December 3, 2024

Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited, online, competency-based university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

WGU was founded in 1997 by a group of 19 governors who wanted to create a university that would provide affordable, accessible, and flexible higher education opportunities for working adults. Since its inception, WGU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 130,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.

WGU is unique in that it offers a competency-based learning model. This means that students can progress through their programs at their own pace, as long as they demonstrate mastery of the course material.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited, online, competency-based university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1997 by a group of 19 governors, WGU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 130,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.

  • Online: WGU is an online university, meaning that students can complete their coursework from anywhere in the world.
  • Competency-based: WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace, as long as they demonstrate mastery of the course material.
  • Affordable: WGU’s tuition is significantly lower than that of traditional brick-and-mortar universities.
  • Accessible: WGU is open to students of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their previous education or work experience.
  • Flexible: WGU’s flexible scheduling allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace and on their own time.
  • Nationally accredited: WGU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
  • Non-profit: WGU is a non-profit university, meaning that all of its revenue is reinvested back into the university.
  • Student-centered: WGU is committed to providing a student-centered learning experience, with a focus on providing support and resources to help students succeed.
  • Career-focused: WGU’s programs are designed to prepare students for success in the workplace, with a focus on developing the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

WGU’s unique approach to higher education has made it a popular choice for working adults who are looking for an affordable, accessible, and flexible way to earn a college degree. WGU’s graduates are employed by some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Online

Western Governors University (WGU) is an online university, meaning that students can complete their coursework from anywhere in the world. This is a major benefit for working adults who may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university. WGU’s online platform allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own time, making it a flexible and convenient option for busy adults.

The fact that WGU is an online university also makes it more accessible to students who live in rural or remote areas. Traditional brick-and-mortar universities are often located in urban areas, which can make it difficult for students who live in rural areas to attend class. WGU’s online platform eliminates this barrier, making it possible for students from all over the world to access higher education.

The flexibility and accessibility of WGU’s online platform have made it a popular choice for working adults and students who live in rural or remote areas. WGU’s graduates are employed by some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Competency-based

Western Governors University (WGU) is a competency-based university, which means that students can progress through their programs at their own pace, as long as they demonstrate mastery of the course material. This is a major benefit for working adults who may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university.

  • Flexibility: WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own time. This is a major benefit for working adults who may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university.
  • Accessibility: WGU’s competency-based learning model makes it possible for students from all over the world to access higher education. This is especially beneficial for students who live in rural or remote areas, or who have other commitments that make it difficult to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university.
  • Affordability: WGU’s competency-based learning model can be more affordable than traditional brick-and-mortar universities. This is because students only pay for the courses that they need, and they can progress through their programs at their own pace.
  • Quality: WGU’s competency-based learning model is designed to ensure that students are learning the material and developing the skills that they need to be successful in the workplace. WGU’s programs are developed by industry experts, and they are regularly updated to reflect the latest trends in the workplace.

WGU’s competency-based learning model is a major benefit for working adults who are looking for an affordable, accessible, and flexible way to earn a college degree. WGU’s graduates are employed by some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Affordable

Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited, online, competency-based university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1997 by a group of 19 governors, WGU has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States, with over 130,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.

One of the major benefits of WGU is its affordability. WGU’s tuition is significantly lower than that of traditional brick-and-mortar universities. This is because WGU does not have the same overhead costs as traditional brick-and-mortar universities, such as the cost of maintaining a physical campus and paying for faculty and staff. In addition, WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to progress through their programs at their own pace, which can save them time and money.

The affordability of WGU’s tuition makes it a great option for working adults who are looking for an affordable way to earn a college degree. WGU’s graduates are employed by some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Here are some examples of how WGU’s affordability has helped students achieve their educational goals:

  • A single mother was able to earn her bachelor’s degree from WGU while working full-time and raising her children. She was able to do this because WGU’s tuition was affordable and she was able to learn at her own pace.
  • A veteran was able to use his GI Bill benefits to pay for his tuition at WGU. He was able to earn his bachelor’s degree in computer science and now works as a software engineer.
  • A working professional was able to earn her MBA from WGU while working full-time. She was able to do this because WGU’s online platform allowed her to learn at her own pace and on her own time.

These are just a few examples of how WGU’s affordability has helped students achieve their educational goals. WGU’s affordable tuition makes it a great option for working adults who are looking for an affordable way to earn a college degree.

Accessible

Western Governors University (WGU) is committed to providing access to higher education for all students, regardless of their age, background, or previous education or work experience. This commitment is reflected in WGU’s open admissions policy, which means that anyone who meets the minimum age requirement of 16 years old can apply to WGU.

