Embarking on your journey as an educator is incredibly rewarding, but we all know how those pesky student loans can cast a shadow over your educational journey and persist even later in your career. Whether you’re just starting your degree or you’re a retired teacher exploring income-based repayment options, there are plenty of ways to lighten your financial load.
In this guide, we’ll dive into loan relief options crafted with teachers like you in mind.
Student loan forgiveness remains a vital resource for educators. Under the Biden administration, more than $136 billion in student debt was forgiven for over 3.7 million borrowers, including teachers. This included a major update in early 2024, when $4.9 billion in additional relief was granted to public service workers through improvements to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) tracking.
These federal programs are still in place, offering significant support for educators—whether you’re just starting your career or looking to reduce long-term debt.
Several federal programs are designed specifically to ease the student loan burden for educators. Whether you’re teaching in a low-income school, working in public service, or pursuing early childhood education, these options can significantly reduce your remaining loan balance.
Here’s a breakdown of the most widely used forgiveness programs for teachers.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program (TLF)
Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) cancels up to $17,500 of Direct or Federal Stafford Loans after five full and consecutive years of teaching at a qualifying school. Eligibility requires full-time employment at an eligible school for five academic years, with at least one year post the 1997-98 academic period.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
If you have taken out a Direct Loan, you may be eligible to receive PSLF, provided you work in childcare, early childhood, or in a public or not-for-profit institution. PSLF forgives the remaining Direct Loan balance after 120 qualifying payments.
Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers
If you are a Federal Perkins Loan borrower, you may be eligible to have part or even all of your Federal Perkins Loan canceled. If you teach full time in a public or nonprofit elementary school or work in early childhood education, this option may be a good fit for you.
In addition to federal programs, Texas educators may qualify for state-based loan repayment assistance. If you’re teaching in Texas (or planning to), these programs can help reduce or forgive your student debt.
If you teach in a high-need field such as mathematics, science, or special education, you could be eligible for up to $17,500 in student loan forgiveness: a significant increase over the $5,000 available to teachers in other fields. Teacher shortages in high-need areas will slightly vary by state, so make sure to check your specific location for more detailed information.
If you live in Texas, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is a good resource to explore. According to the TEA, the U.S. Department of Education has identified critical shortage areas for teachers in the 2024-2025 academic year. These include:
If you specialize in any of these fields, you can apply for TEACH Grants and Public Service Loan Forgiveness to maximize benefits. Texas educators in high-need areas might also find the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program worth exploring.
Uncertain about choosing between two or even three programs? Here are some key factors to consider:
Your loan balance, income, and employment play crucial roles in determining which program works best for your situation. Check out eligible schools using the TCLI (Teacher Cancellation Low Income) Directory. To estimate the total amount you might pay with each program, try this helpful loan simulator.
Navigating student loan forgiveness as a teacher can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. These common questions can help you better understand your options and make informed decisions about which programs may be right for you.
The University of Texas Permian Basin is here to actively support educators as they navigate student loan forgiveness programs. As an online student at UTPB, you’ll have access to dedicated advisors and a wealth of resources, payment plans, and loan options to offer personalized guidance regardless of which part of the journey you’re on.
Choose from a diverse selection of affordable, award-winning, and nationally accredited online education degree programs that are designed to fit your schedule and are accessible from anywhere in the world.
In addition, UTPB offers the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, providing up to $4,000 per year to students studying in a high-need teaching field. This grant covers programs like:
Don’t let student loans keep you from making an impact in education. Our online programs are affordable, convenient, and tailored to you. Whether it’s exploring loan forgiveness options or finding the perfect program to continue your studies, UTPB is there every step of the way. When you’re ready to begin, apply here.
Sources:
Other articles you may be interested in:
Summer break hits differently when you’ve been running on fumes since January. That first week is sacred. Your priorities are (in no particular order) sleeping in, ignoring all emails, and reacquainting yourself with your old friend, the couch. You’ve earned it. But once the dust settles, summer becomes something else: a rare window where you’re not just reacting. No lesson plans due, no…
Texas teachers, here’s the reality: More than half of all K-12 students in the state are Hispanic, and nearly a quarter are enrolled in bilingual/ESL programs. That translates to over a million students who needed specialized language support throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Districts are struggling to find enough certified bilingual and ESL teachers. A critical shortage for schools? Absolutely. But…
You’re sitting at your desk after dismissal. The room is quiet (for once), and somewhere between grading essays and planning tomorrow’s lesson, you hear it again in the hallway: “My students are using ChatGPT for schoolwork.” Suddenly, you’re wondering: Is this cheating? This is the real question around AI in education. And as this technology…
Thinking about going back to school? If you’re considering an online second bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, you’re not alone. Many working professionals explore these options when changing careers, boosting skills, or meeting grad school requirements.
