About Western Governors University

Founded in 1996, Western Governors University. is a college. Located in Utah, which is a city setting in Utah, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 63,961 full time undergraduate students, and 20,328 full time graduate students.

The Western Governors University Academic calendar runs on a Other basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 41:1. There are 1952 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Western Governors University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate%
Application Deadline
Application Fee65
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at WGU are considered , with ,30% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Western Governors University.

24%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
37%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
15%
“We save it for the classroom”
17%
“Sometimes, but not often”
44%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
24%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
3%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
95%
“I feel extremely safe”
95%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
2%
“We bought the gear”
4%
“We live for the big game”
64%
“It”s not really our thing”
6%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
27%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
3%
“We”re a very artistic group”
9%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
23%
“They keep regular office hours”
67%
“They”re always available”
82%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
12%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
6%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
42%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
51%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
2%
“We only party on weekends”
6%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
70%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
30%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
24%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
37%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
15%
“We save it for the classroom”
17%
“Sometimes, but not often”
44%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
24%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
3%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
95%
“I feel extremely safe”
95%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
2%
“We bought the gear”
4%
“We live for the big game”
64%
“It”s not really our thing”
6%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
27%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
3%
“We”re a very artistic group”
9%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
23%
“They keep regular office hours”
67%
“They”re always available”
82%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
12%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
6%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
42%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
51%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
2%
“We only party on weekends”
6%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
70%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
30%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
24%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
37%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
15%
“We save it for the classroom”
17%
“Sometimes, but not often”
44%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
24%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
2%
“I only go out in groups”
3%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
95%
“I feel extremely safe”
95%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
2%
“We bought the gear”
4%
“We live for the big game”
64%
“It”s not really our thing”
6%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
27%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
3%
“We”re a very artistic group”
9%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
23%
“They keep regular office hours”
67%
“They”re always available”
82%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
12%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
6%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
42%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
51%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
2%
“We only party on weekends”
6%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
70%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
30%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Western Governors University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    54 Students rated on-campus housing 3 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    18 Students rated off-campus housing 4.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    57 Students rated campus food 3.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    102 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    105 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 69 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    99 Students rated school activities 3.1 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    98 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    108 Students rated academics 4.8 stars. 88 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Western Governors University?

100 Students rated Western Governors University

Joshua - 07/03/2023

After some trial and error, I discovered that traditional colleges were not for me. Afterall, Why should I have to pay for classes where I have been professionally demonstrating my abilities in the workplace for the past 10 years? Why do large schools like Penn State not recognize industry leading IT certifications that are almost always required to obtain a job? WGU filled these needs for me. They accepted my transfer credits from my Associate degree, pushed me to pursue CompTIA and ISC2 certifications (at their expense), and allowed me to work at my own pace. I even changed programs a few times and still completed my Bachelor's on schedule while saving $35,000 in student loans! If you have a solid foundation in business, healthcare, IT, or teaching I strongly suggest you look at WGU. It's fully online with dedicated, caring faculty and an actual "go at your own pace" program.

Torin - 05/02/2023

As a student at Western Governors University (WGU), I have had an overwhelmingly positive experience. The university's competency-based learning model allows me to move through courses at my own pace, which has been a game-changer for me as a working adult with a busy schedule. I appreciate the flexibility that WGU offers, allowing me to balance my academic goals with my personal and professional commitments. One of the things I love about WGU is that the curriculum is directly tied to industry needs. This means that I am learning skills and concepts that are immediately applicable in my chosen field. I have also found the coursework to be challenging and engaging, with ample opportunities for hands-on learning and practical application.

John-Eric - 11/04/2022

A fantastic School with online classes and a student mentor who cares and helps make sure you are maintaining consistent progress as you advance to your degree, I was so impressed when I earned my bachelors degree that I went back for a masters! You will love it!!! Great price and even better academics. It was a great educations and lead to me receiving an acceptance letter to a PhD program, I start spring of 2023!

Lacey - 10/04/2022

I like that it is an online college that you can work at your own pace. It does not have a campus so there is not any campus life but that works well for people who have kids at home. They do not have a greek life or any other kinds of extra curicullar activities since there is not a campus either.

Western Governors University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Western Governors University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Western Governors University is %. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    One major and valuable thing I got out of my college experience is interaction with my course mates, academic professors and mentors. Even though my school is distance learning based, the interaction with fellow school mates both academically and socially has been greatly impressive. New ideas discussed, great sense of humors diplayed among ourselves, and group school works interaction are few among the enjoyment I have enjoyed with my school mates. Another experience enjoyed revolves around sound relationship with my academic professors and mentors. The first-class assistance , and mentoring of great quality offered are highly enjoyable and commendable. In addition to their academic assistance, they have been impressive on the aspect of social interaction too. Most of times, I could not believe this is not a distance learning based college.

    Read all  123 answers
  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I have not been admitted yet.

    Read all  22 answers
  4. What's unique about your campus?

    I like that tuition is a flat fee and that I can take as many classes as I want during a term (minimum of 9 credits).

    Read all  22 answers
  5. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I don't think of anything I didn't know before starting.

    Read all  21 answers
  6. Describe the students at your school.

    Western Govenors University is an online college; therefore, I do not have the advantage of knowing any of my classmates.

    Read all  21 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    WGU offers a unique learning experience through it's online courses of study, resourses and mentors. Students must demonstrate their competency in any given area of study through special performance tasks as well as proctored assessments.

