College is affordable, accessible and appropriate for all high school graduates. That was the message Missouri State University-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett and members of the admissions staff recently took to approximately 370 students at Houston High School to help them see the benefits of a college education and to encourage them to consider enrolling in a post-secondary program after graduation.
The Missouri State-West Plains contingent began its visits last year, taking their message to the high schools in Alton, Couch, Dora, Mansfield, Plato and West Plains. They are continuing the mantra at the remaining 17 high schools in the university’s seven-county service area this year.
On Feb. 18, the Missouri State-West Plains group visited with the Houston High School students. During the presentation, students learned that, over the course of a lifetime, those who receive bachelor’s degrees earn $1 million or more than those with just a high school diploma. Those with an associate’s degree will earn $400,000 or more than those who enter the workforce with just a high school diploma.
The students also learned that at Missouri State-West Plains:
-The campus is open admissions – any high school graduate or GED recipient can attend.
-$7 million in financial assistance is given out to students every year.
-Almost 85 percent of students receive some kind of financial aid.
-Courses are offered at several different academic levels, and students can receive free tutoring and counseling to help them with their studies.
-Through the combination of distance learning opportunities (online courses, interactive television classes) and a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule format, students can take a full load of courses while only coming to campus two days a week.
-Almost half of the students attending Missouri State-West Plains do so on a part-time basis.
-The Associate of Arts in General Studies Degree will transfer to any public four-year university in Missouri.
-Students can complete a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in several subject areas on the West Plains campus through Missouri State University’s Academic Outreach program.
Campuses also are situated at Mountain Grove and Houston.
-The campus offers a variety of sports, organizations and activities to make the college experience fun and exciting.
For more information, call the Office of Admissions at 417-255-7955 or toll free at 888-466-7897, or visit the Missouri State-West Plains Web site at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu.