Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) stands out as a pioneer in online education. Established by a coalition of 19 U.S. governors in 1997, WGU places the student at the center of its mission. WGU caters to individuals juggling work, family, and various commitments by offering flexible, accredited programs that can be completed entirely online.

Discover Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah

Visit Western Governors University
School Ranking: B+
3 reviews

Western Governors University is a 4 year or higher State Institution. It is a public and non-profit institution. The institution offers a variety of hybrid, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Western Governors University admits 70% of applicants and graduates 54% of its students.

Contact Info

Quick Overview

  • $40,305 Undergraduate Tuition
  • $20,688 Graduate Tuition
  • Master's College & University: Larger Programs
  • 112,807 Undergraduate Enrolled
    *Certificate and degree-seeking students
  • 44,128 Graduate Students Enrolled
  • 70% Acceptance Rate
  • 54% Graduation Rate

Student Demographics

  • 34 Average Age
  • 40% Men
  • 60% Women
  • 2% Veterans
  • 79% White
  • 11% Hispanic
  • 10% Black
  • 3% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • Clinical Nurse Leader CNL

  • Online MSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $10,464 In-State Tuition
  • 24 Credits
  • 12 Months
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Family Nurse Practitioner FNP

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $34,250 In-State Tuition
  • 50 Credits
  • 36 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 650 Clincal Hours
  • 4.2 Program Score

  • Family Nurse Practitioner FNP

  • Online MSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $14,091 In-State Tuition
  • 33 Credits
  • 12 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Nurse Educator

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $20,160 In-State Tuition
  • 36 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Nurse Educator

  • Online MSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $10,480 In-State Tuition
  • 16 Credits
  • 12 Months
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Nurse Informatics

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $20,160 In-State Tuition
  • 36 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • RN to BSN

  • Online BSN Program
  • $10,650 In-State Tuition
  • 30 Credits
  • 12 Months
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Traditional BSN

  • Hybrid BSN Program
  • $69,960 In-State Tuition
  • 120 Credits
  • 48 Months
  • 4.4 Program Score

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997, the focus of Western Governors University (WGU) is on the student.

The student who holds down a job, has a family, and other numerous obligations can find what they need at WGU.  Western Governors University offers programs for the adult student with responsibilities to be able to complete, solely online. Programs are competency-based for students to become experts in their field. All programs through Western Governors University are accredited.

The Competency-Based Approach

At Western Governors University the student is taught through online and competency-based learning.

There are no traditional classrooms.  You already know the concept because of your prior education and experience and can complete your assessments easier because you have control over your own education.

Online Classroom with Intense Clinical

Competency through Western Governors University is based on online learning and intensive clinical rotations to solidify your learning. Clinicals are conducted through simulations in the Clinical Simulation Learning Lab.

Innovative Learning Through Clinical Education

State of the art simulations include virtual reality and high fidelity simulations to develop and enhance clinical skills.  The student will rotate through agency-based clinical sites throughout the hospitals and other clinical facilities.

Each student will be assigned an experienced Staff Nurse who will serve as a clinical coach.  This highly skilled and knowledgeable clinical nurse will mentor, supervise and support the student during their clinical site rotation. 

There will be requirements throughout the course to complete multiple clinical rotations each year, both in-hospital and community-based.  Some programs have a minimum requirement which includes at least 90 hours of clinical experience in a university-approved and qualified community health setting.

WGU Awarded Center of Excellence

Western Governors University was recognized and named a Center of Excellence™ in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing (NLN) for the years 2015-2019.  This distinguished award was given for creating environments that enhance the nursing student's learning and professional development.

After a very stringent and detailed external review, Western Governors University was one of only 45 colleges to receive the award nationwide, extending their recognition until 2019.

Come take a look and you will find that Western Governors University (WGU) is a wise investment for your nursing future.

NCLEX Pass Rates

  • California: 97.22% (2018)
  • Florida: 75% (2018)
  • Indiana: 84.6% (2017)
  • Texas: 89.80% (2018)
  • Utah: 100% (2017)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WGU accredited?

Yes, the BSN and MSN nursing programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Further, Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

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lelliott2

   5 of 5 members found this review helpful 5 / 5 members

If you are self-motivated, this is the program for you. I excelled with this type of independent learning. Competency-based education vs time in a seat is the future. Highly recommended. 

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ceceblyn1977

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

I finished the Online RN to BSN Program in ~6 months. I would choose this school again if given the chance.

How would you rate the following?

  • Quality of Teachers: Excellent
  • Overall Education Experience: Excellent
  • Costs vs Education Offered: Excellent
  • Balance of Classes Offered (online, off-line, campus): Excellent
  • Facilities and Resources (including simulation lab, if applicable): Excellent
  • Clinical Placement: Excellent

Note: this review was collected as part of the allnurses 2023 nursing career and schools survey. As such, students and alumni rated their nursing schools on certain criteria, with a score ranging from Poor (1 star) to Excellent (5 stars).

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Cbernier

   1 of 1 member found this review helpful 1 / 1 member

I absolutely LOVE WGU! I obtained both my BSN and MSN. It helped me develop critical thinking skills and time management. Yes, you have 6 months to complete the term, but the idea of saving $ motivates you. The course instructors are ALWASY available, appointment times are numerous and what I like (and hate) most of all, is they really teach you APA, unlike most universities. They give you the foundation for research and being able to start writing your own articles for publication. People shy away because it is a pass and fail system, but I never believe in a grading system really. It taps into your knowledge instead of memorizing and regurgitating the material for a test then forgetting it afterwards. Look into it, you glad you did. 

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