Western Governors University

www.wgu.edu/

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2020 Undergraduate Tuition

$6,380

0% growth from 2019

2020 Average Net Price

$8,786

After Financial Aid

2018 Student Loan

3.08%

Default Rate

2020 Enrolled Students

147,866

100% Full-Time

2020 Graduation Rate

46.9%

335 Graduates

About

Western Governors University is a higher education institution located in Salt Lake County, UT. In 2020, the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at Western Governors University were Registered Nursing (11,863 degrees awarded), General Business Administration & Management (2,887 degrees), and Elementary Education & Teaching (1,654 degrees).

In 2020, 42,698 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Western Governors University. 70.3% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 29.7% awarded men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was white (30,864 degrees), 9.29 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (3323 degrees).

The median undergraduate tuition at Western Governors University is $6,380, which is $−16,150 less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($22,531).

Costs

The median undergraduate tuition at Western Governors University is $6,380, which is $−16,150 less than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($22,531).

After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $8,786.

In 2020, 37% of undergraduate students attending Western Governors University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 24% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.

Tuition Costs

$6,380

2020 Undergraduate Tuition

In 2020, the cost of tuition at Western Governors University was $6,380. The cost of tuition at Western Governors University is $−16,150 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($22,531).

This chart compares the tuition costs of Western Governors University (in red) with those of other similar universities.

Average Net Price

$8,786

2020 Value

12.9%

1 Year Growth

In 2020 Western Governors University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $8,786. Between 2019 and 2020, the average net price of Western Governors University grew by 12.9%.

This chart compares the average net price of Western Governors University (in red) with that of other similar universities.

Average net price is calculated from full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded a grant or scholarship from federal, state or local governments, or the institution.

Other Student Expenses

$6,000

Room and Board

$200

Books and Supplies

The average yearly cost of room and board at Western Governors University was of $6,000 in 2020. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $200. The cost of room and board did not change between 2019 and 2020. The cost of books and supplies did not change during the same period.

This chart compares the average student costs at Western Governors University (in red) with that of similar universities.

Financial Aid by Income Level

37%

Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants

24%

Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans

37% of undergraduate students at Western Governors University received financial aid through grants or loans in 2020. This represents a growth of 0% with respect to 2019, when 37% of undergraduate students received financial aid.

This chart compares the average award discount at Western Governors University (in red) with that of other similar universities.

The average award discount is the ratio between the average grant or scholarship value, and the cost, which is the sum of out-of-state tuition, room, board, book, supplies, and other expenses.

Student Loan Default Rate

Cohort default rates only account for borrowers who default in the first three years, and some schools only have a small proportion of borrowers entering repayment. These rates should be interpreted with caution, as they may not be reflective of the entire school population.

3.08%

2018 Default Rate

813

Number of Defaults

In 2018 the default rate for borrower's at Western Governors University was 3.08%, which represents 813 out of the 26426 total borrowers.

A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), October 1 to September 30, and default or meet other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year.

Enrollment

Western Governors University has a total enrollment of 147,866 students. The full-time enrollment at Western Governors University is 147,866 students and the part-time enrollment is 0. This means that 100% of students enrolled at Western Governors University are enrolled full-time.

The enrolled student population at Western Governors University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 60.5% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.62% Black or African American, 3.68% Asian, 2.61% Two or More Races, 0.745% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.56% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

Students enrolled at Western Governors University in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Female (38.2%), followed by White Male (22.5%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (6.61%). Students enrolled in full-time Graduate programs are most commonly White Female (43.1%), followed by White Male (16.8%) and Black or African American Female (7.13%).

Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment

100%

Full-Time Enrollment

The total enrollment at Western Governors University, both undergraduate and graduate, is 147,866 students. The full-time enrollment at Western Governors University is 147,866 and the part-time enrollment is 0. This means that 100% of students enrolled at Western Governors University are enrolled full-time compared with 68.8% at similar Masters Colleges and Universities.

This chart shows the full-time vs part-time enrollment status at Western Governors University (in red) compares to similar universities.

Retention Rate over Time

75%

2020 Retention Rate

Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Western Governors University was 75%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Masters Colleges and Universities (75%), Western Governors University had a retention rate approximately the same as its peers.