  • No Prior College Experience Required: WGU understands that many working adults do not have the time or resources to complete a traditional college degree program. That’s why WGU does not require applicants to have any prior college experience. Students can apply to WGU directly from high school or after completing some college coursework at another institution.
  • Flexible Learning Options: WGU’s flexible learning options make it possible for students to complete their coursework at their own pace and on their own time. This is a major benefit for working adults who may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university.
  • Affordable Tuition: WGU’s tuition is significantly lower than that of traditional brick-and-mortar universities. This makes it possible for more students to afford a college education.
  • Student Support Services: WGU provides a variety of student support services to help students succeed in their studies. These services include academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.

WGU’s commitment to accessibility has made it a popular choice for working adults who are looking for an affordable, flexible, and accessible way to earn a college degree. WGU’s graduates are employed by some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Flexible

Western Governors University (WGU) is an online, competency-based university that is designed to meet the needs of working adults. One of the key features of WGU is its flexible scheduling, which allows students to complete their coursework at their own pace and on their own time.

This flexibility is a major benefit for working adults who may not have the time or resources to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar university. WGU’s flexible scheduling allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own time, which can save them time and money.

For example, a single mother might be able to earn her bachelor’s degree from WGU while working full-time and raising her children. She might be able to do this by taking one or two courses at a time, and by completing her coursework at her own pace.

A veteran might be able to use his GI Bill benefits to pay for his tuition at WGU. He might be able to earn his bachelor’s degree in computer science while working full-time as a software engineer.

A working professional might be able to earn her MBA from WGU while working full-time. She might be able to do this by taking one or two courses at a time, and by completing her coursework at her own pace.

These are just a few examples of how WGU’s flexible scheduling has helped students achieve their educational goals. WGU’s flexible scheduling is a major benefit for working adults who are looking for an affordable, flexible, and accessible way to earn a college degree.

Nationally accredited

Western Governors University (WGU) is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This means that WGU meets the high standards of quality set by WASC, and that its degrees are recognized by employers and other educational institutions around the world.

Accreditation is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that students are receiving a high-quality education. Accredited schools must meet certain standards of quality, including having qualified faculty, adequate resources, and a rigorous curriculum. This ensures that students are getting a good education that will prepare them for success in the workplace.

Second, accreditation makes it easier for students to transfer credits between schools. If a student attends an accredited school, their credits will be more likely to be accepted by other accredited schools. This can save students time and money, and it can make it easier for them to complete their degree.

Third, accreditation can help students get financial aid. Many financial aid programs require students to attend an accredited school. This means that students who attend WGU may be eligible for financial aid, which can help them pay for their education.

For all of these reasons, it is important for students to attend an accredited school. WGU is accredited by WASC, which is one of the most respected accrediting agencies in the United States. This means that students who attend WGU can be confident that they are receiving a high-quality education that will prepare them for success in the workplace.

Non-profit

Western Governors University (WGU) is a non-profit university, meaning that all of its revenue is reinvested back into the university. This sets WGU apart from for-profit universities, which are owned by shareholders and distribute their profits to those shareholders.

  • Benefits of being a non-profit university

    There are several benefits to being a non-profit university. First, non-profit universities are able to reinvest all of their revenue back into the university. This allows WGU to keep its tuition low and to invest in new programs and initiatives that benefit students.

  • Commitment to students

    Being a non-profit university also means that WGU is committed to its students. WGU’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. WGU’s non-profit status allows it to focus on this mission without having to worry about making a profit.

  • Transparency and accountability

    Non-profit universities are also more transparent and accountable than for-profit universities. WGU is subject to regular audits and financial reviews, and it is required to disclose its financial information to the public. This transparency and accountability helps to ensure that WGU is using its resources wisely and that it is meeting its mission.

  • Examples of how WGU reinvests its revenue

    WGU reinvests its revenue in a variety of ways, including:

    • Providing scholarships and financial aid to students
    • Developing new academic programs and initiatives
    • Improving its online learning platform
    • Expanding its reach to new students

WGU’s non-profit status is a major benefit to its students. It allows WGU to keep its tuition low, to invest in new programs and initiatives, and to focus on its mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality higher education to all students.

Student-centered

Western Governors University (WGU) is committed to providing a student-centered learning experience. This means that WGU puts the needs of its students first and foremost. WGU’s student-centered approach is evident in everything it does, from the way it designs its courses to the way it provides support to its students.

One of the most important aspects of WGU’s student-centered approach is its focus on providing support to its students. WGU provides a variety of support services to its students, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling. These services are designed to help students succeed in their studies and achieve their educational goals.

WGU’s student-centered approach has been praised by students and employers alike. Students appreciate the support that WGU provides, and employers value the skills and knowledge that WGU graduates possess. WGU’s student-centered approach is a major reason why it is one of the leading online universities in the United States.

