMUC. “By lessening the financial burden, we hope to increase the chances of success for our students through a faster and more affordable path to a UMUC degree.”
The solution comes at an opportune time with student debt now close to $1.5 trillion in the United States alone. With the cost of debt averaging $37,172 per person, working adults can no longer afford to quit their current jobs or attend traditional university programs to gain entry to new careers or obtain marketable skill sets.
“With student debt at all-time highs, people across the country are hesitant to take the first step towards college,” says Aldrich. “It’s critical to have a solution that uniquely fits the needs of today’s working adults if we want to enact real change.”
For more information, students can visit OnlineDegree.com or visit the announcement and details at the UMUC website.
About University of Maryland University College University of Maryland University College was founded more than 70 years ago to serve working adults and servicemembers. An online state university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fast-growing and in-demand fields, it’s grown to become the largest online public university in the nation. With no-cost digital course materials in nearly every course, and locations in Maryland and at military installations around the world, it gives anyone the opportunity to earn a respected degree. UMUC is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. Â
About OnlineDegree.com On a mission to make higher education more affordable and accessible for everyone, OnlineDegree.com is a team of startup veterans and leading academics who believe everyone should have the ability to go to college.  Through its free platform, students can test drive different courses and subjects on their own schedule, be better prepared for college-level coursework, and could receive college credits toward their degree at participating universities throughout the United States. Working adults now have a bridge to start their path back to school regardless of their finances or busy schedules. https://www.onlinedegree.com/about-us/.
Media Contacts
OnlineDegree.com: OnlineDegree.com Press Team Email: press@onlinedegree.com
UMUC: Bob Ludwig 301-985-7253 robert.ludwig@umuc.edu
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