This chart shows the retention rate over time at Western Governors University (highlighted in red) compares to similar universities.

Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity

Most Common Race or Ethnicity

White
89,428
Hispanic or Latino
15,014
Black or African American
14,221

The enrolled student population at Western Governors University is 60.5% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.62% Black or African American, 3.68% Asian, 2.61% Two or More Races, 0.745% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.56% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. This includes both full-time and part-time students as well as graduate and undergraduates. By comparison, enrollment for all Masters Colleges and Universities is 52.6% White, 16.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 13% Black or African American.

Any student who is studying in the United States on a temporary basis is categorized as a "Non-Resident Alien", and the share of those students are shown in the chart below. Additionally, 17,845 students (12.1%) did not report their race.

Graduates

In 2020, 17298 more women than men received degrees from Western Governors University. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Western Governors University is white (30,864 degrees awarded). There were 9.29 times more white graduates than the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (3323 degrees).

The most common Bachelor's Degree concentration at Western Governors University is Registered Nursing (11,863 degrees awarded), followed by General Business Administration & Management (2,887 degrees) and Elementary Education & Teaching (1,654 degrees).

The most specialized majors across all degree types at Western Governors University, meaning they have significantly more degrees awarded in that concentration than the national average across all institutions, are Education (9,441 degrees awarded), Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (4,353 degrees), and Health (15,818 degrees).

Common Jobs by Major

Elementary & middle school teachers

Most Common Job

The most common jobs for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Western Governors University are Elementary & middle school teachers (1,863,042 people), Registered nurses (1,407,168 people), Accountants & auditors (1,074,613 people), Other managers (787,053 people), and Software developers (548,261 people).

The most specialized majors at Western Governors University are Education (9,441 degrees awarded), Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (4,353 degrees), Health (15,818 degrees), and Business (11,847 degrees).

Highest Paying Jobs by Major

Magnetic resonance imaging technologists

Highest Paying Job

The highest paying jobs for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Western Governors University are Magnetic resonance imaging technologists, Surgeons, Physicians, Nuclear medicine technologists and medical dosimetrists, and Architectural & engineering managers

Common Industries by Major

Elementary & secondary schools

Most Common Industry

The most common industries for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Western Governors University are Elementary & secondary schools (3,225,604 people), General medical and surgical hospitals, and specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals (1,821,777 people), Computer Systems Design (929,960 people), Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (650,507 people), and Banking & related activities (548,459 people).

Majors Awarded

IPEDS uses the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) standard, so the categories may not match the exact concentrations offered by Western Governors University.

Most Common

Registered Nursing
11863 degree-majorss awarded
General Business Administration & Management
2887 degree-majorss awarded
Elementary Education & Teaching
1654 degree-majorss awarded

In 2020, the most common bachelors degree concentration at Western Governors University was Registered Nursing with 11863 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of degree-majors recipients from bachelors degree programs at Western Governors University according to their major.

Sex Breakdown for Common Majors

12,700

Degrees Awarded to Men

in 2020

29,998

Degrees Awarded to Women

in 2020

In 2020, 12,700 degrees were awarded to men at Western Governors University, which is 0.423 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (29,998).

This chart displays the sex disparity between the top 5 majors at Western Governors University by degrees awarded.

Most Common Male Majors

In 2020, 2722 degrees were awarded to men at Western Governors University in General Business Administration & Management, which is 0.996 times less than the 2732 female recipients with that same degree.

Most Common Female Majors

In 2020, 10566 degrees were awarded to women at Western Governors University in Registered Nursing, which is 8.15 times more than the 1297 male recipients with that same degree.

Time to Complete

10%

100% Completion Time

29%

150% Completion Time

In 2020, 10% of students graduating from Western Governors University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 29% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 33% within 200%.

The following chart shows these completion rates over time compared to the average for the Masters Colleges and Universities Carnegie Classification group.

Graduation rate is defined as the percentage of full-time, first-time students who received a degree or award within a specific percentage of "normal time" to completion for their program.

Graduation Rate by Race and Sex

Showing demographic groups with ≥ 5 graduating students.

American Indian or Alaska Native Female

Highest Graduation Rate (100%)

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate at Western Governors University is Female and American Indian or Alaska Native (100% graduation rate). Across all Masters Colleges and Universities, Asian Female students have the highest graduation rate (72.4%).

