Western Governors University
Western Governors University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Western Governors University at a Glance
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private online university based in Millcreek, Utah, United States. The university uses an online competency-based learning model, providing advanced education for working professionals. Degrees awarded by WGU are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Schools and Universities (NWCCU). The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997, after the idea was formulated at a 1995 meeting of the Western Governors Association to expand education offerings…
1997
29 years old
$4M
$3.7 million (2025)
156,935
112,807 undergrad · 44,128 grad
2,974
Identity
Is Western Governors University Worth It?
Western Governors University offers moderate value at $12,548/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $60,615, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Median student debt of $11,116 is manageable at just 18% of first-year post-graduation earnings.
Best Programs at Western Governors University
The highest-earning program at Western Governors University is General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations at $75,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $29,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations graduate from Western Governors University earns $75,200, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $29,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations graduates carry $15,638 in median debt vs. $21,894 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,548/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $75,200 | $75,200 | $15,638 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $73,300 | $73,300 | $9,600 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $71,200 | $71,200 | $16,584 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics | $61,900 | $61,900 | $21,113 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $60,600 | $60,600 | $23,717 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,600 | $56,600 | $15,173 |
| Marketing | $49,000 | $49,000 | $16,622 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $46,000 | $46,000 | $17,183 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $37,000 | $37,000 | $19,917 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,000 | $37,000 | $17,617 |
| Education, General | $33,700 | $33,700 | $19,158 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,900 | $29,900 | $21,894 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Student Body
- 155,088 students
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,548
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,615
- Median Student Debt
- $11,116