Western Governors University
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want a major research university experience. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 155,088 students.
About This School
Western Governors University is a private nonprofit institution located in Salt Lake City, Utah with approximately 155,088 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $12,548 per year. The graduation rate is 46%, and the typical graduate earns $48,100 within 10 years of enrollment.
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private online university based in Millcreek, Utah, United States. The university uses an online competency-based learning model, providing advanced education for working professionals. Degrees awarded by WGU are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Schools and Universities (NWCCU). The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997, after the idea was formulated at a 1995 meeting of the Western Governors Association to expand education offerings to the internet.
Designed specifically for working adults, this fully online, competency-based university lets you move at your own pace — and at an average net price of $10,442/year with median debt of just $8,318, it's one of the more affordable paths to a degree. That said, the 51% graduation rate and 62% freshman retention are worth taking seriously, suggesting many students struggle to finish, likely due to the self-directed format rather than cost. Worth considering if you're a disciplined, self-motivated professional looking to upskill affordably — less ideal if you need structure, campus life, or strong academic support to stay on track.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 38% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (155,088 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Western Governors University
4001 South 700 East Suite 700
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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