Western Governors University (WGU) vs ERAU Worldwide

Western Governors University (WGU) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide (ERAU-Worldwide) stand out as two distinct institutions offering unique educational experiences. WGU, a pioneer in online education, boasts an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. In contrast, ERAU-Worldwide, known for its aviation and aerospace programs, maintains a selective admissions process. While WGU caters to a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of working adults, ERAU-Worldwide attracts a younger demographic, with a focus on traditional undergraduate programs. Both universities offer flexible learning options, but WGU's competency-based approach allows students to progress at their own pace, while ERAU-Worldwide follows a more structured semester system. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover how these institutions stack up in terms of acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, helping you make an informed decision about your educational journey.

	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide	Western Governors University
Overview
Location	Daytona Beach, Florida	Salt Lake City, Utah
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Non Traditional	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	64.0%	63.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	69.6%	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	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	1,278
Total number of admissions given out	889
Admitted students who chose to enroll	518
Yield rate	58.3%
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	$25,100	$14,652
Average net price	$15,600	$10,336
Tuition	$10,728	$7,162
Room & board
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	36.0% Average amount $4,771	47.0% Average amount $4,316
Students receiving federal student loan	11.0% Average amount $5,756	67.0% Average amount $5,072
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $15,000	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,394 Men 85.2% Women 14.8%	107,952 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students	3,326 Men 73.6% Women 26.4%	42,164 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	88.2%	92.9%
International students	4.5%	0.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	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 Florida North Carolina Texas Georgia	Texas Washington Utah California Indiana

Academics
Popular study areas	Transportation and Logistics Business Computer and Information Science Automotive Technology Engineering	Health Professions Education Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	42:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	19.4%	63.6%
Dropout rate	74.2%	27.2%
Transferred out	N/A	2.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,654 Year 2: $75,047 Year 3: $88,105 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $84,606 Air Transportation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,896 Year 2: $77,039 Year 3: $84,059 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,540 Year 2: $65,080 Year 3: $77,320 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,961 Year 2: $64,087 Year 3: $72,560 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,141 Year 2: $59,314 Year 3: $65,858 Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,995 Year 2: $48,833 Year 3: $61,969 Homeland Security (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,792 Year 2: $40,667 Year 3: $55,183 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,436 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: N/A Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,610 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A	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 Western Governors University (WGU) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide (ERAU-Worldwide)?

WGU and ERAU-Worldwide cater to different student needs and learning styles. WGU is a fully online, competency-based university, meaning you progress by demonstrating mastery of the material, not by seat time. ERAU-Worldwide, while also primarily online, follows a more traditional semester-based structure with scheduled classes and assignments. ERAU-Worldwide specializes in aviation and aerospace programs, while WGU offers a broader range of programs in business, IT, education, and healthcare.
Which university is more affordable: WGU or ERAU-Worldwide?

Generally, WGU is more affordable than ERAU-Worldwide. WGU charges tuition per six-month term, regardless of how many courses you complete. This can be very cost-effective if you can accelerate your learning. ERAU-Worldwide charges per credit hour, which can add up depending on the program and the number of credits required.
What types of programs are offered at WGU versus ERAU-Worldwide?

ERAU-Worldwide is heavily focused on aviation and aerospace-related fields, offering programs like Aeronautics, Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Security, and Space Studies. WGU offers programs in four main colleges: Business, IT, Teachers College, and Health Professions. While WGU does offer some technology-related programs that could be relevant to the aerospace industry, it doesn't have the specialized aviation focus of ERAU-Worldwide.
How does the learning format differ between WGU and ERAU-Worldwide?

WGU utilizes a competency-based education (CBE) model. You learn at your own pace and demonstrate competency through assessments. You have a mentor who provides guidance and support. ERAU-Worldwide uses a more traditional online learning format with scheduled classes, assignments, and interaction with instructors and classmates. While flexible, it adheres to a semester-based schedule.
Which university is better for working adults?

Both universities are designed for working adults, but WGU's competency-based model often appeals to those who can dedicate significant time to their studies and accelerate their progress. ERAU-Worldwide's structured online courses may be a better fit for those who prefer a more traditional learning environment with scheduled deadlines and regular interaction with instructors.
What kind of student support services are available at WGU and ERAU-Worldwide?

Both universities offer a range of student support services. WGU provides personalized support through mentors and course instructors, as well as access to online resources and a student community. ERAU-Worldwide offers academic advising, career services, library resources, and technical support. The key difference is the personalized, one-on-one mentoring approach at WGU versus the more traditional advising and support structure at ERAU-Worldwide.
How are the degrees from WGU and ERAU-Worldwide perceived by employers?

Both WGU and ERAU-Worldwide are regionally accredited institutions, meaning their degrees are generally well-regarded. ERAU-Worldwide has a strong reputation within the aviation and aerospace industries. WGU's competency-based approach is increasingly recognized by employers who value demonstrable skills and knowledge. The best choice depends on your career goals and the specific industry you're targeting.
What are the admission requirements for WGU and ERAU-Worldwide?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program. Generally, WGU requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may require assessments to determine readiness for college-level work. ERAU-Worldwide typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may have specific course prerequisites depending on the program. It's best to check the specific admission requirements for your desired program on each university's website.
Does either university offer on-campus programs?

WGU is primarily an online university and does not offer on-campus programs. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. ERAU-Worldwide focuses on online education but may offer some limited in-person courses at various locations.
Which university is better for someone interested in a career in aviation?

If you're specifically interested in a career in aviation or aerospace, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is the clear choice. They have a long-standing reputation and specialized programs in these fields. While WGU offers some related technology programs, it doesn't have the same level of focus or industry connections as ERAU-Worldwide in the aviation sector.

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