So—should you get a second bachelor’s degree online, or is a master’s a better fit?
We’ll break down the pros and cons, answer your biggest questions, and help you explore flexible degree programs at The University of Texas Permian Basin.
You may want to consider earning another bachelor’s degree if you’re looking to:
A master’s degree may be a better choice for you if you’re looking to:
While some master’s degree programs allow you to apply after completing any bachelor’s program, others require you to have a related bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience before you can be admitted.
If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, you likely completed 120 credits. When earning a second bachelor’s degree, you are not expected to earn another 120 undergraduate credits.
You can generally transfer up to 60 credits from your previous bachelor’s degree, which means you can start your program already halfway to earning that second degree. You will need to complete the remaining 60 credits, which cover core, major, and related elective courses. You may also need to complete any relevant prerequisite courses.
For more specific information on which credits will transfer, use our transfer credit calculator.
Let’s say you have a bachelor’s degree in education and are looking to make a career change into accounting. You’re torn between pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting or an MBA in Accounting. We can look at both programs to compare the cost, number of credits, time to complete, and job and salary outlook.
BBA in Accounting
| Requirements* | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Lower-level business core | 18 |
| Business core | 24 |
| Major courses | 27 |
| Business electives | 9 |
| Prerequisites (estimated) | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours | 87 |
| Total Tuition | $31,523.58 |
MBA in Accounting
| Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Prep course | 3 |
| Core courses | 12 |
| Courses beyond core | 21 |
| Specialty: accounting elective courses | 9 |
| Total Credits Hours | 45 |
| Total Tuition | $17,594.55 |
Using the total credit hour information from above, we can calculate an estimated time to completion based on whether you plan on taking your courses part-time or full-time. At UTPB, most of our online programs are accelerated. Each semester has two 8-week terms (summer terms are 7 weeks long).
BBA in Accounting
| Part-Time (at least 6 credit hours per semester) | Full-Time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) |
|---|---|
| 2-1/2 years (15 terms) | 1-1/2 years (8 terms) |
MBA in Accounting
| Part-Time (at least 6 credit hours per semester) | Full-Time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 years (8 terms) | 1 year (4 terms) |
Next, let’s look at job posting analytics from Lightcast to compare the minimum education level required and median advertised salaries posted for accountants and auditors between September 2023 and March September 2025.
BBA in Accounting
| Unique Job Postings Requiring Bachelor’s Degree as Minimum Education | Median Advertised Salary |
|---|---|
| 362,055 | $83,300 |
MBA in Accounting
| Unique Job Postings Requiring Master’s Degree as Minimum Education | Median Advertised Salary |
|---|---|
| 80,368 | $105,900 |
The University of Texas Permian Basin is proud to offer nearly 40 online degree programs representing some of today’s most in-demand fields. All our online programs provide the same opportunity to experience flexible, self-paced learning from practically any location. You don’t have to choose between your career, your personal commitments, and your education!
If you’re considering that second bachelor’s degree, our online undergraduate programs focus on a variety of rewarding fields, including business, social sciences, humanities, and nursing. Choose a specialized major in one the following degree programs:
More than half of our bachelor’s degree programs are available online only from this UT System institution. Review all our online bachelor’s degree programs now.
Decided a master’s degree is best for you? We offer graduate programs in business (including the energy sector), public administration, language, education (including special education), and more. Program types include:
See all available online master’s degree programs here.
Thinking about going back to school but still have questions? Below are answers to common concerns about earning a second bachelor’s degree online—and how it compares to pursuing a master’s degree. Whether you’re changing careers, upgrading your skills, or returning to the workforce, these answers can help clarify your next step.
Still weighing your options? Our student engagement and outreach team can help you compare programs, review your transfer credits, and decide whether a second bachelor’s or a master’s degree is the right move.
