Washington, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) signed a first-of-its-kind agreement to provide a 25 percent discount on out-of-state tuition rates on courses, certificates, and degree programs to all current Federal employees, spouses, and their legal dependents. Federal employees can begin to take advantage of this discounted tuition starting in the summer semester at UMUC; registration for the summer and fall semesters is now open. Registration for the first online summer session ends on May 14, 2014. UMUC offers two additional online summer sessions in June and July.

In addition to this discounted rate, the alliance between OPM and UMUC will allow Federal subject matter experts to work with UMUC curriculum developers to infuse a public sector perspective into courses designed to prepare students for possible future Federal employment.

“Partnering with UMUC increases all federal employees’ access to high quality and affordable educational resources,” said OPM Director Katherine Archuleta. “In addition it fosters a high-performing, well-trained workforce with the necessary skills to ensure the mission of government is met efficiently and effectively day-in and day-out. We need to make federal employment attractive to our nation’s top talent and this alliance does that as well. Every day, the dedicated men and women of the Federal workforce provide excellent service to the American people, and OPM is working hard to make sure they have the tools they need to do their jobs.”

With this alliance, all Federal employees, their spouses, and legal dependents can take individual courses or enroll in any of UMUC’s 95 undergraduate and graduate degree or certificate programs, most of which are available fully online. UMUC will provide a 25 percent discount on out-of-state tuition rates for all undergraduate programs and most graduate programs. Maryland residents already qualify for lower, in-state tuition rates. Students enrolling in UMUC’s Undergraduate School may transfer credits and/or be awarded credit for prior learning if eligible under UMUC’s standard policies and procedures.

“We are extremely proud to partner with OPM on this innovative approach to strengthening the Federal Government's workforce and its talent pipeline,” said Javier Miyares, president of UMUC. “In fact, our mission and OPM’s goals are in perfect alignment. UMUC has a long history of providing working adults with quality, affordable programs that improve their career opportunities, as well as partnering with organizations to develop their talent.”

For more information about this education alliance and to enroll, please visit UMUC.

UMUC is a world leader in innovative educational models, with award-winning online programs in disciplines including biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology that are in high demand in today's increasingly technical, global workplace. UMUC offers open access with a global footprint and a specific mission --to meet the learning needs of nontraditional students whose responsibilities may include jobs, family, and military service. For more information about UMUC, visit their website.