article_snippet: National U., moreover, wouldn't be limited to courses from existing colleges.
article_snippet: National U. would also map out which courses students need to take to earn an associate or bachelor's degree.
article_snippet: Once students complete the credits, National U. will grant students a degree.
article_snippet: Students will also pay a modest fee of a few hundred dollars for the degree itself, enough to defray the operating costs of National U. Lower-income students will be able to pay for those expenses using the same federal grant and loan programs National U. Lower-income students currently use to pay tuition at accredited colleges.
article_snippet: Since National U. will likely be much cheaper, this will actually save the taxpayers money in the long run.