Get in touch now and take the first step toward your next degree.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/second-bachelors-vs-masters
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Cover letters have long been one of the best ways to set yourself apart in a competitive market. But in the era of AI screeners, even the most polished resumes—and their accompanying cover letters—feel like they’re disappearing into the void. With the job market more…
Getting accepted to The University of Texas Permian Basin is a big milestone. If you’re a working professional, the next step—asking your employer about tuition reimbursement—can feel a little intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Most organizations want employees who grow, stay, and contribute at a higher level. And many companies offer tuition reimbursement,…
The University of Texas Permian Basin is home to over 7,000 students. Whether on campus in West Texas or from a laptop hundreds of miles away, they’re part of a diverse community that values culture, connection, and progress. Every member of our Falcon Family deserves some time in the spotlight. But with Hispanic Heritage Month…
At age 15, Malala Yousafzai became an international symbol for all girls who wish to receive an education. Outspoken on the topic since childhood, Malala was shot in the head while walking home from school by a member of the Pakistani Taliban, which had banned education for girls. Malala survived the attack, recovered, and became revered worldwide as an activist and author. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for her efforts at 17 and is still the youngest person to receive that recognition.
Malala’s story may not be typical, but it illustrates how immense the barriers to equal access to education are and what girls can achieve despite these challenges. It also reminds us that education is essential if girls are to enjoy healthy, independent, confident, and rewarding lives.
Here we’ll explore initiatives that seek to empower girls within the United States and beyond through educational access and support.
Governmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), nonprofits, and other types of groups have taken steps toward advancing gender equality in education. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Malala herself is leading the charge with the Malala Fund. Below are some of the ways organizations and individuals are currently supporting or can support these efforts.
Signed into law in the U.S. in 1972, Title IX prohibits gender-based exclusion or discrimination against anyone who participates in a federally funded educational program or activity. It also gives girls access to school-related athletic and sports programs.
More targeted federal legislative efforts—including the Keeping Girls in School Act, which would see the U.S. leading international efforts at expanding educational access for girls—have been proposed in recent years but have yet to become law.
Organizations from the World Bank to the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) are providing advocacy and resources to help reduce gender-based violence: a social norm that inhibits girls’ school participation in many Sub-Saharan African countries and elsewhere.
The Gender-Responsive Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education Toolkit, issued by UNGEI, centers on helping teachers integrate gender equality into their pedagogy to overcome cultural and gender biases and norms and ensure girls and boys are treated and supported equally in the classroom.
While the U.S. provides free primary and secondary education for all, the same is not true worldwide. In Nigeria, where poverty is rampant and school comes at a cost beyond the means of many, some parents are prioritizing the education of their sons at the expense of their daughters. To combat this, the Nigerian government has introduced the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), which provides scholarships to offset financial barriers and other obstacles.
In rural African communities, the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) works with community leaders, educators, and families to identify girls in need of education and mentorship. The organization then provides monetary and social support for both. Other outreach efforts help girls in rural areas by assessing their needs through interviews, surveys, and focus groups; offering access to resources; helping connect girls through clubs and support groups; and involving the broader community, including boys and men, to help them understand the value of educating girls.
Studies have shown that providing feminine care products at school can improve girls’ attendance. In some cases, cost, stigma, and/or unpredictable menstrual cycles prevent girls and young women from having these products when needed. As of this writing, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enshrined free access to period products in schools in their lawbooks.
Distance learning programs enable girls living in rural, remote, and underserved areas to access the same high-quality education programs as other children while removing travel and associated cost burdens.
The University of Texas Permian Basin is doing its part to make higher education accessible to all. Our 40+ online degree and certificate programs empower students to earn an educational credential at their own pace from virtually any corner of the globe. We designed our programs to accommodate professional and personal obligations, because we understand that our students have lives outside of school.
Greater than 60% of current UTPB students are women, and we’re honored to be able to help them and all our students achieve their higher education goals. Elevate your own potential as a teacher or education leader, renewable energy champion, business or government leader, nurse, or other essential profession, and inspire girls to do the same. These programs can provide the foundation:
We welcome the opportunity to discuss any of our online programs with you! Just click on any program link above and look for “Request More Information.”
Ready to apply? Get started here.
March 8th marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a “global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women” and a “call to action for accelerating women’s equality.” Here we’ll take a brief look at the history of IWD before exploring the present-day political dimensions of the holiday and their connection to gender equality efforts.
