Western Governors University campus
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Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT 4 year Private
Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Suburb: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Non Traditional
Student body size Large
Student to faculty ratio 42 to 1
Students retention rate 63%
On-time graduation rate 64%

Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, WGU is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.

One of the notable aspects of Western Governors University is its open admission policy. This means that all high school graduates and individuals who hold a GED qualification are eligible to apply for admission. This inclusive approach allows a wide range of students to pursue their higher education goals, regardless of their academic background.

Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

The retention rate of students at WGU is 63% , which is lower than both the state and national averages. The state average retention rate in Utah is 68%, while the national average is 74%. This indicates that a significant proportion of students who enroll at WGU do not continue their studies after the first year.


  • All programs are offered online
  • Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

In-State Tuition & Fees

$7,452

Cost of attendance at Western Governors University in 2022 for students from Utah.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Utah's average $6,668
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$7,452

Cost of attendance at Western Governors University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Utah's average $19,595
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 47 of freshman students at Western Governors University received on average $4,316 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$4,316
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 41 41% $4,141 $169,768
Other Federal Grant 41 41% $4,294 $176,068
State Grant/Scholarships 5 5% $2,278 $11,392
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 11 11% $1,398 $15,375
Total Grant & Scholarships 47 47% $4,316 $202,835

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Western Governors University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Western Governors University students is 63.6%. Female students graduated at a rate of 71.9%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 53.0%.

63.6%

  • asian 85.7% 18 students
  • African American 50.0% 13 students
  • white 61.5% 131 students
  • unknown 75.0% 9 students
  • hawaiian 100.0% 2 students
  • hispanic 63.6% 14 students
  • International Students 100.0% 3 students
  • Mixed Race 75.0% 3 students

Service Offerings

Western Governors University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Academic/career counseling services

Educational Offerings

Western Governors University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Teacher certification

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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