Western Governors University
About Western Governors University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
WGU is a private nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It pioneered the competency-based education model, allowing students to progress by demonstrating mastery rather than spending set time in class. WGU offers programs in business, IT, education, and nursing.
Founded
1997
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Students
210,208
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
46.2%
Below national average
Tuition
$8,658
Per year
Avg Net Price
$12,548
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$60,615
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
$65
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
46.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
64.6%
4-Year Grad
55%
6-Year Grad
64%
Teaching Quality
42:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.6%
$/Student
$2.8K
Class Size
Large
55% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,658
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$200
Total Cost of Attendance
$16,728
After Financial Aid
$12,548
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,064
Receive Grants
39.4%
Take Loans
43.2%
Tuition is $8,658/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $12,548.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Governors University fund their education.
While in School
39.4%
Get Grants
Free money
43.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$46,441
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$11,116
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$118/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $11,116, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Governors University.
Gender
55.6%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
155,088
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
55,120
Graduates
47.1%
First-Gen
34 yrs
Avg Age
84.2%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 34, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 47.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
155,088
Students
private
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Other academic year calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Governors Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$60,615
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$86K
7786 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$66K
2505 grads
1yr Earnings
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
—
2015 grads
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
$92K
2001 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
1496 grads
Accounting and Related Services
$59K
1301 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $70K at six years, $49K at eight, and $61K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Governors University
How much does Western Governors University cost?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.