Western Governors University

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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

Allnurses Nursing School Ranking: B
3 reviews

Western Governors University is a public, non-profit State Institution offering 4 year or higher degrees.

  • Accreditations: ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
  • Available Formats: Hybrid and Online options available.
  • Tuition (books/fees not included):
    • Undergraduate: $41,193 (average)
    • Graduate: $17,222

University Statistics

  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%

Contact Info

College data is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Education. For a detailed understanding of how institutions are evaluated, please review our Rankings Methodology. The displayed tuition figure represents an average cost across all nursing programs featured below.

Western Governors University Nursing Programs

  • Nurse Educator

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $20,952 In-State Tuition
  • 36 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required

  • Nurse Educator

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

  • Nurse Informatics

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $20,952 In-State Tuition
  • 36 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required

  • RN to BSN

  • Online BSN Program
  • $12,425 In-State Tuition
  • 35 Credits
  • 12 Months

  • Traditional BSN

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

Student Demographics

  • 34 Average Age
  • 43% Men
  • 57% Women
  • 2% Veterans
  • 79% White
  • 11% Hispanic
  • 10% Black
  • 3% Asian
  • 135,822 Undergraduate Students
  • 49,193 Graduate Students

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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