Since launching in fall 2023, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Z-degree initiative has provided students with an affordable, accessible path to completing their education, saving them more than $2 million in textbook costs.
Z-Degree courses utilize Open Educational Resources (OER), free, digital learning materials embedded directly into course sections, to eliminate the need for costly textbooks. These materials have been accessed over 31,000 times by CWI students since the program began, ensuring that every learner in a Z-degree course has immediate, first-day access to the materials they need to succeed.
“From the start, the goal of the Z-degree was to remove barriers and make education more accessible,” said Associate Professor of Communications, Johnny Rowing. “By using OER, students don’t have to wait for financial aid or worry about textbook costs. They’re ready to learn on day one.”
Z-degree classes are available to all students, regardless of their chosen major, providing an affordable alternative to traditional textbook costs. In addition to classes, Communication, General Studies, Philosophy, and Studio Art programs offer a Z-degree Pathway with zero- or low-cost textbook options for every class required to complete an Associate of Arts degree within those areas of study.
When registering, classes offering a Z-degree option will be marked with the Z-degree icon.
For those with questions or in need of more information about Z-degree classes, please contact your advisor or email academicadvising@cwi.edu.