The department of education defines graduation rate as the percentage of full-time, first-time students who received a degree or award within 150% of "normal time" to completion.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) categorizes any student who is studying in the United States on a temporary basis as a "Non-Resident Alien", and the graduation rate of those students is shown in the chart below. Additionally, 3.88% of graduates (13 students) did not report their race.

Race & Ethnicity by Share

Most Common Student Race or Ethnicity

White
30,864 degrees awarded
Hispanic or Latino
3,323 degrees awarded
Black or African American
2,941 degrees awarded

The most common race/ethnicity at Western Governors University is white (30,864 degrees awarded). There were 9.29 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, hispanic or latino (3323 degrees).

5.37% of degree recipients (2,293 students) did not report their race.

Race & Ethnicity by Sex

Most Common Sex Demographic

White Female
22,046 degrees awarded
White Male
8,818 degrees awarded
Hispanic or Latino Female
2,206 degrees awarded

The most common race/ethnicity and sex grouping at Western Governors University is white female (22,046 degrees awarded). There were 2.5 times more white female recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, white male (8,818 degrees).

Operations

Western Governors University has an endowment valued at nearly $414k, as of the end of the 2020 fiscal year. The return on its endowment was of $8.56M (2.07k%), compared to the 3.19% average return ($1.26M on $39.6M) across all Masters Colleges and Universities.

In 2020, Western Governors University had a total salary expenditure of $838M. Western Governors University employs 3,093 No academic ranks, 0 N/A, and 0 N/A. Most academics at Western Governors University are Female No academic ranks (2,285), Male No academic ranks(808), and N/A (0).

The most common positions for non-instructional staff at Western Governors University are: Community, Social Service, Legal, Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media, with 806 employees, Librarians, Curators, Archivists, and Academic Affairs and Other Education Services, with 728 employees, and Management with 583 employees.

Endowment

$414k

2020 Endowment

Infinityk%

growth from 2019

Western Governors University has an endowment valued at about $414k, as of the end of the 2020 fiscal year. The endowment of Western Governors University grew Infinityk% from the previous year. The value of their endowment was $39.2M lower than than the median endowment of Masters Colleges and Universities according to the Carnegie Classification grouping.

This line chart shows how the endowment at Western Governors University (in red) compares to that of some similar universities.

The small bar chart below shows the endowment quintiles for all universities in the Masters Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs Carnegie Classification grouping.

Government Grants and Contracts

Grants & Contracts

$0 - Federal
$0 - State
$0 - Local

As of 2020, Western Governors University received $0 in grants and contracts from the federal government, $0 from state grants and contracts, and $0 from local grants and contracts.

Salary Expenditure

$434M

2020 Salaries

19.3%

growth from 2019

In 2020, Western Governors University paid a median of $434M in salaries, which represents 51.7% of their overall expenditure ($838M) and a 19.3% growth from the previous year. This is compared to a 16.3% growth from 2018 and a 23.5% growth from 2017.

The median for similar Masters Colleges and Universities is 34.6M (40.9% of overall expenditures).

Instructional Salaries

$206M

Instructional Salaries

3,093

Number of Employees

In 2020, Western Governors University paid a total of $206M to 3,093 employees working as instructors, which represents 47.5% of all salaries paid.

This is compared to a median of $11M (31.8%) for similar Masters Colleges and Universities.

Occupations by Share

No academic rank

Most Common Instructor

3093 Employees

Community, Social Service, Legal, Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media

Most Common Non-Instructional Employee

806 Employees

In 2020, the most common positions for instructional staff at Western Governors University were No academic rank with 3,093 employees; false with 0 employees; and false with 0 employees.

In 2020, the most common positions for non-instructional staff at Western Governors University were Community, Social Service, Legal, Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media with 806 employees; Librarians, Curators, Archivists, and Academic Affairs and Other Education Services with 728 employees; and Management with 583 employees.

Instructors by Academic Rank and Sex

Most Common Demographic

Female No academic rank
Male No academic rank

In 2020, the most common demographic for instructional staff at Western Governors University was Female No academic rank with 2,285 employees, and Male No academic rank with 808 employees.

This chart shows the sex split between each academic rank present at Western Governors University.