ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Winthrop University Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Oct. 25 to set tuition for the new Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program at a rate equal or lower than similar programs in the region.
The BPS degree, which will launch in spring 2020, will provide a challenging curriculum for a range of adult learners, including military veterans, who have associate degrees or 60 transferrable credit hours and who desire to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The lower tuition price accounts for the fact that non-traditional students enrolled in the BPS program do not have the same access to scholarships and grants as a traditional student and the BPS students will not require the frequent use of on-campus student support services.
“We are extremely pleased that the Board of Trustees approved the tuition for the Bachelor of Professional Studies program at an affordable rate. We understand that BPS students, most of whom are working full-time jobs, are making a sacrifice to return to school in order to complete their degree. Providing this lower tuition rate helps offset some of those financial sacrifices that they are making, and helps give them the best chance of success,” said Pat Guilbaud, director for extended education and summer school.
Full-time in-state tuition for the BPS program is $5,357 per semester or $447 per credit hour. Full-time out-of-state tuition for the program is $10,373 or $865 per credit hour.
Recent census data shows that more than 90,000 adults in the five counties surrounding Winthrop have some college experience but did not earn bachelor’s degrees.
According to Guilbaud, the program will allow adult learners to finish their college degrees while developing specific competencies and professional skill development that they need in their careers.
The program courses will be offered at night and in a hybrid mix of on-campus and online options in order to fit the busy schedules of working adults.
For more information on the BPS program, please visit www.winthrop.edu/bps or call Adult Student Outreach/Services Coordinator Allison Brinkley at 803/323-3447 or e-mail brinkleya@winthrop.edu.
