WGU and CSI Partner to Offer Graduates Pathways

to Pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

Special benefits extended to CSI grads and employees in partnership with WGU

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – (May 4, 2021) Online, nonprofit Western Governors University (WGU) and College of Southern Idaho (CSI) announced an agreement to offer graduates of CSI pathways to in-demand university degrees. The partnership extends a generous transfer credit policy to CSI alumni enrolling at WGU – meaning more of their work at CSI will be recognized, saving them money, and shortening the time to graduation. Additionally, CSI alumni and employees will be eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partnership Scholarship, valued up to $2,500.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, WGU offers more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, IT, teacher education and health professions, including nursing. The university’s online, competency-based model allows students to study and learn whenever and wherever it is convenient and at a pace that fits their lifestyles.

“WGU and CSI aim to accomplish the same goal: further the quality, affordability and accessibility of higher education,” said Dr. Tonya Drake, WGU’s vice president of the Northwest region. “I value CSI’s role in the region's economic development and its efforts to strengthen the local workforce. I know CSI graduates will be well-prepared for success at WGU and be a valuable addition to our student body.”

“CSI is pleased to partner with Western Governors University,” said Dr. Dean Fisher, president of CSI. “We are focused on helping students gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their chosen career. CSI grads now have another, important option to continue their educations.”

Currently, nearly 140 WGU students and more than 300 graduates call Twin Falls County home. Across Idaho, more than 2,000 individuals are enrolled at WGU, while nearly 4,100 have already earned degrees from the online university.

WGU is well-suited for busy, working adults and traditionally underserved student populations. The university provides students with individualized experiences and personalized guidance from dedicated faculty mentors and course instructors – from the time they enroll until they graduate. WGU is also committed to keeping tuition costs low. Students pay about half as much as their counterparts at similar institutions with tuition for most WGU degree programs at approximately $7,000 per year.

For more information about WGU’s community college partnerships and scholarship opportunities, visit www.wgu.edu/cc.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 121,000 students nationwide and has more than 178,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 23 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

About CSI

CSI is a progressive community college with a main campus in Twin Falls, Idaho and four off-campus centers located in Gooding, Jerome, Hailey, and Burley. At CSI, students have the opportunity to excel in many endeavors. While being recognized for outstanding faculty, facilities, and a student-centered environment, CSI offers unique programs and services to help students realize lifelong goals. Support services designed to guide students to success include: study skills classes, tutoring, learning centers, advising, financial aid, and health services to name a few. Students can also participate in student government activities, special interest clubs, athletic teams, and fine arts productions. CSI takes great pride in offering innovative and state-of-the-art programs while maintaining an affordable, personalized experience for students. CSI is a diverse institution that welcomes and celebrates the rich heritage and varied perspectives of all our students, faculty, and staff. For more information about CSI visit www.csi.edu.