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Western Governors University is a nonprofit, competency-based online university.

About Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was founded in 1997 by the governors of 19 U.S. states to expand access to affordable higher education, and it is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU now serves more than 150,000 students.

WGU organizes its programs into four colleges: the School of Business, the School of Technology, the School of Education and the Leavitt School of Health. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees and certificates in business, accounting, IT, cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, teaching, nursing and health care management. Its teacher licensure and nursing programs include required clinical or student teaching experiences.

Programs and Degrees at Western Governors University

These are some of the subject areas WGU is known for. Each link lets you compare similar programs at other accredited schools:

Online Learning and Student Support

WGU uses competency-based education: instead of sitting through set class schedules, students pass assessments when they have mastered the material. Tuition is a flat rate for each six-month term, so students who move faster can complete more courses for the same price.

Every student is paired with a program mentor, and course instructors provide subject-specific help. Many IT programs include industry certifications, such as CompTIA and AWS, at no extra cost.

WGU Reviews and Guides on Learn.org

Admissions and Getting Started at WGU

Admission requirements at WGU depend on the program and whether you are a first-year, transfer or graduate applicant. First-year applicants typically submit high school transcripts and an application, while adult and transfer students can often apply credits from previous colleges, military training or professional certifications. Learn more about transferring college credits and how to apply to an online college.

Paying for WGU

Students at accredited schools such as WGU may qualify for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, by filing the FAFSA. Start with our financial aid guides and scholarship resources, and check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Service members, veterans and their families can also review college options for active-duty military and veterans. Always confirm current tuition and fees directly with the school, since prices change each year.

Frequently Asked Questions About WGU

Is WGU accredited?

Yes. Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized type for transferring credits and applying to graduate school; learn more about regionally accredited online colleges.

Is WGU a public, nonprofit or for-profit school?

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit institution. Ownership affects how a school is governed and funded, so it is worth comparing graduation rates, total cost and transfer policies across schools of every type.

How do I request information from WGU?

Use the request information form on this page, or search accredited programs to compare WGU with similar schools before you reach out to admissions.

Is WGU Right for You?

Before you apply, it helps to see how WGU stacks up against other accredited schools. Use the Learn.org degree finder to filter programs by degree level, subject and online availability, then request information from the schools that fit your goals, or browse the best online colleges in Utah.

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