Western Governors University
Western Governors University has annual tuition of $8,658, average net price of $12,548, and a national rank of #1639 (Grade C), with a 46.2% six-year graduation rate, about 155,088 undergraduates, and median earnings of $69,572 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Western Governors University is a private nonprofit university in Salt Lake City, UT. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 42:1 student-faculty ratio, and 64.6% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 38.6%, roughly 46.7 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Western Governors University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Western Governors University graduates 46.2% of students within six years and keeps 64.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Western Governors University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,658 |
| Books and Supplies | $200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $16,728 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 39.4% of Western Governors University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,064 to $12,734 depending on family income. Use Western Governors University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,824/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $12,734/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $69,572
- 10-Year Median Earnings $69,572
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $8,318
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 54.2%
- Employment Rate 82.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Western Governors University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Western Governors University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Western Governors University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Western Governors University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Western Governors University graduates earn $69,572 median, the 38.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 155,088
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 64.6%
- Graduation Rate 46.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 42:1
How to Get Into Western Governors University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Western Governors University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Western Governors University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Western Governors University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Computer/Information Technology Administration and draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 20.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 11.8%
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and 11.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.5%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 6.9%
- Accounting and Related Services 6.2%
See more majors
- Human Resources Management and Services 6.0%
- Special Education and Teaching 5.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $103,842
- 2. General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations $100,631
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $97,743
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Software and Media Applications $95,292
- 5. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $92,416
- 6. Medical Illustration and Informatics $89,508
- 7. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $87,442
- 8. Computer Science $83,860
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations $79,431
- 10. Marketing $70,202
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $138,406
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degree) $123,017
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $110,112
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degree) $101,328
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $98,667
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $94,290
- 7. Educational Administration and Supervision (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $87,274
- 8. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $85,208
- 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $81,506
- 10. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $69,997
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $103,842—48% more than Marketing ($70,202). Graduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs lead with $138,406 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Western Governors University. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 155,088
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.4%
- Female Students 55.6%
- Caucasian 50.4%
- Asian 4.3%
- Hispanic 15.6%
- Black 14.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 39.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Western Governors University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Western Governors University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Western Governors University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Western Governors University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Western Governors University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Western Governors University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Western Governors University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 38.6% ROI. Ranked #1639 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $12,548 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $69,572 median earnings. With 46.2% graduating within six years and 64.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Western Governors University's Positioning
With a C grade and #1639 ranking, Western Governors University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $12,548 annually, Western Governors University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 64.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $8,784 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 38.6% ROI and $69,572 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $2,548+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Western Governors University ranks #1639 of 6101 institutions, with 62 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 46.2% six-year graduation rate sits 16.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 64.6% first-year retention is 12.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 38.6% return on investment is 46.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $69,572 run about 59% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $12,548 is roughly $4,849 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 42:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 64.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.8% employment rate within three years sits 14.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Western Governors University is a private nonprofit university based in Salt Lake City, UT and earns a C overall grade. It stands at #1639 among 6101 schools Category results include Completion (C+), Support (D-), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (B+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
64.6% of learners come back after year one while 46.2% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 38.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,548 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $16,728.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $4,180 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $8,318 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 39.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $69,572 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 59% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 82.8% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 38.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Western Governors University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Western Governors University cost?
At Western Governors University, listed tuition and fees are $8,658 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,548. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Western Governors University's ranking?
Western Governors University ranks #1639 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Western Governors University's graduation rate?
At Western Governors University, the six-year graduation rate is 46.2%, and first-year retention is 64.6%.
What are Western Governors University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Western Governors University report median earnings of $69,572 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Western Governors University's student population?
Western Governors University enrolls about 155,088 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Salt Lake City, UT 84107
- Website www.wgu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$2.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate7.0%