[bzbarsky]

If you read the article, it clearly says that they let you do the first half of the Masters in this degree program online for much cheaper than doing it on campus. Then if you do well enough they give you a certificate for that part, and if you want you can do the second half of the Masters at that point, paying half of the normal amount you would pay for the full Masters degree.

If nothing else, this restricts the set of people who end up paying for that second half to those who have already demonstrated they can handle the work.

[vessenes]

It also makes it more likely that their employers will foot the bill. Saying "I did the first half, here are my grades, please send me for the second" is a pretty compelling pitch.