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 Fee
65
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 Reviews
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”
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.
Western Governors University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Western Governors University?
103 Students rated Western Governors University
Laural - 03/24/2025
Western Governors University was the perfect choice for me as an adult learner. The flexible, online format allowed me to balance school with work and family, and the competency-based model let me accelerate through courses where I already had experience. I completed my four-year degree in just three years thanks to that flexibility. I especially appreciated the personal attention I received from faculty and my mentor—my questions were always answered quickly, and I never felt alone in the process. The learning platform is also extremely user-friendly, which made it easy to stay organized and focused. Earning my degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management at WGU gave me the confidence to accomplish more in life.
Dillian - 02/16/2025
This is the best school for online learning in the nursing program. I have learned more in this online program than when I went to class for my associate degree. This program is well put together for students to succeed in their academics. Each student has a mentor and can set up personal time to talk with the professors.
Chkrg - 11/01/2024
I hate it. They are a scam university. The textbooks may as well say "red is kinda like orange but with less yellow". They use a proctor service that is impossible to test with and intrusive to a level that I can't believe is legal.
The classes are completely disorganized and have required resources in different locations for each class. It is a joke, the content and their execution.
Brandon - 07/21/2024
WGU is an amazing place and the faculty from the enrollment counselors to the mentors to the instructors are absolutely fantastic. They are there for you and want to see you succeed. When you succeed, they succeed! You mentor as an online student is there with you every step of the way.
Sara - 05/31/2024
Amazing price for a great educational experience.
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.
Caden - 09/16/2022
I enjoyed it, it is great that you can set your own pace and it was relatively inexpensive! I Would recommend it. The only thing that I did not like was that it did not give a letter grade for the courses you completed. It was on a pass or fail rating. Other than that, it was great.
Brian - 01/02/2022
The pay-per-semester model is great if you are committed and really have the time to do the work. You can knock out your degree in 6 months, and some people do. Its go at your own pace* within reason.
I have a few gripes with the school and the programs though.
1. My counselor has changed like 3 times in 2 years. There's not continuity.
2. The program of study is misleading, at least for the MSN in Informatics. Its says 4 semesters, but when you get to the end of your third, they tell you actually its five because your capstone will take 2 semesters to do. Not cool.
3. THE PROJECTS ARE SO REDUNDANT. Ugh this is such a huge pet peeve of mine and it frustrated me like crazy in nearly all my classes. For example, they'll ask you to make a table summarizing your research, then they'll ask you take take your summary table and summarize it in a paragraph as well. Many sections of your papers will be repetitive as well, asking you to repeat your responses to the same question at multiple points in your paper. It's a complete waste of my time and energy and just feels like busy work because they couldn't come up with anything else for you to do. I am in my final semester and have literally ZERO desire to complete it because of how redundant everything is that it is asking me to do:
1. Create tables/diagram form of all aspects of the project.
2. Write a paper form of all aspects of the project.
3. Make a poster form of all the aspects of the project.
THERES ONLY SO MANY WAYS I CAN WRITE THE SAME INFORMATION.
Angela - 12/11/2021
I just started 10 days ago and I love it. Having a flexible schedule has allowed me to accelerate and I'm already done with my first class. Since I'm a nontraditional student, flexibility is of the utmost importance - I have to be able to work and take care of my kids, so this school is perfect for my life right now.
Megan - 09/22/2021
Wise professors who would do anything it takes to help you succeed and see the value in yourself. I feel valued by the professors and always encouraged to give my opinion and to remain humble to ask questions and gain insight. Professors treat you as an individual with your own creative set of ideas and to tap into that with wisdom and grace.
Heather - 05/25/2021
I absolutely love the at your own pace environment! I'm able to have family time, take a mental break if I need to, and literally study ANYWHERE! If it wasn't for the make my own schedule to study, more than likely I wouldn't be in school today! The memtors and professors can be extremely helpful. If you're more comfortable with peer help before reaching the out to the professor, there are many peers groups to join.
Casey - 04/30/2021
I never regret going to WGU. The graduation rate is actually, percentage wise, low. That is because it is self paced. You are in charge of how fast or slow you go. You have a weekly call with your mentor that stays with you from your first day until your last. I bonded really good with my mentor. For what they do and care about you, they are under paid. As far as the IT path, you have to typically get certifications. That is a double bonus, first you learn the topic, then you get a cert that you can carry to your next job and add to your resume. I wish they had more options for my Masters, my Bachelors I do not regret at all. Also, it is really really affordable. I think I paid around 6000 USD a year or less. You pay per semester, not per credit. So if your motivated, you can really take advantage of this school. I can't recommend any other school above WGU.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Western Governors University is %. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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
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.61%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