The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911, but its origins go back a great deal farther. In the United States, one of the most significant events leading to the establishment of IWD was America’s first women’s rights convention, held in 1848. Women had been prohibited from participating in an anti-slavery event, so, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, they held their own event instead. From that gathering came the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, a document heralding their call for equal rights.
It wasn’t until about 60 years later, in 1909, that American women held the first National Women’s Day to commemorate the anniversary of a protest for the rights of garment workers. This was followed in 1911 by the inaugural International Women’s Day, which is celebrated around the globe. Today, the official IWD website provides links to enable visitors to learn about and support myriad women’s rights and feminist causes.
Though women in the U.S. and elsewhere have made strides since that first IWD event, including gaining the right to vote, true gender equality has yet to be achieved. Just as one domestic example: The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was very specific in requiring that men and women with the same skills be paid equally for the same job. Yet research published in 2023 shows women earning an average of only 82% of the amount men earn—a figure that has barely budged in two decades.
Many International Women’s Day concerns are promoted through political action committees, or PACs. A PAC is a political organization that collects campaign donations from its members and channels those funds toward supporting or opposing candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislative proposals. PACs are commonly established to advocate for the interests of businesses, labor groups, or individuals with specific ideologies. These committees enable individuals to privately raise funds for contribution to political campaigns.
Just like any other movement seeking change, gender equality activists form PACs to advance their agendas. There are a variety of PACs promoting gender equality, from those dedicated to single issues such as supporting Democratic women, Republican women, or Black women for public office, to those with a more wide-ranging agenda.
Some common efforts of PACs focus on:
As previously noted, getting women—and sometimes men who support women’s issues—elected to public roles that will help them promote gender equality is a core goal of International Women’s Day, feminist groups, and PACs dedicated to advancing the rights-oriented agendas of both.
Once these women and likeminded men are elected to public office, it’s time for policy reform: persuading politicians of any gender to author, introduce, and otherwise support legislation that codifies gender equality.
National groups that have seen success with gender equality policies and strategies may share them with other countries that are falling behind. By promoting collaboration among countries, they can expand the scope and strength of their organization.
An essential part of any PAC’s mission is to educate the public about the cause they support—in this instance, gender equality concerns—and what they can do to help the organization achieve its goals. Promoting messaging around contacting elected officials and asking them to support a bill that will advance women’s rights is just one example.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers dozens of online degree and certificate programs that can help you transcend barriers and elevate your professional and personal potential. Our online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science prepares you for careers in which you can make a difference in gender equality and beyond, such as legal and government professions.
View potential careers and salaries for this degree now.
If you’re interested in learning more about political roles that can influence the direction of public policy, you may find these online BA in political science courses enlightening:
Available online exclusively at this UT System institution, our asynchronous BA in political science program gives you the power to choose where and when to complete your coursework, enabling you to maintain your professional and personal responsibilities while earning your degree. Additionally, we offer academic advising, tutoring, career services, and various support services to you as an online student right from the start. We’re committed to empowering you to achieve your goals!
Eager to make your mark on the world? Begin by applying to our online BA in political science program now!
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we’re proud of our online programs, and we love to talk about them. But we believe the best way to share their benefits is to allow actual program graduates to speak for themselves. We hope you find the words of these UTPB alumni as inspiring as we do!
“I got promoted while I was getting the degree. I was able to put on my resume that I was pursuing a degree, and I was currently in the program. So, it helped me get the position I’m in now, which is a team lead position.”
“I think I learned at least as much as I would have if I had been in a classroom, if not more.”
“I was able to get a lot of industry information from the student base as well. There were some networking opportunities.”
“[A]ll of the content always had an end in mind, and it was connected to our certification exam in some way.”
“As soon as I graduated, I had an assistant principal position. And then, as soon as five years came up, I was able to get my job as an actual principal. And I would most definitely say that the program prepared me for it.”
“I can’t thank the professors there enough, and I think that they have really made an impact on my life.”
“[I]f you’re interested in landing a leadership role, improving your entrepreneurial skills, or transforming your current career path, UTPB’s MBA program will help you get there.”
“I think studying online gave me an opportunity to be more disciplined.”
“I know I can think a lot clearer now and more objectively and I’m able to sort of take a step back and look at the big picture in a lot of things.”
“I was able to work full time, while being pregnant, raise another little child, be a wife, and take on courses at UTPB.”
