While it used to be that the University of Phoenix was rather unique, now there are many online universities where one can acquire a high-quality online degree without spending a fortune or setting aside one’s current professional life. One of the more recent such places to emerge is Western Governor’s University, a nonprofit online university founded by 19 governors of western states.

WGU has solid programs in education, business, information technology and health – all areas that deliver much-needed professionals into decent-to-high-paying careers, even in the middle of a very down economy. What could be better?

Of course, the thing I appreciate most about WGU is that they’re non-profit, which means tuition is lower than at many other places, making it an attractive option.