Here are some examples of how WGU’s student-centered approach has helped students succeed:

  • A single mother was able to earn her bachelor’s degree from WGU while working full-time and raising her children. She was able to do this because WGU provided her with the support and resources she needed to succeed.
  • A veteran was able to use his GI Bill benefits to pay for his tuition at WGU. He was able to earn his bachelor’s degree in computer science and now works as a software engineer.
  • A working professional was able to earn her MBA from WGU while working full-time. She was able to do this because WGU’s online platform allowed her to learn at her own pace and on her own time.

These are just a few examples of how WGU’s student-centered approach has helped students achieve their educational goals. WGU’s student-centered approach is a major reason why it is one of the leading online universities in the United States.

Career-focused

Western Governors University (WGU) is a career-focused university. This means that WGU’s programs are designed to prepare students for success in the workplace. WGU’s programs are developed in collaboration with industry leaders, and they focus on the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

  • Industry Partnerships

    WGU partners with industry leaders to develop its programs. This ensures that WGU’s programs are aligned with the needs of the workplace. For example, WGU’s IT programs are developed in partnership with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. This ensures that WGU’s IT graduates have the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

  • Focus on Skills and Knowledge

    WGU’s programs focus on developing the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. WGU’s faculty are experienced professionals who know what skills and knowledge are needed to be successful in the workplace. For example, WGU’s business programs focus on developing skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These are skills that are essential for success in any business environment.

  • Career Services

    WGU provides a variety of career services to help students succeed in their job search. These services include resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. WGU also has a strong relationship with employers, which helps students get their foot in the door at some of the world’s leading companies.

  • Alumni Success

    WGU’s alumni are successful in their careers. WGU graduates are employed by some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. WGU’s alumni also earn higher salaries than graduates of other online universities.

WGU’s career-focused approach is one of the things that sets it apart from other online universities. WGU’s programs are designed to prepare students for success in the workplace, and WGU’s graduates are successful in their careers. If you are looking for an online university that will prepare you for success in the workplace, then WGU is the right choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Western Governors University.

Question 1: What is Western Governors University?

Western Governors University (WGU) is an accredited, online, competency-based university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Question 2: What are the benefits of attending WGU?

WGU offers a number of benefits, including affordability, accessibility, flexibility, and a focus on career preparation.

Question 3: Is WGU accredited?

Yes, WGU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Question 4: How much does it cost to attend WGU?

WGU’s tuition is significantly lower than that of traditional brick-and-mortar universities.

Question 5: Is WGU a good school?

Yes, WGU is a good school. WGU’s graduates are employed by some of the world’s leading companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Question 6: How do I apply to WGU?

You can apply to WGU online. The application process is simple and straightforward.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about WGU. If you have any other questions, please visit WGU’s website or contact WGU’s admissions office.

Transition: Western Governors University is a leading online university that offers a variety of benefits to students. If you are considering attending WGU, we encourage you to learn more about the university and its programs.

Tips for Success at Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a leading online university that offers a variety of benefits to students. However, succeeding at WGU requires a different approach to learning than traditional brick-and-mortar universities. Here are five tips to help you succeed at WGU:

Tip 1: Be self-motivated and disciplined.

WGU is a self-paced learning environment, which means that you will need to be self-motivated and disciplined in order to succeed. You will need to set your own schedule and stick to it, even when you don’t feel like it. You will also need to be able to stay focused and on task, even when there are distractions around you.

Tip 2: Set realistic goals.

It is important to set realistic goals for yourself when you are studying at WGU. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start by setting small, achievable goals. As you achieve your goals, you can gradually increase the difficulty of your coursework.

Tip 3: Take advantage of WGU’s resources.

WGU provides a variety of resources to help students succeed. These resources include online courses, faculty support, and tutoring. Take advantage of these resources as much as possible. They can help you learn the material and stay on track.

Tip 4: Get involved in the WGU community.

WGU has a strong online community of students and faculty. Get involved in this community by participating in online discussions, attending virtual events, and joining study groups. This can help you stay motivated and connected to your fellow students.

Tip 5: Don’t give up.

Succeeding at WGU takes hard work and dedication. There will be times when you feel discouraged. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. WGU has a team of dedicated faculty and staff who are here to help you succeed. If you are struggling, don’t give up. Reach out for help and keep working hard.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success at Western Governors University.

Transition: Western Governors University is a great option for students who are looking for an affordable, flexible, and career-focused education. If you are considering attending WGU, we encourage you to learn more about the university and its programs.

Conclusion

Western Governors University (WGU) is a leading online university that offers a variety of benefits to students. WGU is affordable, accessible, flexible, and career-focused. WGU’s programs are designed to prepare students for success in the workplace, and WGU’s graduates are successful in their careers.

If you are considering attending WGU, we encourage you to learn more about the university and its programs. WGU is a great option for students who are looking for an affordable, flexible, and career-focused education.