Enrollment Checklist

Admissions

Checklist for Enrollment into a WGU Degree Program

This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process of applying, getting admitted, and beginning your WGU program. Click here for a printer-friendly version of the enrollment checklist.

Step 1: Complete the online application and pay the application fee.

The first step is to complete and submit the online application form. Be sure to identify your program of interest, as your program choice must be declared before an Intake Interview can be completed. Note: You are required to meet the admissions requirements for the WGU program you select. WGU does not have application deadlines, so you can apply at any time. Click here to begin the application form.

You will have to pay a non-refundable $65 application fee. You can pay online on the application form by submitting your credit card information (the site is secure), by mailing a check or money order to WGU, or by phoning in your credit card information to the Bursar’s Office toll-free at 1-877-435-7948. Checks and money orders should be made out to Western Governors University. (All returned checks will be assessed a service charge of $25 for insufficient funds. Service charge is due within 14 days of notice of nonpayment.)

NOTE: WGU does not “profit” from application fees, as they help offset only a small portion of enrollment and admissions costs.

Step 2: Complete any required admissions assessments.

After applying, you may be required to take and pass admissions tests or other assessments for the program you have selected. Either the Admissions Department or your Enrollment Counselor will enroll you in the appropriate test(s). Click on the links to see program-specific admissions requirements:

Teachers College admissions requirements
College of Business admissions requirements
College of Information Technology admissions requirements
College of Health Professions admissions requirements

Step 3: Interview with an Enrollment Counselor

If you have not already done so, it’s important that you interview with a WGU Enrollment Counselor whose role is to answer your questions, explain the requirements and expectations of a rigorous WGU degree program, discuss your prior academic background, and help you determine if WGU is a good “fit” for your academic goals and your level of determination and time available for study.

Step 4: Submit prior college transcripts.

If you have previously attended college, WGU requires that you submit official transcripts from those schools. As soon as you apply, you should request to have official transcripts sent from each institution to WGU. Transcripts should be received by WGU by the 1st of the month prior to your intended start date. Have them sent by email to transcriptinfo@wgu.edu or by mail to:

Western Governors University
ATTN: Transcripts Department
4001 South 700 East, Suite 700
Salt Lake City, UT 84107-2533

Step 5: Admission decision.

Your paid application will be processed after you have met the general admission requirements, including the WGU Collegiate Readiness Assessment, and any program-specific requirements. Once completed, WGU will contact you regarding your status, typically within a few days. If you are accepted, you will be asked to complete an Intake Interview (see step 7 below). If you are not admitted, we will let you know what you can do to improve your chances of admission in the future should you wish to reapply.

Step 6: Apply for financial aid (if you plan to use it).

If you intend to use federal financial aid to cover your tuition expenses, you will need to complete WGU’s financial aid application process and be certified as eligible to receive aid no later than the 22nd of the month prior to your intended start date. Click here to learn more about financial aid.

Step 7: Complete your Intake Interview.

The Intake Interview is an important “checkpoint” to make sure we have all the correct information for you to begin. The interview includes a review of your program of interest, understanding of WGU’s competency-based approach to education, tuition and payment options, and any questions you may have. (Note: This needs to be completed by the 15th of the month prior to your intended start date.)

Step 8: Complete the Commitment to Success Document

The Commitment to Success document will be emailed to you by your enrollment counselor after your Intake Interview. This document ensures that you understand key aspects of the WGU educational experience, important requirements and limitations, and the expectations for you as a student. You must submit the Commitment to Success document by the 22nd of the month prior to your intended start date.

Step 9: Make tuition payment arrangements.

You will be invoiced for tuition shortly after completing your Intake Interview. It is normally sent to you via email. Tuition for your first 6-month term is due by the 22nd of the month prior to beginning your program. If you are not planning to use financial aid to meet your obligations, you may use a two-payment plan. For additional information, see the Tuition and Financial Aid section of the website.

Step 10: Begin Education Without Boundaries.

All new students begin in WGU’s introductory course, Education Without Boundaries. This course is designed to help you (a) understand WGU’s competency-based approach to education, (b) identify your learning style, (c) gain skills in online research, (d) review time management and study skills, (e) gain practice using online communication tools such as threaded discussions and chat, and (f) connect with peers and mentors online.

Step 11: Begin your personalized WGU experience.

During EWB, you will begin working with your mentor to draft your individualized Degree Plan. This plan charts your path toward earning your degree. It will include timelines, benchmarks, and learning opportunities.

Click here to learn more about your WGU experience.