Graduates of WGU

MJB2010 · Jan 25, 2012

I am also curious

HIMtoRN2b · Jan 31, 2012

I was reading that a big issue with it is the GPA and how WGU assigns a 3.0 GPA for passing thus it is impossible to have anything higher than a 3.0 from WGU. Now there is that line that always says "x.xx on a 4.0 scale" that might make a difference, I don't know. At the University where I did most of my undergraduate work I know they do take WGU graduates into the NP and MSN programs (or so I've heard) but their rule is that if you have less than a 3.5 you have to take the GRE. Yuck. I'd rather pluck my own eyeballs out with a spork than take the GRE. I suppose that is going to depend on how competitive the program you're wanting to get your MSN from is. Nurses that I work with advised against WGU if the end goal is to become an NNP (neonatal NP) but if if the goal is a MSN it should be fine. I have no idea what a firm answer is though. If I had other options I would go elsewhere just so there would be no question about it being accepted everywhere, but as a working mother with young kids and a disabled spouse WGU is the best choice for me even if it limits a few options down the road, and it is important to know I am not even certain those options will really be limited.

Misskala · Sep 5, 2013

Bumping this. I did some research online and found that their passing is equivalent to a 3.0/4.0 but I am still not sure they would assign a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the completion of the degree. So if you are applying to MSN programs who want a 3.0 or better on your BSN, some even want 3.25 or better.....will the WGU BSN transcript state a 3.0/4.0?

RixMix · Sep 8, 2013

I graduated from the college of business. Let me tell you what it says right on the transcript regarding GPA.

"Grading System:

Transcripts include five possible marks:

Pass: Certifies successful completion of a course of study. The student has demonstrated the required competencies by passing the final assessment with a grade equivalent of B or better or 3.00 grade points on a 4.00 scale.

Not Passed: Indicates that a student failed to complete a course of study in the time allotted. To meet program requirements, the student generally re-enrolls for the course of study in a subsequent term.

Requirement Satisfied: Recognizes that a student has satisfied the requirements of a course of study through alternate coursework that may not be directly transferred.

Transfer: Signifies that the student has completed equivalent coursework, or holds certifications or licenses that comply with Western Governors University's transfer credit policies.

Withdrawn: Represents that the student was withdrawn from the university or course before term completion.

Western Governors University does not calculate a grade point average (GPA)."

That's what it says, bold and all. Keep in mind the bottom line though, because that's very important. When I applied for law schools, WGU was viewed as a "No GPA" school, as opposed to a 3.0. It says right in the transcript that it does not calculate a GPA. the "grade equivalent of B or better or 3.00 grade points on a 4.00 scale" text is how we petition to get into a grad school on a case by case basis when they do have 3.0+ GPA requirements.

And yes, I got accepted into many law schools with WGU's NO GPA... I just couldn't afford the tuition, so I didn't go.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 8, 2013

A recent grad just posted on the WGU facebook page that she was accepted into Gonzaga's NP program, and several others chimed in and said they were in other grad schools as well.

Misskala · Sep 8, 2013

RixMix- thanks. So the transcript does not carry a GPA. Good to know!

RixMix · Sep 8, 2013

You're welcome!

Murse901, MSN, RN · Sep 9, 2013

I thought that I had replied to this, but I guess not.

I graduated with my BSN from WGU in May. I was accepted to the University of Memphis FNP program two months before I graduated, with no issues regarding my GPA. For their program, I think that experience counts more than GPA. A colleague of mine was rejected, despite her 3.6 GPA from a well-respected brick-and-mortar nursing college, but re-applied and was accepted after she obtained 2 years of RN experience.

Misskala · Sep 9, 2013

Hmm, if GPA doesn't really matter to a masters program then WGU is not an issue.there are other masters program where GPA is a criteria for admission and also for clearing a GRE requirement. So then knowing GPA and whether they calculate it and provide it on a transcript really is important to some people. That's why I am asking.

Murse901, MSN, RN · Sep 9, 2013

My program does require a minimum 2.8 GPA and the advisors recommend a 3.2 to be competitive. But, as I mentioned, it was never an issue for me.

Hmm, if GPA doesn't really matter to a masters program then WGU is not an issue.there are other masters program where GPA is a criteria for admission and also for clearing a GRE requirement. So then knowing GPA and whether they calculate it and provide it on a transcript really is important to some people. That's why I am asking.

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Sep 15, 2013

I got accepted to a great post-MSN APN program after getting my BSN and MSN from WGU. However, my undergrad GPA is 3.9, I have years of experience in the specialty, and my resume is pretty awesome. The 3.0 GPA thing was my biggest concern about WGU, but you can make it work if the rest of your resume/academic work is above average. I really wish WGU would just stick to pass/fail, and forget the GPA thing entirely.

The night supervisor at one of my jobs got her MSN in nursing leadership from WGU.