Bob Collins

BadCredit.org, 2021-6-11

In early 2020, shortly after students had arrived on college campuses for the spring semester, they had to vacate classrooms, libraries, and dormitories. That’s because the COVID-19 pandemic brought higher education to a grinding halt in a way few disasters could.

Forbes, 2021-4-2

There have been plenty of rumors regarding federal student loan forgiveness, as well as several different plans that could bring this type of plan to fruition — at least for some. 

Money, 2020-12-31

Facing economic instability and comparatively high unemployment, millions of Americans are considering their career plans from a fresh lens, including the possibility of starting or continuing college.


 

U.S. News & World Report, 2020-09-21

Nearly one-third of families of college students did not complete the FAFSA for 2019-2020, potentially missing out on funding. In addition to completing the FAFSA this year, there are a few overlooked ways to pay for college and some new options created in response to the pandemic that families should consider.

 

Inside Higher Ed, 2019-04-24

Bob Collins, WGU’s vice president of financial aid, has been a consultant for the institution since before it enrolled its first student in 1997. He sees the unbundled faculty model as “a critical factor in our students’ success for completion and graduation.” Rather than feeling burdened by pressure to teach to the test, instructors focus on leading students to specific and discrete objectives.




 

Education Dive, 2019-04-17

With college enrollment mostly flat and the number of adult learners taking online classes expected to increase, it doesn't take a business major to determine that more colleges and universities will be targeting this largely untapped student segment.

Several have already made moves to that effect, including the University of Massachusetts System, which last month announced plans for a national online college focused on these so-called "nontraditional" students.

Inside Higher Ed, 2019-04-09

A tumultuous three months of back-and-forth between U.S. Department of Education officials and representatives across higher education culminated last week in proposals that clarify and update existing rules around digital learning and innovation.

Advocates for online learning and other emerging education models found plenty to celebrate as the process wrapped up. The final proposed rules include language that mitigates ambiguity around phrases like “distance education” and “regular and substantive interaction,” which have long puzzled institutions developing programs for an increasingly diverse set of learners.

Student Loan Hero, 2019-03-20

When Ryan Yousefi decided to go back to school to get his degree, he knew it had to be online. He came across a news segment that featured Western Governors University (WGU), an online-only school.

“I took my time and made sure WGU was accredited,” Yousefi said.

PR Newswire, 2018-09-27

Western Governors University's (WGU) official student loan default rate dropped again for the FY 2015 cohort, from 4.6 to 4.1 percent, which is less than half the national average and decreasing at a faster rate than the national average. The U.S. Department of Education released official cohort default rates (CDR) for all Title IV-eligible institutions on Tuesday. The downward trend at WGU is the result of access to affordable, high-quality degree programs combined with student financial literacy initiatives.

Reward Expert, 2018-02-02

“We just celebrated our 20th anniversary,” Bob Collins said. “That’s a pretty remarkable milestone. While we had a slow start, because what we were doing was so different, once we started demonstrating that the competency-based education model offers a quality education that is actually more affordable, we gained traction. While we were the pioneers of competency-based education, I think there are probably 600 other colleges exploring it today.”

U.S. News & World Report, 2017-12-18

"Start saving as early as you can for your education. No matter how small the amount, every cent counts. A 529 savings account offers tax advantages, so it is one of the best ways to save for college," says Bob Collins, vice president of financial aid at Western Governors University in Utah.

Education and Career News, 2018-06-15

Bob Collins is a financial aid executive and member of the Higher Education Committee of 50 or “Forward50,” offers advice for all students preparing to pay for their college education.