Our Success Is Measured in Our Students' Success
Our mission is to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity. As such, we measure our own success in the lives of those we endeavour to serve. Our measurements are focused on expanding access to underserved individuals, creating excellent learning experiences, and helping students graduate with less debt and higher earnings.
A Diverse Student Body of 186,003 Individuals
Current student population.
WGU has a diverse student body living in all 50 states—and on U.S. military bases around the world. Current student totals as of November 30th, 2024.
A Global Network of 359,098 Graduates
Alumni population.
WGU's alumni network is made up of accomplished professionals in all 50 states—and around the world. Current count of alumni as of November 30th, 2024.
To find out what is being done to close the digital divide in your state, reach out to our Government Relations representatives.
To find out what is being done to close the digital divide in your state, reach out to our Government Relations representatives.
Gallup and WGU
Because WGU believes its success is measured by its graduates’ success, we partner with Gallup to conduct research into students' experiences at WGU and beyond.
Outstanding Performance in the National Study of Student Engagement (NSSE)
This survey is conducted annually and asks undergraduate students about the quality and characteristics of their higher education experience. The 2023 survey collected responses from 354,067 students from 541 institutions—473 in the U.S. and 63 in Canada.
In a pandemic year that forced the WGU and its students to continue to adapt to new ways of doing things, those who participated in the survey expressed a high level of satisfaction with the university’s efforts to support them while providing a relevant and affordable education—in many areas, far outpacing the national average.
76% of WGU student rated the quality of their interactions with faculty a 6 & 7 on a 7-point scale. That's 25 percentage points higher than the national average.
"How would you evaluate your entire educational experience at this institution?" 93% of WGU students said it was "good" and "excellent"—compared to the national average of 81%.
78% of WGU students said their experience has contributed "quite a bit" and "very much" to their knowledge and skills—compared to the national average of 54%.
96% of WGU students said they would definitely choose WGU if they were to start again. That 14 points higher than the national average!
WGU surveys every WGU student at graduation. Read their stories of inspiration and success.
Strong Salary Outcomes
WGU graduates are happy with their education:
- 95% of WGU graduates reported that they would recommend WGU to others, compared with 84% nationally.
- 81% of WGU graduates were satisfied with their overall experience, compared with 78% nationally.
Source: 2023 Harris Poll survey of 1,655 WGU graduates and 1,443 non-WGU graduates.
Impressive average salary increases:
- WGU graduates reported an average increase on income of $22,200 within two years of graduation, compared with salary pre-enrollment.
- Four years after graduation, the average increase was $30,300.
Source: 2023 Harris Poll survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
High-Performing Alumni = Happy Employers
WGU graduates boast degrees that prepare them to succeed in their careers. The data below proves it.:
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
WGU Graduates Hold Positions with Top Employers
We're Institutionally Accredited, the Highest Form of Accreditation
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a institutional accreditation body of colleges and universities in a seven-state region that includes WGU’s headquarters in Utah. NWCCU provides the accreditation of many other major institutions, including the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, Gonzaga University, the University of Utah, and Brigham Young University, to name a few.
WGU also has the distinction of being the only university to have received institutional accreditation from four institutional accrediting commissions at the same time. In part because of our founding by 19 state governors, who represent a wide geographic region of the United States, in 2002 WGU was simultaneously reviewed by a special committee—the Inter-Regional Accrediting Committee—comprising representatives from four institutional accrediting commissions.
Best Value School Year After Year = Better ROI
"A repeat Best Value School Designee, every adult considering enrolling in an online degree program should take a close look at Western Governors University, one of the most innovative school's we've seen. Two things stand out, besides the very reasonable cost, and they are: competency-based learning and the overwhelmingly positive reviews this school receives from its students and graduates," University Research & Review writes in awarding WGU its exclusive Best Value School recognition. "This is a school for those who are focused on attaining a respected credential and are willing to dive in and go get it."
Recognized for Excellence in Distance Learning
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) has recognized WGU 10 times for our leadership in distance learning. In addition, the university’s Take a Break program received the USDLA’s Non-Profit Innovation Award in 2019 for its unique ability to combine a high level of student service with assessment security and integrity. USDLA has previously recognized four individual WGU leaders with its Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning Award.
"WGU has raised the bar of excellence again, and we are truly honored by their contributions within our industry," said Dr. Reggie Smith III, CEO / Executive Director of USDLA. "Western Governors University continues to amaze us each year."
Awarded for Outstanding Performance
WGU received the 2018 CIQG Quality Award from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation/International Quality Group. The international organization recognized WGU for its "outstanding performance of higher education in meeting the CIQG International Quality Principles," noting that "the university, which uses a competency-based learning model with students working online, monitors its performance in key areas and works for continuous improvements and adjustments to improve the quality of students' educational experience."