“Each [professor] cared for your success and wanted to make sure you were doing well in your class and understanding the material.”
“[A]t UTPB, it felt like I was learning exactly what I needed to be successful.”
“I chose the right path because [the program’s] helping me grow and I should not have an issue with the certification exam because of how relevant the topics are.”
“It was difficult before COVID being all online. There wasn’t much interaction. It was just a lot of submissions. But this [UTPB] program is not that way.”
“I’ve been able to interact with educators in other districts and hear their perspective. [This program] has also allowed me to network with Dr. Uzat, who’s been very supportive. He helped me write a scholarship letter for TASA to try to get some scholarship funds.”
“I looked around online and that’s how I found UTPB. It’s more affordable versus what the other colleges were telling me. The fees were maybe less than half the cost of the [other] university fees.”
“I did really enjoy my peer support. We all had the same goals, the same mindset, and we all were there to support each other.”
“One thing I really liked about UTPB is [when] I ended up running out of financial aid, [UTPB] paid my tuition. That meant so much to me!”
“I started looking into the program, and I was like, this is something that will work for me. The programs they have. The tuition. The length of the classes. [The eight-week session length] was the most important one … because I thought, well, I can take more classes if they’re shorter.
“You save on the parking, you save on the gas, you save on the insurance, you save on the food. There’s a lot of convenience.”
“I got really good when it comes to time management and also setting up my priorities. Now I know how to work my time and use it wisely.”
“I would recommend this online program because the advisors and professors are knowledgeable, professional, supportive, and caring.”
“I had the chance to work in groups, make friends in my field, gather ideas and feedback, and maintain these relationships even after graduation.”
“Working online allowed me to be at home while I worked, stopping for family dinners and scheduling my work around important family events when necessary.”
“The professors were excellent and were always willing to help in any way they could.”
“I feel more confident and find it easier to write and speak to other individuals that have master or doctorate degrees.”
“The pace of the program and the expedited plan made working and attending school manageable.”
“[W]ith the structure of an online program, I get to set my hours, I get to set where I work, [and] I get to set how long I work.”
“Dr. Wilson helped me get back on track to where I gained the confidence and the knowledge that I needed to become that real teacher that I already was.”
“Being online doesn’t mean disconnected. I still felt just as close to my fellow classmates as I do in a classroom in person.”
You’ve seen what our alumni have to say. Now make your choice from 40+ online graduate and undergraduate degree and certificate programs and create your own success story. We look forward to seeing you in online classes soon!
*UTPB is the only UT System institution offering this program online.
Steven Spielberg. Alfred Hitchcock. Undoubtedly, you’re familiar with these legendary filmmakers. Both widely admired and imitated directors are the subjects of their own dedicated courses in The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in English. Our program takes a deep dive into consequential historical and modern English-language literature and film, giving special attention not just to their words but to their cultural, sociopolitical, and psychological themes and encouraging students to uncover modern parallels in own their lives.
Our program provides an enriching exploration for students who are ready to move into graduate-level English studies and seek new perspectives of the world. Aside from its engaging curriculum, the flexibility of our program offers a fulfilling experience for students while completing their online master’s degree in English and afterward. Let’s look at that unmatched flexibility now—including capstone options that allow you to decide how to conclude your degree and other advantages—and see if our program might be a good fit for you.
As an English graduate student, you’ll hone essential soft and durable skills such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. While these have long been acknowledged among the most important life skills, prominent organizations from Forbes to the U.S. Department of Labor now identify this diverse skill set as crucial for anyone wishing to compete and advance in the professional sphere today.
Our MA in English program offers diverse electives and the flexibility to finish your program your way, based on your interests and accomplishments. Dr. Sophia Andres, English MA program director and faculty member, provided some insight on this unique advantage: “Unlike other MA programs which offer a thesis as the only capstone option, UTPB offers four different options, each catered to the students’ needs.” Those options include:
There’s added flexibility for students in terms of the source of any of these capstones, as Dr. Andres explained with one example: “The project can be a longer [version] of a paper that they already wrote for a class, but they were so excited they felt like, ‘I wish I had the time to write more about this.’ Okay, so go on, write the project on it.”
Equipped with an MA in English, you can take numerous rewarding career paths, including:
See salary and employment potential for these and other jobs related to this degree.
If you plan to continue your academic pursuits after completing your online master’s degree in English, you’ll find our program and the corresponding skills a strong foundation for doctoral studies or law school.
