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New and Noteworthy

In 2021, BYU-Pathway Worldwide welcomed a new president and developed more efficient ways to improve the student experience

New beginnings with a new president


On August 1, 2021, Brian K. Ashton became the second president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide , replacing Elder Clark G. Gilbert, who was called as a General Authority Seventy and as Commissioner of the Church Educational System.

Extending our global reach

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International student enrollment continues to grow.

The total number of international students enrolled in online degree programs from BYU-Idaho or Ensign College, supported by BYU-Pathway, has grown 532% in the last five years (from 1,547 in 2016 to 9,782 in 2021). Contributing to this exponential growth is the number of international students who moved from PathwayConnect to an online degree program, which has grown 36% in the last year (from 3,747 in 2020 to 5,096 in 2021).

First-ever guaranteed scholarship


Students enrolled in foundational PathwayConnect courses are now eligible to receive a guaranteed 10, 25, or 50% tuition discount. The Heber J. Grant Scholarship launched on November 1, 2021, and has already been awarded to 12,989 students ( learn more ).

Increasing efficiency with block courses


In 2022, BYU-Pathway Worldwide’s PathwayConnect began transitioning to a block format, with courses spanning just seven weeks instead of 14. Courses have been adjusted to ensure outcomes remain consistent without increasing student workloads. Certain certificate courses will also be piloted on a block schedule.

Certificate popularity continues


In 2021, a total of 4,533 certificates were awarded to students, nearly double the total from 2020 (2,495).

Improving Instruction


To increase affordability and scalability, BYU-Pathway has begun utilizing instructors from the Philippines to teach certain courses for international students. Additionally, grading assistants have been paired with instructors, which has resulted in faster grading and has allowed instructors to focus on teaching quality and student needs.

New partnerships, new opportunities

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BYU-Pathway partners with other schools to expand offerings.

BYU-Pathway began offering online certificates and degrees from Ensign College during 2021, in addition to the offerings already provided from BYU-Idaho. This includes a new bachelor’s degree in communication. Also, BYU-Pathway students from the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Philippines who desire a campus-based experience can now receive priority consideration for admission to BYU–Hawaii .

Growing services for students


BYU-Pathway’s Success Network — mentors, missionaries, and instructors — expanded to serve second- and third-semester students in PathwayConnect. New portals use data analytics to sharpen outreach to the most at-risk students and strengthen retention. Mentors now also serve first-semester online degree-seeking students.