NAU Competency-based Learning Program Now Accepting Financial Aid

Northern Arizona University (NAU), a public institution located in Flagstaff, AZ, is now accepting financial aid for its Personalized Learning program.

NAU's program, which launched this May, allows students to earn a bachelor's degree through competency-based learning. Unlike traditional programs, in which students advance based on credit hours completed, this model requires students to demonstrate proficiency in a lesson before they're allowed to move forward. Students take assessments before and after lessons and must receive a score of 86 percent or higher in order to advance, according to a statement from the school. Students can earn "A" grades in the courses by completing supplemental assignments or projects.

“With the addition of financial aid to Personalized Learning, NAU makes the promise of competency-based education a reality for nontraditional students everywhere,” said Fred Hurst, senior vice president of NAU-Extended Campuses and architect of Personalized Learning. “For the first time, a truly motivated student can earn a respected degree from an accredited public institution quickly and affordably.”

Additional information about NAU's program is available at the school's site.

About the Author

Kanoe Namahoe is online editor for 1105 Media's Education Group. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • interconnected gears and cogs

    Integration Brings Anthropic Claude AI Models to Microsoft Copilot

    Microsoft has added Anthropic's Claude artificial intelligence models to its Microsoft 365 Copilot platform, giving enterprise users another option beyond OpenAI's models for powering workplace AI experiences.

  • Abstract tech background made of printed circuit board

    University of Kentucky Initiative to Advance AI Efforts Across the Campus and State

    The University of Kentucky has launched CATS AI (Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy), a campuswide effort aimed at advancing AI across the institution's 17 colleges, libraries, research centers, and institutes; its academic and healthcare enterprises; and throughout the state.

  • abstract illustration of data infrastructure

    IBM to Acquire Data Infrastructure Firm Confluent in AI Push

    IBM has agreed to buy data infrastructure company Confluent for $11 billion in cash, marking the technology giant's largest acquisition in years as it seeks to capitalize on surging enterprise demand for artificial intelligence capabilities.

  • Hand holding a stylus over a tablet with futuristic risk management icons

    Why Universities Are Ransomware's Easy Target: Lessons from the 23% Surge

    Academic environments face heightened risk because their collaboration-driven environments are inherently open, making them more susceptible to attack, while the high-value research data they hold makes them an especially attractive target. The question is not if this data will be targeted, but whether universities can defend it swiftly enough against increasingly AI-powered threats.