The University of Louisiana System is announcing a special tuition rate for Louisiana adults returning to school to finish their degree though Compete LA. A flat rate of $275 per credit hour will apply to students who qualify through the program. This rate provides an average discount of $450 per course.
“This straight-forward pricing model not only offers relief in what it will cost to finish a degree but eases the burden returning adults experience when calculating costs to return to school,” UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “What we have experienced the past couple of months will only hasten our entrance into the future of work. Louisiana can compete at the highest levels provided we have the educational attainment to adapt to a new reality.”
Compete LA, powered by the Universities of Louisiana, which includes Northwestern State University, is designed to re-engage the 653,000 Louisiana adults with some college credit but no degree. To qualify for Compete LA and the discounted rate, students must be Louisiana residents, have some college credit but no degree and has been out of school for at least two years.
Northwestern State University has 12 online degree programs that are a part of the Compete LA initiative,” said Dr. Darlene Williams, vice president for technology, innovation and economic development. “NSU’s Compete LA programs include bachelor’s degrees in accounting, addiction studies, allied health, business administration, computer information systems, criminal justice, general studies and psychology, as well as an associate degree in general studies, Nursing RN to BSN, radiologic technologist to bachelor’s in radiologic sciences and unified public safety administration.”
Compete LA features adult-friendly degree paths throughout the System’s nine member institutions. Each Compete LA student is matched with a free coach to assist in identifying the best path to degree completion, re-enrollment, and academic success.
“Easing the burden for our adult learners is the impetus of Compete LA,” Katie Barras, UL System assistant vice president for academic innovation and the program’s director, said. “This friendly pricing model paired with our innovative coaching structure sets adults up for success.”
The University of Louisiana System launched Compete LA last fall and has engaged more than 2,000 stop outs and will celebrate 7 graduates in May. Those already enrolled through Compete LA will receive flat-rate tuition in future semesters.
“We are so pleased to be a part of the Compete LA initiative,” Williams added. “This program is dedicated to fulfilling degree attainment goals for adult students. Northwestern State University’s online degree programs empower Louisianans to further their education. Participation in Compete LA now makes it more affordable.”
Students interested in finishing their degree can apply at CompeteLA.org or through the program’s mobile app found in the App Store and on Google Play.
View the May 5 press conference at https://youtu.be/JRM5yFNFfZU?t=372.