Presented 100% online through asynchronous courses, our MA in English program empowers you to complete coursework on your own schedule. Access lectures, take exams, and submit assignments 24/7, from practically any location in the world. You don’t have to live in Texas or even in the United States. UT Permian Basin is proud to have students from 45 different countries in our programs, and if you travel abroad, you can take your program with you.
Adding a master’s degree to your resume can lead to greater earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master’s degree holders enjoy median earnings of $86,372 per year. That’s 16% higher than the reported median earnings of individuals with a bachelor’s degree alone. The BLS also shows those with a master’s degree are more likely to be employed.
Do yourself this favor: Choose a flexible master’s degree program that gives you a broad range of possibilities before and after graduation! Apply today.
Are you considering earning your bachelor’s degree? A recent federal government report revealed that more than 60% of undergraduate students were taking one or more online courses and nearly 30% of undergraduate students were enrolled solely in online courses. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially gave degree seekers no other choice, that’s no longer the case. Online and hybrid degree program enrollments are increasing even when students have other options.
Here we’ll explore some reasons why students are pursuing their undergraduate degrees online, and why you should consider doing so as well—through The University of Texas Permian Basin.
Though some will say anyone born in 1980 or after is a digital native, the “real” digital natives (those who have never known a world without the internet), are arguably Gen Z—born somewhere in the range of 1996-2012. As digital natives, they’re accustomed to conducting as many of their daily activities online as possible, as tends to be their preference. If one is communicating, shopping, banking, and possibly working online, earning a degree online may be a foregone conclusion.
Data contemporary with the federal government report cited above shows that 91% of full-time undergraduate students at four-year public institutions are under the age of 25, potentially supporting the digital native connection. That’s not to say online degree programs are only for students of any specific age, however. Recent high school graduates and non-degreed, established working professionals alike are realizing the tremendous advantages that online undergraduate programs provide:
In a time of alarming inflation, being able to forego the costs associated with a college commute—parking permits, gasoline, tolls, and even vehicle wear and tear—is a plus some first-time students can’t pass up. Depending on their chosen institution, they may also be able to save on tuition.
Because of their international reach, online degree programs give undergraduate students, especially those who may not be very far along in a career, the opportunity to make some professional contacts from the global workplace. These are the people they’ll want to stay connected with and reach out to for career advice and tips about job openings when approaching graduation.
The student body of UT Permian Basin is composed of greater than 80% undergraduates. At UTPB, we understand your goals, and we’re here to help you achieve them! We offer online degree programs for undergraduates who know exactly where they want to go and for those who want the flexibility to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths with their college credentials. All UTPB’s online programs:
We’ve sorted our online undergraduate degrees by UTPB college or school below. Click on any link to view each program’s overview, requirements, courses, and potential careers and salaries:
*Programs available online exclusively at this UT System institution.
A degree can open new doors for you. Online programs make it easier to reach those doors. Consider earning one of our undergraduate degrees online and apply to your chosen program today!
Sources:
https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/teaching-learning/2023/08/15/report-suggests-online-learning-has-yet-peak
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/csb/postsecondary-students
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/10/14/more-traditional-age-students-enroll-fully-online-universities
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/student-resources/online-learning-stats/
It’s been a primary source of financial aid for college degree seekers in the United States since President Johnson signed the 1965 Higher Education Act (HEA). Receiving its current name with the 1992 HEA reauthorization, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been issued in a new, improved format for 2024-2025, thanks to the FAFSA Simplification Act. This is welcome news for all Americans who plan to request federal aid for a college degree program. Details are below, but the tl;dr version is this:
Here are some of the changes FAFSA applicants can expect to see:
Wondering how the new FAFSA will specifically benefit UT Permian Basin and its students? Due to a change in how the Department of Education calculates eligibility, “there’s going to be a lot more students here at UTPB that are going to be eligible for a Pell Grant,” explained Dr. Scott Lapinski, Director of Financial Aid for The University of Texas Permian Basin. “So, it’s going to help us stretch our Falcon Free dollars further to help more students because it’s going to be less money that we have to use from Falcon Free.” Exclusive to UTPB, Falcon Free is a scholarship that enables qualifying Texas residents to earn a bachelor’s degree with no out-of-pocket tuition costs or mandatory fees.
