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Western Governors University

#1936 in US ranking Salt Lake City, UT
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$16,919
Tuition & fees
$8,060
Avg. aid
$5,054
Receiving aid
72%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
46%
Median salary
$74,883
1 yr after graduation

What does Western Governors University offer in terms of athletics?

WGU does not field a conventional intercollegiate varsity athletics program or offer the campus-based sports experience associated with an NCAA college. Its online structure also means applicants should not expect a standard schedule of university intramurals, athletic facilities, or team recruiting.

Students may take part in sports or fitness activities through their own communities, but those are distinct from WGU-sponsored teams. An applicant seeking varsity competition, an athletic scholarship, or routine campus recreation should treat that difference as a substantive feature of the institution, not merely a small extracurricular gap.

What student groups and Associations are available at Western Governors University?

Student involvement at WGU is primarily remote rather than organized around a physical student-union building. Opportunities to connect may include program-related online communities, university-hosted virtual activities, and professional or alumni networks.

These options should not be mistaken for a comprehensive roster of active, student-run campus clubs. Participation and access can depend on the program and event. Applicants hoping for a particular academic society, identity-based group, or student government role should verify that the group currently operates and accepts students in their degree program. Informal social-media groups created by students or graduates are not necessarily recognized or moderated by the university.

Who studies at Western Governors University?

WGU serves a large, geographically dispersed student body. IPEDS reports total enrollment of 210,208 and identifies 22,305 incoming transfer students, compared with 2,417 first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates. That difference helps explain why the traditional first-year experience represents only one part of the university.

Adults account for much of its enrollment: reported age counts are particularly large in the 25-49 range. Approximately 4% of students are Utah residents, while about 94% come from other U.S. states. These figures describe an institution based in Utah whose students overwhelmingly study elsewhere. They do not establish that students in every location can enter every licensure program; applicants must check state-specific eligibility and placement rules.

How does student life look like at Western Governors University?

Everyday student life at WGU centers on online coursework, assessments, and scheduled contact with academic support staff rather than classes, clubs, and socializing on a shared campus. Students generally have a program mentor and can seek help from course instructors, but they must also organize substantial independent study time.

That arrangement may be convenient for people balancing education with work or family responsibilities, while offering fewer spontaneous encounters with classmates. Virtual events and graduation ceremonies can provide points of connection. A student who learns best through daily in-person discussion or wants a residential college experience should weigh those preferences against the flexibility of WGU's format. For career planning, WGU offers career-development support such as résumé and job-search guidance; such services are separate from verified employment outcomes and do not guarantee interviews or placement.

What libraries are available to students at Western Governors University?

WGU students use the WGU Central Library primarily online. Its resources include academic research materials and guidance intended for students working remotely, rather than a traditional collection of campus study rooms.

Library support can be useful for finding scholarly sources, developing search strategies, and using resources beyond an ordinary web search. Access to particular databases or research help may depend on current library arrangements and a student's enrollment status. Applicants who need physical study space should plan for a suitable location at home or in their community instead of assuming that WGU provides a nearby library building.

Western Governors University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

210208

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

2417

Total staff

3576 full time, 1317 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Western Governors University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 155,088
Graduate: 55,120

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 210,208

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 1,344
Men: 1,073

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 24,111
Black or African American: 22,172
White: 78,136
American Indian or Alaska Native: 1,636
Asian: 6,622
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 721
Two or more races: 6,012
Unknown: 15,664

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.