Is UMPI Still Worth Going To?

Summary

The video discusses recent changes at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI), which remains a top choice for busy adults seeking online education. Despite increased tuition, UMPI offers competitive prices for accelerated learning. New degree programs like psychology and computer science are being introduced, enhancing its appeal. However, business degree requirements have changed, mandating a minimum of 12 UMPI courses. Customer service issues persist due to rapid growth, but UMPI is actively addressing them. The video reassures that UMPI is still an excellent option for quick and affordable degree completion.

Takeaways

• 📈 UMPI has increased its undergraduate cost to $7,000 for an 8-week term and Master's terms to $2,350.
• 💼 Dr. Elena Margeson, the Provost of UMPI, believes the price increase still offers competitive programs for students who can accelerate their studies.
• 📚 UMPI is expanding its degree offerings, including new programs in Psychology, Healthcare Administration, and Computer Science.
• 🚀 The addition of Computer Science and Cybersecurity programs is a significant move to meet current market demands.
• 🔄 UMPI has revised its business degree requirements, increasing the number of courses students must take directly from UMPI to at least 12.
• 📉 The change in business degree requirements makes it more challenging for students to complete their degree using only transfer credits.
• 💼 Dr. Margeson indicates that UMPI is responding to student interest and job market demands with curriculum expansions.
• 💻 UMPI is enhancing its technological offerings with new degrees like AI Management, aligning with the growing interest in AI.
• 📦 Customer service issues at UMPI, including delays in transcript reviews and degree conferrals, are being addressed by increasing staff and software resources.
• 🏆 UMPI's Your Pace online program is receiving a Homecoming Award, indicating increased recognition for this student population.
• 💵 There's a warning for students attempting to transfer more than 120 credit hours, as UMPI may not support financial aid in such cases.

Q & A

What is the recent change in the cost for an 8-week term at UMGC for undergraduates?

The cost for an 8-week term at UMGC for undergraduates has increased from $1,400 to $1,500 and further to $7,000 as of Fall 2024.

How does Dr. Elena Margeson justify the price increase at UMGC?

Dr. Elena Margeson believes the price increase still makes the programs competitive, especially for students who can accelerate through the curriculum by completing as many courses as possible within 8-week sessions.

What was the previous and current cost for Master's terms at UMGC?

Previously, Master's terms at UMGC cost $1,800, but now they cost $2,350.

What new degree programs is UMGC releasing?

UMGC is releasing a psychology bachelor's degree, a concentration for psychology within the Bachelor's of Liberal Studies, a healthcare administration bachelor's degree, and is developing computer science and cybersecurity programs to be available within the next calendar year.

How has UMGC addressed its limited degree offerings, which was a weak point in the past?

UMGC has been working on expanding its degree offerings by releasing new programs such as psychology, healthcare administration, and computer science, aiming to meet student and market demands.

What changes have been made to the business degree requirements at UMGC?

The business degree requirements at UMGC have been changed so that students now need at least 12 classes from UMGC to get a business degree, making it harder to complete the degree with transfer credits.

What is the impact of the new business degree requirements on students who planned to use transfer credits?

The new requirements mean that students will need to take additional courses at UMGC, making it more challenging to complete the degree with just transfer credits, which could extend the time and cost of their education.

What is the current status of the leadership within the Your Pace program at UMGC?

Dr. Susan Chang is no longer the director or Dean of the Your Pace program, and UMGC is searching for new leadership and adding additional roles to accommodate the program's growth.

What is the policy regarding the transfer of credit hours to UMGC for financial aid purposes?

If students try to transfer in more than 120 credit hours, UMGC may not work with them to get financial aid. It is recommended to transfer exactly 90 credit hours to maximize financial aid opportunities.

What is the minimum age requirement to attend UMGC based on the recent catalog update?

There was a误会 in the updated catalog suggesting a minimum age of 24 to attend UMGC, but this was an error. The actual requirement remains that anyone 20 years or older can attend UMGC.

What improvements has UMGC made to address customer service issues?

UMGC has increased its staff and improved the types of software used to handle customer service issues, although some problems like longer wait times for transcript reviews and conferrals of final degrees persist.

What recognition is the Your Pace program at UMGC receiving this year?

The Your Pace program at UMGC is receiving a Homecoming Award this year, indicating the school's increasing recognition of this online, competency-based learning population.