    Read all  21 answers
  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    The kind of person that should not attend this school is someone who needs to be coddled or who needs a lot of time with instructors. A person with poor time-management or lack of discipline should also not attend this school.

    Read all  19 answers
  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A dedicated person must show great self discipline. A person without the combination of these two things will have a difficult time proving to others and themselves that their best effort was put forth in the pursuit of a higher education.

    Read all  18 answers
  10. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school is self paced to what you need and goes how ever you want it to be.

    Read all  16 answers
  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    WGU is the single greatest educational opportunity for intelligent, self starting, motivated students. Its flat tuition rate and the ability to add more coursework midterm at no additional charge, gives students who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to focus on their education the most cost effective degree program available bar none. Your post education dream cannot begin until you finish your degree so do not waste your time and resources on distractions. Be vigilante in your time management and take the next step to your greatness.

    Read all  13 answers
  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Western Governor's University is a distance learning university founded by nineteen governors from the Western United States. The opportunity for me to continue my education would be non-existant where it not for WGU. I get to live at home with my family and still work while attending school. My advise to prospective students is to never give up on their dreams. If there is a will, WGU is the way. If it were not for WGU, my education would have ended with an assosiates degree, but because WGU offers on-line learning I'm still pursuing my dream.

    Read all  13 answers
  13. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    WGU offers a way to truly gain an education, by educating yourself. If you want to learn, WGU gives you what you need to actually get a job upon graduation, instead of being left with a usuless 4 year degree in your hands that tells employers nothing about what you can do. In a few words: Freedom. Flexibility. Actually applicable to life. Need I say more?

    Read all  9 answers
  14. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Unfortunately, none available

    Read all  4 answers
  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I attend Western Governor University. This is an online University. At the age of 55, and being one who didn't grow up with the Internet, I was a bit worried about tackling this type of education. I am so happy I chose WGU! The Mentors at WGU are all Doctorates or above! I am so proud of my school. I love the fact I can work 24/7. Although the Mentors aren't always online, they are always there for us. By this I mean there are podcasts, videos, websites, resources out the front door that provide assistance at any point of time. I am surprised many people haven't heard of this University. I have referred multiple potential students here and so far, I am excited to say 3 made the choices to move forward and become students! Let me tell you a story of how this University works with the students. There was a class that I had to take. I will tell you, I have never dealt with any Math above the level of Algebra I, but I know I can learn anything. Well, this class gave me so many issues...nightmares, tears, fears I would never pass...and not once did my Mentors let me down. They were with me all the way. From encouragement to assistance, they made certain I passed this course. The scoring system is different at WGU than I was used to. In this course, I had to make 63 to pass. After studying, Mentoring, and attending online class, I made a 76! I must say I am proud of the fact I made this score! It would have been an A+ had I been earning a letter grade. The faculty respond to my needs and wants in the most efficient manners! I have an appointment today just to review for my Assessment with a Mentor. I know I will leave this meeting with more than enough confidence to pass this course. I recommend Western Governor University to anyone who feels the online mode of learning is for them. The last fact I want to point out is the reasonable tuition. There is one set fee and it covers all my costs. I don't have to buy textbooks, although that option is open to me. I look so forward to graduation and displaying oh, so proudly, that diploma from Western Governor University.

    Read all  3 answers
  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    I am seeking my degree in Special Education (K-12) while attending Western Governor University. I was so concerned I would be on my own. That has been a baseless fear, thank goodness. I have so many classmates. We have our own forum and we use this to help each other over the hurdles. Although we each seek to attain our best scores, we are all there for each other. We applaud the successes for our student body; we cry with each other over the hard times; and, we become friends to the end of our journeys and beyond. Our Mentors, as our Professors are termed, are readily available. We attend online classes; we set individual appointments for those really tough times; and, we have the best cheerleaders in the World! My favorite class has been my History class, thus far. I love the subjects of Science, Math and History. I am blessed in the fact my schedule works within these subjects a lot. Even with the love I hold for this subjects, I have times I need help. My Mentors are there for me! My friends and classmates are there, also. I have called some of them; I have attended cohort classes with them; and I have even done projects with some of them. I feared I was in this alone, but that has been proven false. I am the member of a great University and I urge anyone to come join me! Western Governor University is absolutely the best online University!

    Read all  2 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Online students do their classwork in their pajamas

    Read all  2 answers
  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    It's hard to tell what "stereotype" a student at WGU would fall under. So many of the students are not physically on campus, but are enrolled in online, distance-learning programs. This is a school for people that want to return to school while working or want to go at their own pace, since the college allows for acceleration.

    Read all  2 answers
  19. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    There are no sports affiliated with the school since it is an online college.

    Read all  1 answers
  20. Describe the dorms.

    The dorms are my bedroom and kitchen.

    Read all  1 answers
  21. Describe the best and worst parts of the social scene on campus.

    The best part of the social scene is that you can be as social or anti-social as you desire. The worst part is that there isn't a lot of activity socially unless you create it yourself

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

64%

female

36%

male

63,961

Total Undergrad Enrollment

20,328

Total Grad Students

N/A

Out-Of-State

N/A

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

N/A

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

No

On-Campus Housing

N/A

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
9%
% Hispanic/Latino
9%
% White or Caucasian
72%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

65% of students attending Western Governors University receive some sort of financial aid. 36% were awarded federal grants. While 61% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$6,070

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$200

Books and Supplies

$6,000

Room and Board

12,270

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$9,944
$30 - $48K
$10,357
$48 - $75K
$10,853
$75 - $110K
$12,358
$110K & UP
N/A

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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