Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Western Governors University is a private institution in Salt Lake City, Utah with 135,822 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $8,300 compared with a Utah nursing-school average of $10,937. The school reports a graduation rate of 50.9%, median earnings of $60,615, and median federal debt of $11,116.
$8,300 is lower than the state average of $10,937.
50.9% is lower than the state average of 59.9%.
$60,615 is higher than the state average of $41,022.
About Western Governors University
| Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.wgu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $8,300 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,300 |
| Total Enrollment | 135,822 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A |
| Graduation Rate | 50.9% |
| Retention Rate | 61.5% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $60,615 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,116 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $117 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 34.9% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 42.6% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.2 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
34.9% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 42.6% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Western Governors University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $33,200, while the reported median debt is $11,116 with an estimated monthly payment of $117. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (55.3%), followed by Hispanic students (15.3%) and Black students (13.3%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($60,615) divided by median debt ($11,116)