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Home > Admissions > Becoming a WGU Student
Becoming a WGU Student
This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process of applying, getting admitted, and beginning your WGU program. You may want to print it out as a handy reference.
Step 1: Complete the online application.
The first step is to complete and submit the online application form. Be sure to identify your program of interest, as your program choice must be declared before an intake interview can be completed. Please note that you are required to meet the admissions requirements for the WGU program you select. WGU does not have application deadlines, so you can apply anytime. Click here to begin the Application Form.
Step 2: Pay the application fee.
Your next step will be to pay the $65 (U.S.) nonrefundable application fee by submitting your credit card information online, by mailing a check or money order to WGU, or by phoning in your credit card information (877-435-7948). Checks and money orders should be made out to Western Governors University. All returned checks will be assessed a service charge of $25 (U.S.) for insufficient funds. Service charge is due within 14 days of notice of nonpayment.
Step 3: Complete required admissions assessments.
After applying, you may be required to take and pass admissions tests or other assessments for the program you have selected. Your Enrollment Counselor or the Admissions Department will enroll you in the appropriate test(s). If you are applying for a program in the Teachers College leading to initial teacher licensure, you must also complete other Special Teachers College Requirements, including the appropriate basic skills test for the state in which you live. (See Admission Requirements page for more details.)
Step 4: Admission decision.
Your paid application will be processed after all required assessments are completed, and WGU will contact you regarding the status of your application. If you are not admitted, we will let you know why, and what you can do to prepare to reapply. If you are accepted, you will be asked to complete an intake interview. This interview is designed to help you answer any questions you may have about WGU, discuss your degree program, etc.
Step 5: Complete the intake interview.
The intake interview is an important "checkpoint" to make sure we have all the correct information for you to begin. The interview includes a review of your program of interest, understanding of the WGU model, tuition and payment, and any questions you may have.
Step 6: Finish submitting prior college transcripts.
If you have previously attended college, WGU requires that you submit official transcripts from those schools. As soon as you apply, you should request to have official transcripts sent from each institution to WGU. These need to be received before you begin your program. Have them sent to: Admissions Office, WGU, 4001 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84107-2533. Or via email to admissions@wgu.edu.
Step 7: Pay the first tuition payment.
The next step is to make your first tuition payment. You will be invoiced for tuition shortly after completing your intake interview. It is normally sent via email. Tuition for your first 6-month term is due by the 25th of the month prior to beginning your program. Students using federal financial aid will need to have received their financial aid award letter and completed the financial aid process before beginning. For additional information, see the Tuition and Financial Aid section of the website.
Step 8: Begin the introductory course.
All students begin in WGU 105 - Education Without Boundaries, an online, one-month introductory course. This required course is designed to help you (a) understand WGU's competency-based programs, (b) identify your learning style, (c) gain skills in online research, (d) review time management and study skills, (e) gain practice using online communication tools such as threaded discussions and chat, and (f) connect with peers and mentors in an online community.
Step 9: Develop your Academic Action Plan.
During the introductory course you and your mentor will begin to draft your individualized Academic Action Plan (AAP). The AAP charts your path toward earning your degree. It will include timelines and benchmarks and learning opportunities. Once you have agreed upon your Academic Action Plan, you are ready to begin work on your degree.

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"I never felt alone…"
"Far from feeling alone, I was guided at each point in the process by my mentor. I never felt alone. In fact, as I compare my educational experience at WGU with the other schools I attended, I had never experienced such support."
—Kathryn Schlendorf, WGU graduate
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"I learned things that are more relevant and I learned in a manner that makes it much more transferrable to the workplace. In my undergraduate work, my professors would say, 'you'll probably only use about 35% of this in your field.' But with WGU, I'm already using 85% of it right now!"
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