New York Homeschooling for College Credit parent Tracey shared a wonderful update with me about her daughter who graduated from their homeschool last May! I’m thrilled she’s allowed me to share how they are getting through college creatively without debt. If you have a teen interested in cybersecurity and you’re worried about the cost, this post is for you!
Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Tracey’s daughter—a young woman who embraced dual enrollment, charted a strategic educational path, and is now on her way to a promising career in cybersecurity—all while avoiding student debt.
In May 2024, Tracey shared her daughter’s achievements with us in our HS4CC Facebook group:
“One & done! Our only child graduated homeschool on Saturday. We were late to the HS4CC party, but as soon as our daughter realized she could earn college credit in high school, she hit the gas pedal & made up for lost time. She started those credits late in 11th grade & chose to take a super senior year to earn more. She graduated high school with 37 college credits & completed all of her bachelor’s degree gen eds & math sequence.
Thanks to Jennifer’s excellent advice to plan with the end degree in mind, our daughter will transfer all of those credits to Western Governors University to study computer science in the fall, then plans to apply to Georgia Tech’s online master’s in cybersecurity after her bachelor’s degree is complete. She made sure to pick up all the math she might need for the master’s program while in high school.
Tracey’s daughter’s story is a masterclass in making up for lost time. After discovering dual enrollment in her junior year, she worked tirelessly to earn 37 college credits by extending her high school journey into a super senior year. By graduation, she had completed all her general education requirements and math sequence for her future bachelor’s degree in computer science. Her strategic planning didn’t stop there—she intentionally chose courses to prepare for Georgia Tech’s competitive online master’s program in cybersecurity.
When I saw her Facebook post, I couldn’t help but comment on the brilliance of her path:
“I LOVE so much about this post, and people don’t know it, so I’m going to call it out—but that Western Governors University to Georgia Tech path is FIRE!! 🔥🔥🔥 That is a $10,000* cybersecurity degree from one of the top colleges in the country—so smart. I will carefully predict with my crystal ball that this young lady is going to enter her cybersecurity career with zero debt and proceed into a very high in-demand field with job offers left and right. Way to go Tracey, well done!!”
*the program is now $11,000
PRO TIP: Georgia Tech really has the best deal going. They offer an Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (OMS Cybersecurity) program, delivered in collaboration with edX. You do the first year on edX’s platform (low cost) and then the second/last year with Georgia Tech (full tuition). This program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in cybersecurity at a cost of less than $11,000. https://pe.gatech.edu/degrees/cybersecurity
Tracey’s response was filled with gratitude and another exciting revelation:
“Let’s hope you’re right! Thanks for all of your advice. Western Governors University getting their computer science degree program ABET accredited recently should help too. We also recently found out KFC has a tuition partnership with Western Governors University. They will pay 100%. I’m trying to get the minute details as we speak.”
racey’s daughter is now living proof that a thoughtful educational strategy can open incredible doors. Recently, Tracey shared this update:
“An update: she is happily working 2 shifts per week at KFC & they will cover 100% of her Western Governors University computer science tuition. They also offer $10,000 scholarships toward master’s degrees, so she is eyeing that for Georgia Tech’s online master’s in cybersecurity. Thanks for all the help you’ve given everyone.”
This is truly a best-case scenario! By working part-time at KFC, Tracey’s daughter is earning her computer science degree without any financial burden. The company’s tuition reimbursement program covers her bachelor’s degree completely, and their $10,000 scholarship for graduate programs brings her dream of a cybersecurity master’s degree within reach.
Lessons from Tracey’s Story:
- It’s Never Too Late: Despite starting dual enrollment in her junior year, Tracey’s daughter maximized her opportunities, even taking a super senior year to set herself up for success. Even without a super senior year, her plan works.
- Plan with the End Goal in Mind: Aligning high school credits with her intended college and career path ensured her hard work paid off, from earning transfer credits to preparing for her master’s degree. Following our Stages of Progress chart (below) will help you learn when it’s time to start choosing courses for a degree.
- Take Advantage of Employer Benefits: KFC’s tuition partnership with Western Governors University is a game-changer, enabling her to pursue her degree debt-free. (see below)
- Leverage Accreditation: Western Governors University’s recent ABET accreditation for its computer science program further strengthens her career prospects.
- Community Support Matters: Tracey credits the HS4CC community for helping her family navigate dual enrollment and college planning.
KCF Foundation Program
(information from the WGU website)
“The KFC Foundation has partnered with Western Governors University (WGU) to offer a tuition-free college program for KFC restaurant employees. This initiative provides eligible employees with 100% tuition coverage for pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees across various fields, including Business, Information Technology, Education, and Healthcare.”
Key Features of the Program:
- Eligibility: Available to KFC restaurant employees in good standing at participating U.S. locations. There are no minimum hour requirements, and employees are eligible from their first day on the job. KFC Foundation
- Degree Options: Employees can choose from over 60 different bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered by WGU. Western Governors University
- Flexible Enrollment: WGU offers rolling admissions with monthly start dates, allowing employees to begin their studies at a time that suits them best. Western Governors University
- Competency-Based Education: WGU’s model enables students to progress through courses as they demonstrate mastery of the material, providing flexibility for working professionals.
- Learn More at the KCF Foundation Website
After I published this post, Tracey sent me a correction that I want to share- thanks Tracey for helping my accuracy!!
“I have one clarification for this story. KFC’s partnership with WGU is not a tuition reimbursement program. KFC pays tuition up front, with no cost to the employee. WGU also provides a KFC employee-specific enrollment advisor to walk the KFC employee through the steps from WGU application to enrollment.”
