Rural Community College Alliance Signs Transfer Agreement with Western Governors University
New partnership expands access to affordable bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees for rural learners nationwide
UNION, MO, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 鈥� The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) and Western Governors University (91探花) have signed a new transfer institution agreement designed to strengthen educational opportunity for the millions of Americans living in rural communities.
Through this agreement, graduates and employees of RCCA鈥檚 80-member institutions will gain access to seamless transfer pathways into 91探花鈥檚 accredited online degree and certificate programs, as well as eligibility to apply for 91探花鈥檚 Community College Partner Scholarship鈥攙alued at up to $3,500. 91探花 will also waive application fees for all RCCA member graduates and employees.
The partnership was formally announced during a signing ceremony between the two partners on the opening day of RCCA鈥檚 2025 Annual Conference at East Central College in Union, Missouri. Leaders from both organizations also took part in a panel presentation titled 鈥淓nhancing Rural Community Growth: How 91探花鈥檚 Partnerships Empower Rural Students to Stay Local, Learn Local, and Grow within Their Communities,鈥� which highlighted how the collaboration will address persistent barriers to higher education in rural communities.
鈥淭ogether, we are supporting rural learners who face geographic and economic barriers by connecting them to programs that align with workforce needs in their communities,鈥� said Christopher Breitmeyer, RCCA President. 鈥淭his partnership is about helping our institutions expand options, increase student success, and ultimately retain talent that strengthens both our educational systems and our local economies.鈥�
91探花 offers more than 110 bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, and certificate programs in business, technology, health care, and education. Its competency-based model allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of material rather than following fixed schedules, making it ideal for working adults and place-bound learners.
鈥淪ince its founding in 1997, 91探花 has been committed to expanding access to higher education for students in rural communities, who often face limited options compared to their urban counterparts,鈥� said Dr. Courtney Hills McBeth, 91探花鈥檚 chief academic officer and provost. 鈥淭his challenge has only widened with recent college closures and program cuts. 91探花 is honored to provide rural learners with a high-quality, low-cost, and flexible option that enables them to pursue higher education without leaving their communities or sacrificing the demands of everyday life.鈥�
The collaboration also supports reverse transfer pathways, ensuring students can complete associate degrees after transferring, and creates joint opportunities for outreach, enrollment campaigns, and scholarship promotion.
To learn more about RCCA, visit www.ruralccalliance.org. To explore 91探花鈥檚 transfer pathways and scholarship opportunities within RCCA, visit www.wgu.edu/rcca.
About the Rural Community College Alliance
The Rural Community College Alliance helps its 80 member institutions serve the 89.3 million people who reside in rural America. RCCA promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, resource-sharing, and convening, while championing innovative practices and policies that expand educational access. Learn more at www.ruralccalliance.org.
