WGU Washington will award nearly 1,700 bachelor’s and master’s degrees to students from across the state at its fourth annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 2. The class of 2015 is WGU Washington’s largest since the university was founded four years ago.

The 2015 graduating class is roughly 70 percent larger than last year’s class of 1,055 graduates. In the four years since state lawmakers endorsed WGU Washington as an affordable, educational option for students, the university’s enrollment has grown rapidly. Up more than 750 percent since 2011, WGU Washington’s total enrollment now exceeds 7,500 students, making the online university one of the largest institutions of higher education in the state (comparable in size to Gonzaga and Seattle University).

“We are incredibly proud of the academic accomplishments of WGU Washington’s class of 2015,” said WGU Washington Chancellor Jean Floten. “The record number of graduates reaffirms our online, competency-based model is an effective and practical way for working Washingtonians to achieve their educational goals.”

Many of the state’s top employers have recognized WGU Washington’s important role in keeping the workforce competitive in the global marketplace. GroupHealth President and CEO Scott Armstrong will deliver the commencement ceremony’s keynote address. GroupHealth employs approximately 3,000 workers across Washington, including 2,000 in the greater Seattle area.

“We are so thankful to have Scott’s commitment to participate,” said Chancellor Floten. “Each of our students aspires to excel and make a significant impact in his or her respective career field. I’m confident Scott’s words will inspire our grads as well as all their guests in attendance.”

WGU Washington offers career-focused degrees for a flat-rate of about $6,000 per year for most programs. Of the school’s roughly 7,500 full-time students, nearly half are enrolled in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related programs. STEM fields are vital to our state’s economy. WGU is the largest educator of math and science teachers in the U.S., conferring 5 percent of the nation’s baccalaureate and 15 percent of the nation’s master’s degrees in STEM teaching.

Event Details:
What: WGU Washington Commencement Ceremony
When: Saturday, May 2, 2015, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Xfinity Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98021
Keynote Speaker: Scott Armstrong, President and CEO, GroupHealth