Western Governors University (WGU) was founded in 1995 by nineteen U.S. governors with a laser-focused mission to break the mold of the traditional higher education institution. Their goal was to better leverage technology to teach more effectively with a focus on measuring learning versus time and provide access to quality education for more families.
Western Governors University in an online, student-centric, nonprofit college that couches it curriculum in competency-based learning. The core of competency-based learning is changing the focus from time-bound (ie. semesters, months, years) to subject mastery. At WGU, once a student has demonstrated mastery in a particular subject they are able to move forward accordingly. As such, students set the pace for learning instead of being driven by a class syllabus with defined events at particular junctures in the course.
At WGU, students are surrounded by a cast of supporters that include a student mentor, course mentor, evaluators, program councils, program managers, curriculum developers, and a diverse group of over 2,000 full time faculty members.
Western Governors University offers a broad array of programs that include concentrations in: business, information technology, nursing, health informatics, integrated healthcare management, and a host of teaching programs from licensure to graduate-level courses.
From a financial standpoint, one of the big tenants of WGU is affordability and quality. When comparing the model of a university with a physical location versus a virtual campus, the expenses are immense. These cost savings are passed along to WGU students to reduce debt for students by an average of 40% while providing a quality curricular program. In fact, 76% students at WGU received some form of financial aid to further reduce the burden of debt upon graduation. In a recent employer survey, a WGU graduate was calculated to earn back the cost of tuition inside two-years. With an average ROI of that magnitude, it is easy to see why WGU has become such a popular online learning platform for students across the country.
To learn more about Western Governors University, simply complete the form on this page or visit the school’s website for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Programs Offered
The following is a list of areas of study available at Western Governors University. Programs that have a link will take you to the program's profile page where education requirements, career pathways, and other information is available.
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Organizational Leadership
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Information Resources Management, Cio Training
- Advertising and Marketing
- Sales Manager
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer And Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Database Administration
- System Administration
- Computer and Information Systems Security
- Computer Programming
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications
Education
- Education
- Elementary Education
- Mathematics Teacher Education
- Science Teacher
- Social Science Teacher Education
- Educational Leadership and Administration
- Learning Sciences
- Special Education
- Biology Teacher Education
- Chemistry Teacher Education
- Physics Teacher Education
- Earth Science Teacher Education
- ESL
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational and Instructional Media Design
- Early Childhood Education
- English and language Arts Teacher Education
- Environmental Education
Health and Clinical Professions
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Healthcare Administration
- Health Informatics
- Medical Records Administrator
- Nursing
- Nursing Administration
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Notes:
*The posted costs for tuition, fees and supplies are determined through historical data and may not represent current costs.
**Repayment rates, earnings, and loan payments are estimates and should be treated as informational tools only, contact the school for official information.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The items listed below are for informational purposes only and may not represent current tuition, fees, and expenses.
Note: Financial aid is only available for those who qualify, check with the school for details.
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 33% | $2,635 |
| Student Loans (Federal) | 55% | $3,103 |