MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) _ The nation’s second largest health insurer is partnering with the College for America at Southern New Hampshire University to offer employees associate’s or bachelor’s degrees at no cost.

The agreement announced by the college and Anthem on Tuesday expands a pilot program begun in 2013 by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire. The new benefit will be available to 55,000 Anthem employees who work 20 or more hours per week and have been employed for at least six months.

The online, competency-based College for America has no traditional classes, instructors or grades. Instead, students work through material at their own pace and are evaluated on their mastery of skill areas.