Innovating for the Individual: Introducing the 2023 WGU Annual Report
At Western Governors University, we believe higher education should be driven by a higher purpose—real student outcomes. Providing students with pathways to opportunity has been our mission and the focus of our innovative approach to higher education since day one. Our hardworking learners come from all walks of life, and they drive everything we do.
The 2023 WGU Annual Report tells the story of our continued focus on individual students.
Key Report Highlights
- More degrees for more students. As of the end of 2023, we’ve awarded 352,368 degrees. That’s an increase of 223,561 since 2018 for a 5-year compound annual growth rate of 22%. In 2023 alone, 46,895 students (more than twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) graduated from WGU. We’re making higher education accessible at scale.
- Built for non-traditional students. In 2023, 79% of WGU students worked while enrolled and 42% were married. The median age was 33. We’re built for non-traditional students.
- Serving the underserved. Everyone deserves equal opportunity. At WGU, we’re working daily to remove barriers to education access and attainment through an online competency-based model. In 2023, 74% of our students came from one or more underserved populations, 43% were first-generation college students, 21% came from low-income households, 33% identified as a historically underrepresented race or ethnicity, and 17% lived in rural areas. Our hardworking students come from everywhere and they’re poised to make an impact within their families and communities.
- Boosting income. Students need degrees that provide them with the skills to improve their livelihood. Our grads report an average income increase of $22,200 within just two years of graduation.
- Focusing on learners. By embracing a learner-centered framework, we provide a personalized experience for every student. Each person who pursues a degree at WGU is supported by an assigned Program Mentor and Course Instructors who connect with them regularly to ensure success. We honor students’ investment, personalize to their needs, focus on their learning, and cultivate their connections.
- WGU degrees pay for themselves, and then some. Students see a 26x return on their education investment at WGU over the span of their careers. Learn more about Factored Graduate Return (FGR).
- WGU students spend less time and money. On average, WGU students earn their bachelor’s degree in about two and a half years. They spend an average of $8,000 annually on tuition and fees compared to over $12,000 nationally, and they earn a bachelor’s degree for around $20,000. WGU students also graduate with about half the debt of the national average ($15,557 compared to $29,100 nationally).
What’s Next?
We’re paving pathways to opportunity. Come join the movement.
- Become an employee partner
- Find a degree program
- Learn about state-based outreach
