ASU DI vs Western Governors University (WGU)

Arizona State University Digital Immersion and Western Governors University are two distinct online learning institutions catering to different student needs. ASU Digital Immersion boasts a higher acceptance rate, allowing more students to pursue their educational goals. WGU, on the other hand, stands out for its competency-based education model, enabling students to progress at their own pace. Both universities offer a diverse range of programs, with ASU Digital Immersion excelling in fields like business, engineering, and health sciences, while WGU specializes in business, information technology, and education. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about the acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates of these two esteemed online universities, and make an informed decision that aligns with your unique academic aspirations.

	Arizona State University Digital Immersion	Western Governors University
Overview
Location	Scottsdale, Arizona	Salt Lake City, Utah
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate		63.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.2%	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	6,985
Total number of admissions given out	4,904
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,580
Yield rate	52.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Not required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price		$14,652
Average net price		$10,336
Tuition		$7,162
Room & board
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)		47.0% Average amount $4,316
Students receiving federal student loan		67.0% Average amount $5,072
Students taking out private loans		0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	42,709 Men 37.5% Women 62.5%	107,952 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students	15,139 Men 34.9% Women 65.1%	42,164 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	88.5%	92.9%
International students	1.0%	0.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Arizona Texas Florida Washington	Texas Washington Utah California Indiana

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Psychology Communication and Journalism Business Health Professions	Health Professions Education Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	25:1	42:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	26.1%	63.6%
Dropout rate	34.7%	27.2%
Transferred out	33.2%	2.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,851 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $114,816 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,013 Year 2: $98,650 Year 3: $105,146 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,598 Year 2: $94,075 Year 3: $98,470 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,654 Year 2: $94,817 Year 3: $97,267 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,448 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $86,958 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,373 Year 2: $75,804 Year 3: $85,635 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,595 Year 2: $69,505 Year 3: $82,451 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,761 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $80,638 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $73,234 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $77,055 Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,729 Year 2: $65,797 Year 3: $76,434	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,943 Year 2: $98,156 Year 3: $111,928 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,608 Year 2: $90,998 Year 3: $97,288 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,245 Year 2: $86,988 Year 3: $90,365 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,868 Year 2: $74,056 Year 3: $80,509 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,342 Year 2: $75,430 Year 3: $78,577 Educational Administration and Supervision (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $76,072 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,423 Year 2: $70,169 Year 3: $74,384 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,520 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $72,823 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,154 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $68,593 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $68,172

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Arizona State University (ASU) Digital Immersion and Western Governors University (WGU)?

ASU Digital Immersion offers a traditional semester-based online learning experience with set deadlines and live virtual classes, mirroring the on-campus experience. WGU, on the other hand, uses a competency-based education (CBE) model, allowing you to progress at your own pace by demonstrating mastery of the subject matter. ASU's tuition is typically per credit hour, while WGU charges a flat rate per six-month term, regardless of the number of courses completed.
How does the learning format differ between ASU Digital Immersion and WGU?

ASU Digital Immersion follows a structured semester schedule with assigned readings, assignments, and exams. You'll interact with professors and classmates through online forums and virtual meetings. WGU's CBE model focuses on self-paced learning. You'll work through learning materials and assessments until you demonstrate competency in each area. You'll have a mentor to guide you, but the pace is largely determined by your own progress.
What is competency-based education (CBE) at WGU, and how does it work?

Competency-based education (CBE) at WGU means you earn your degree by proving you've mastered specific skills and knowledge, rather than accumulating credit hours based on seat time. You'll work through learning resources, take assessments, and demonstrate your understanding of the material. If you already have experience in a subject, you can move through it quickly. If you need more time, you can focus on areas where you need improvement. Once you demonstrate competency, you move on to the next subject.
How does tuition and cost compare between ASU Digital Immersion and WGU?

ASU Digital Immersion typically charges tuition per credit hour, which can vary depending on the program. WGU charges a flat tuition rate per six-month term, allowing you to take as many courses as you can complete within that term. This can potentially make WGU more affordable if you're able to accelerate your learning and complete more courses per term. It's best to compare the total estimated cost for your specific program at both institutions.
What kind of student is best suited for ASU Digital Immersion versus WGU?

ASU Digital Immersion is a good fit for students who prefer a structured learning environment with set deadlines and regular interaction with instructors and classmates. It's similar to a traditional on-campus experience, but online. WGU is ideal for self-motivated, disciplined learners who can manage their time effectively and prefer to learn at their own pace. If you thrive in a flexible, independent learning environment, WGU might be a better choice.
Are the degrees from ASU Digital Immersion and WGU respected by employers?

Yes, both ASU and WGU are regionally accredited institutions, meaning their degrees are widely recognized and respected by employers. ASU is a well-established public university with a strong reputation. WGU, while newer, has gained significant recognition for its innovative CBE model and its focus on career-relevant skills. Employers generally value degrees from accredited institutions, regardless of the delivery method.
What support services are available to online students at ASU Digital Immersion and WGU?

Both ASU Digital Immersion and WGU offer a range of support services for online students. ASU provides access to academic advising, tutoring, career services, and technical support. WGU offers personalized mentoring, course instructors, a comprehensive online library, and technical assistance. The specific services available may vary depending on the program and institution.
How do I decide which school is right for me: ASU Digital Immersion or WGU?

Consider your learning style, budget, and desired level of structure. If you prefer a traditional semester-based format with regular interaction with instructors and classmates, ASU Digital Immersion might be a better fit. If you're self-motivated, disciplined, and prefer to learn at your own pace, WGU could be a more suitable option. Research the specific programs you're interested in at both institutions, compare the total estimated cost, and talk to current students or alumni to get their perspectives.
Do ASU Digital Immersion and WGU offer the same degree programs?

No, the degree programs offered by ASU Digital Immersion and WGU vary. ASU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. WGU focuses on career-oriented programs in areas such as business, education, healthcare, and information technology. Check the websites of both institutions to see if they offer the specific program you're interested in.
What is the accreditation status of ASU Digital Immersion and WGU?

Both Arizona State University and Western Governors University are regionally accredited. ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). WGU is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Regional accreditation is a widely recognized standard of quality in higher education.

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