Led by Dr. Lapinski, UT Permian Basin’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is dedicated to helping students understand the funding options available to them, including the new FAFSA. “I ensure that my staff attends conferences and webinars so that they know of all the changes that are coming out,” Lapinski explained. “We get the students started [on the FAFSA], let them work through it, and then if they have any questions we’re there to help them.”
UT Permian Basin offers 36 online degree programs at the time of this writing, and there are more to come. Upon qualification, you can use funds obtained through FAFSA to earn your MBA in one of several in-demand specializations, get started on a bachelor’s degree in a variety of rewarding disciplines, prepare for new roles as an educator, education leader, or nursing leader, and more, all online. Browse our current online degree programs now:
Online Undergraduate Degrees
Online Graduate Degrees
Get started! Your first step is to apply to an online UTPB degree program. Then complete and submit the FAFSA. Please note, you must be accepted to a UTPB degree program and register for classes before you receive federal funds.
Have questions about financial aid? Review our financial aid options or email your questions to our financial aid team.
Sources:
https://financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov/resources/bfbf-faqs-external-partners.pdf
https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/school-list
There’s a skill set that’s increasingly applicable throughout the working world today and can translate to greater employability for those who possess it. Businesses, nonprofits, and government entities are using geographic information systems (GIS) to glean an unprecedented level of data and saving lives, time, money, and other resources in ways previously unimaginable in the process. As National Geographic put it: “There is no limit to the kind of information that can be analyzed using GIS technology.”
Here we’ll explore the origins of GIS, its expanding modern-day use, and how to enhance your own GIS expertise.
A cholera outbreak ravaged 1850s London. At the time, it was widely believed to have been an airborne disease. Dr. John Snow, “the father of epidemiology,” did not accept that theory. Snow did some detective work, mapping areas where cases were most prominent. Eventually, he traced the source to a single water pump, had its use discontinued, and ended the outbreak. Given his methodology, he could be considered a father of GIS.
Fast forward to 1960s Canada. Geographer Roger Tomlinson was asked by the government to inventory the country’s natural resources. He met the request by developing an automated computer system design that combined, stored, and processed the desired data. The true father of GIS, Tomlinson gave the technology its name.
In 1981—the same year the IBM PC hit stores—the GIS world was set on the trajectory that continues to this day with the release of ARC/INFO, the first commercially available GIS. Its creators saw the broad potential of GIS: tools that could and soon would be adapted for use across many fields and industries. GIS had come a long way from its highly specialized beginnings, and its use has only grown in the decades since.
Below are just a few of the business and government sectors that today firmly depend upon GIS-derived real-time data for their ongoing operations. GIS use is expected to grow as organizations weigh the downsides of operating without this critical technology.
True to its origins with Tomlinson in the 1960s, GIS is still used in natural resources, but with far more complex and accurate instrumentation. Modern GIS technology enables public and commercial forestry groups to use maps, images, and remote sensing data on soil, habitat, and canopy to advance forest management efforts. Digital dashboards help forestry professionals work more efficiently while fostering healthier woodlands and more sustainable practices.
If you can use GIS to inventory Mother Nature’s efforts, you can certainly inventory deodorant, running shoes, vehicles, or any other tangible product. Today, GIS is used to find ideal locations for warehouses and distribution centers as well as the most efficient routes from those facilities to retailers. It can also assess current and historical customer buying patterns to determine where more inventory is or will be needed. For many companies, it’s an all-in-one supply chain management solution.
Weather events and patterns can have costly consequences. GIS technology helps meteorologists and officials forecast weather issues and identify high-risk areas using data on population, elevation, and other factors. It can also be used to determine ideal evacuation routes and shelter locations, and it proves invaluable in organizing relief efforts and helping officials locate resources, infrastructure, medical facilities, and the like.
Once natural gas deposits are found, how can those assets be managed safely and efficiently? This is just one of the crucial energy industry questions that GIS can answer. GIS tools can show precisely where a pipeline should be located for efficient delivery and minimal environmental impact, making the responsible distribution of energy resources possible.
Housing prices and mortgage rates have unquestionably spiked in recent years, and housing inventory in the U.S. is low at present. Choosing sites for building new homes depends on factors including areas where current demand is highest and strong population growth is anticipated. GIS provides localized data that helps developers make informed decisions about planning residential communities, retail spaces, and more.
Perhaps the broadest use of GIS is seen in government, where there are myriad agencies for which the technology is essential.
