Overview
Western Governors University was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 U.S. governors seeking to expand access to higher education through technology and a nontraditional, competency-based model. Rather than measuring progress through credit hours, WGU allows students to advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course material, enabling many to accelerate their degrees and reduce costs. The university has grown into one of the largest nonprofit online universities in the country, known for programs in business, teacher education, information technology, and health professions including nursing.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Total students | 150,000+ |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Graduation rate | 49% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,000 |
| Room & board | N/A |
| Average financial aid | $4,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling (monthly start dates) |
Top Programs
- Business Administration
- Nursing (RN-to-BSN, MSN)
- Information Technology
- Teacher Education
- Cybersecurity
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.