WGU Says "No Tuition Increase" for
Second Year in a Row
Western Governors University, the non-profit online university,
bucks national trend with lower tuition and no increase
SALT LAKE CITY -- Going against the national tide again, Western Governors University (www.wgu.edu) has decided it
will not increase tuition for the second year in a row. By contrast, most colleges and universities are typically raising tuition
5 to 10 percent and have done so the past several years, often at twice the rate of inflation.
In this era of escalating college costs, WGU is already a low-cost online higher education provider. The current tuition
rate is $2,790 per six-month term, with some graduate programs slightly higher at $3,250 per six-month term. WGU's tuition
remains attractive compared to the national average of $22,218 per year for private colleges and $5,836 per year for public
four-year colleges. (College Board, Fall 2006 data; Fall 2007 is not yet available). Tuition at the for-profit online universities
is also high, with the typical cost in the range of $300-500 per credit hour. Thus, the total cost of a 120-hour undergraduate
degree at for-profit universities can reach $40,000 to $60,000.
WGU is a non-profit, private online institution. WGU was created by 19 U.S. governors over 10 years ago to expand access
to higher education, but it does not receive state funding.
Using a different model, WGU has increased productivity and has held costs down. The model allows for more focus on
the student learning experience, not on other extraneous concerns. The university uses high-quality, existing learning
resources, and provides mentors who counsel and guide students. There is a university-wide commitment to student
retention and graduation rates. WGU also does not maintain a costly brick-and-mortar campus, athletic programs, or dorms.
Keeping tuition low helps expand access to college
WGU Vice President Patrick Partridge says, "One of the great promises of online education is its potential to expand
access to higher education for more individuals, especially working adults. However, to expand access it's also
critical to keep tuition affordable. WGU focuses on improved productivity through its student-centered competency-based
academic model. WGU is in a financially sound position because of this commitment. Eventually we will have to
raise tuition to adjust for inflation, but we're very proud that our students have benefited for two years without a tuition increase."
Western Governors University is unusual as a non-profit, private online university in a field crowded with for-profit schools.
"Online education has been dominated by for-profit institutions," notes Partridge. "They have shareholders who want a
return on their investment. WGU doesn't have that same pressure, which is another reason our tuition rates are lower
without compromising quality."
WGU has grown into one of the larger online universities and now serves over 9,000 students in four degree areas:
Education, Business, Information Technology, and Health Professions. Bachelor's, master's, and post-baccalaureate
programs are offered. The average age of a WGU student is 37 years old. Approximately 70 percent of the student body is a
member of at least one of four underserved populations: rural, ethnic minority, first-generation college, or low income.
WGU serves students in all 50 states.
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