WGU Online: Programs, Cost, Outcomes (2026)

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit institution based in Salt Lake City, UT. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

WGU pioneered the competency-based education model for online degrees. With 155,088 students enrolled, it is one of the largest universities in the United States by headcount.

At a Glance

Cost and Financial Aid

WGU charges a flat tuition of $8,658 per year — the same rate for all students regardless of state. Individual terms run approximately $4,150 for six months.

The competency-based model means students who move faster can complete more credits within a single term at no additional cost. Average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,548 per year.

39% of WGU students receive Federal Pell Grants and 43% take out federal student loans. Median graduate debt at WGU is $11,116 — substantially lower than most online universities.

Net Price by Family Income

Use the EFC Calculator to estimate your Student Aid Index and potential grant eligibility.

Student Outcomes

WGU graduates earn a median salary of $60,615 ten years after enrollment. At the six-year mark, median earnings are $69,572 — notably higher than the 10-year figure.

The 6-yr-above-10-yr pattern reflects cohort differences: competency-based enrollees often transition faster into the workforce with pre-existing earnings, while the 10-yr cohort includes earlier-era graduates from different program mix.

ROI Snapshot

Median debt is $11,116 and median 10-year earnings are $60,615. WGU graduates earn approximately $5.45 for every $1 of debt at graduation. This is one of the strongest debt-to-earnings ratios among major online universities.

Use the ROI Calculator to model your personal scenario.

Programs

WGU offers programs across 5 major fields, all structured around competency-based learning. Industry-recognized certifications are included in tuition for many programs.

Nursing and Healthcare

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
• B.S. Nursing (Prelicensure)
• M.S. Nursing Education (BSN-to-MSN)
• M.S. Nursing Leadership and Management (BSN-to-MSN)
• M.S. Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN)
• M.S. Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN)
• M.S. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN)
• M.S. Nursing Education (RN-to-MSN)
• M.S. Nursing Leadership and Management (RN-to-MSN)
• M.S. Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN)
• B.S. Health Information Management
• B.S. Health and Human Services
• B.S. Health Science
• B.S. Public Health
• M.P.H. Public Health
• M.H.A. Healthcare Administration

Competency-based, flat-rate tuition ~$4,150/term; FNP and PMHNP available in select states.

Business and Management

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Business Management
• B.S. Healthcare Administration
• B.S. Human Resource Management
• B.S. IT Management
• B.S. Marketing
• B.S. Supply Chain and Operations Management
• B.S. Communications
• B.S. User Experience Design
• B.S. Accounting
• B.S. Finance
• MBA
• MBA Information Technology Management
• MBA Healthcare Administration
• M.S. Management and Leadership
• M.S. Accounting
• M.S. Marketing
• M.S. Human Resource Management

Industry-recognized certifications included; MBA and specialized MBA tracks.

Education and Teaching

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Elementary Education
• B.A. Biology Education
• B.A. Mathematics Education
• B.A. Physics Education
• B.A. Earth Science Education
• B.A. Chemistry Education
• B.A. Special Education
• B.A. Special Ed and Elementary Ed (Dual Licensure)
• B.A. Educational Studies
• M.A. English Language Learning
• M.A. Social Studies Education
• M.A. Science Education
• M.A. Chemistry Education
• M.A. Physics Education
• M.A. Biology Education
• M.A. Earth Science Education
• M.A. Elementary Education
• M.A. English Education
• M.A. Special Education
• M.A. Mathematics Education
• M.S. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.S. Educational Leadership
• M.Ed. Education Technology and Instructional Design

Student teaching placement included; endorsement programs in ELL, middle grades, and secondary sciences.

Technology and Computer Science

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Cloud and Network Engineering
• B.S. Computer Science
• B.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
• B.S. Data Analytics
• B.S. Information Technology
• B.S. Software Engineering
• M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
• M.S. Data Analytics
• M.S. Information Technology
• M.S. IT Product Management
• M.S. Computer Science
• M.S. Software Engineering

CompTIA, AWS, and other certifications included in tuition; accelerated tracks available for IT, SE, and CS.

Psychology and Counseling

Degree levels: Bachelor’s

• B.S. Psychology

Psychology offered through Leavitt School of Health.

Who WGU Is Best For

WGU’s competency-based model fits working adults with prior knowledge or professional experience. If you already know the material, you test through it and move on — potentially completing a degree in less time and at lower cost than a traditional semester-based program. The flat-rate tuition rewards faster learners.

Students who need structured pacing, in-person interaction, or specialized research opportunities may want to compare traditional online programs like Arizona State University Online or University of Colorado Online.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (UNITID 433387, 2023–24 release). Program availability and costs are subject to change. Contact Western Governors University directly for the most current information.