GIS is helping police deliver better preparedness and response results, from establishing safe approach and escape routes during school incidents to pinpointing officer locations during public events. Police radios are subject to interference and can compromise officer positions in sensitive situations.
How do elections officials ensure adequate polling stations, conduct successful voter registration efforts, offer timely results reporting, and manage other aspects of the election cycle? You guessed it: GIS. If its data, whether demographic or geographic, it can be harnessed and applied via GIS.
The federal government relies on statistics to determine the number of elected officials and resources any locality needs. Our decennial census has traditionally required census takers to go door to door to manually count homes and collect information about their occupants. At one time, this data was collated on punch cards. In 2020, the first solely digital, GIS-driven census—the most accurate national census yet—took place. Aerial and satellite images enabled analysts to quickly identify new homes by comparing recent images to older ones. Other applications allowed them to view demographic information by clicking on a screen, reducing the amount of legwork required.
As you’ve seen, GIS is applicable to many fields. Building new skills—or adding to your existing skill set—can be a career booster. Four 8-week courses are all that stand between you and an online GIS and Geospatial Certificate from The University of Texas Permian Basin. In as little as one year, you can reinforce your expertise in the latest GIS and GPS applications, cartography, mapping, and more. And our 100% online asynchronous format will enable you to complete all coursework at your convenience from practically any location. You must have a bachelor’s degree to participate in this graduate program. See full requirements here.
Discover what a GIS and geospatial certificate can do for your career. Apply today!
Sources:
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/geographic-information-system-gis/
https://gisgeography.com/history-of-gis/
https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/gis03.pdf
https://www.apga.org/apgamainsite/aboutus/facts/history-of-natural-gas
Thinking about earning a master’s degree in finance? You’ve likely come across two popular options: an MS in finance and an MBA with a finance concentration. While both can prepare you for a successful career, each offers a unique path to your goals.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these two graduate degrees—including our 100% online programs at The University of Texas Permian Basin—and help you decide which is the best fit.
While both degrees focus on finance, the MS and MBA each offer unique advantages you’ll want to consider to ensure the best fit for your goals:
An MS in finance is laser-focused on finance. It’ll look at accounting, which is closely connected to finance, as well as management and other business disciplines through a financial lens.
In general, an MBA will provide a broad foundation in all major areas of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management. An MBA in finance includes courses in those topics but places an emphasis on finance.
Like any master’s degree program, an MS in finance and an MBA in finance can vary in credit requirements and, correspondingly, time to completion. Here’s the breakdown for UT Permian Basin’s online graduate finance programs:
Some online finance graduate programs have unique qualities that help them stand out. For example, UT Permian Basin’s MS in finance is among a very small number of Texas university programs of its kind with STEM certification—a quality many employers may value in their candidates’ university credentials.
Choosing the right graduate degree is a big decision. Still weighing your options? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear:
Whether you choose an MS in finance or an MBA in finance, if it’s one of UT Permian Basin’s online programs, you can count on optimal quality and convenience, with:
Did you know that most of the best-known Fortune 500 CEOs have a finance background? If that’s not inspiration enough for you, consider that a finance degree prepares you for a variety of rewarding professional roles. What’s more, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that master’s degree holders enjoy median earnings 16% higher than individuals with a bachelor’s degree alone and are more likely to be employed than anyone with a lesser degree.
See potential career paths, courses, requirements, and other details regarding our programs now.
Curious which program is right for you? Explore your options—and take the next step toward your future in finance.
Financial planning for millennials isn’t about hitting milestones on the same timeline our parents did. If that were the standard, a large percentage of us would already feel behind. Instead, it’s about understanding your money, making informed decisions, and building stability in a changing economy. If that already feels refreshing, good. Because many millennials are managing student loans, rising living costs, career…
Ever opened your bank account and thought: “How do I have another bill due already?” You’re not alone. Financial stress affects 61% of adults ages 18 to 35, whether it’s from: Gen Z has been through a lot—from the COVID pandemic’s economic impact to inflation and job uncertainty. That’s why smart financial planning matters more…
Imagine sending money across the world in seconds—without waiting for a bank transfer or filling out piles of forms. That’s the promise of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is digital money that doesn’t require banks. Instead, your funds are secured by encryption and passwords only you control. When Bitcoin launched in 2009, it introduced a new way to…
