Admissions Requirements

Hassle-free, supportive admissions

Student-Focused Admissions

WGU opens its admissions to as many students as possible who have the capacity and determination to complete a rigorous WGU competency-based degree program. The admissions process is designed to help you and the online university reach an informed decision about your likelihood of success.

For your convenience, WGU starts new groups of students in most degree programs every month. Currently, WGU programs do not require a minimum GPA (grade point average) or a specific score on either the SAT or the ACT.

General Admissions Requirements

Program-Specific Admissions Requirements

Many programs have specific admissions requirements. Click on the one of the links below to learn more about these 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

Programs Begin the First of Every Month

WGU offers degrees, not classes. Instead of semesters at which time many students begin (or continue their programs), WGU starts new students at the beginning of each month, which launches a new "term."

A "term" at WGU is six months in length. The six months that make up your term are based on when you begin your program. (For example, if you begin your program March 1st, your first term lasts from March 1st to August 31st. Your second term would begin September 1st.)

Tuition is billed at a flat rate every term. You pay for the time, not by credit hour or by course. Learn more about tuition rates and terms.

Hassle-Free Enrollment

WGU’s enrollment process is continuous, simple, and relatively straightforward. Click here for a step-by-step checklist of what to do and expect during the admissions process. Speak to an Enrollment Counselor who can guide you through the steps to applying, getting accepted, and beginning your degree program.

WGU Readiness Assessment

Since WGU does not require entrance exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT, all incoming students are expected to take the WGU Readiness Assessment. This online test helps determine your readiness for collegiate-level study in an online environment that relies heavily upon writing ability. Your Enrollment Counselor will inform you of when you’re able to take the test once you have applied for admission. Results are typically available by the next day and are relayed to you via email.

(Those entering a teacher licensure program may need to meet additional requirements. Learn about Teachers College admissions requirements.)

Sending in Transcripts

Required transcripts should be mailed directly from the sending institution to:

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

Answers to your questions
Click a question, see the answer below.

• What if English isn’t my first language?
• Will you admit students living outside the U.S.?
• What if my prior college was outside the U.S.?
• What if my prior college no longer exists?
• Do I have to pay the application fee to be admitted?

What if English isn’t my first language?

As a WGU student, you will be expected to communicate clearly in writing and during conversations with your mentor and WGU staff. If English is not your native language, you will need to submit proof of a qualifying score on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language Test (TOEFL iBT). WGU requires a qualifying score of 80 or higher. WGU’s TOEFL code is 3949. Speak to an Enrollment Counselor to get additional information. (For more information specifically on the TOEFL, visit the TOEFL website.)

Will you admit students living outside the U.S.?

At the present time, WGU is accepting applications only from individuals living in the United States and select geographical areas of Canada. (The exceptions are U.S. active-duty military personnel and their families at overseas installations and individuals living in Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.)

Unfortunately, we have discovered we cannot always guarantee that the educational experience for students living outside the United States will meet our high standards for quality and convenience. It is our expectation that these problems will be solved in future years. An Enrollment Counselor has more information about which areas are eligible to submit applications.

What if my prior college was outside the U.S.?

Applicants who have completed coursework outside of the United States must provide one copy of official transcripts or certified true copies with official English translation of all documents. Applicants are responsible for submitting transcripts that have been evaluated for U.S. equivalence. Click here for more information about international transfer credit evaluation.

What if my prior college no longer exists?

If you attended a college that no longer exists, you may be able to get transcripts from a state agency, such as a Department of Consumer Affairs or Department of Higher Education. If the college was taken over by another school, check with the current school. You can also submit any unofficial copies of transcripts or course records you may have, although we can’t promise that you will be able to waive any WGU requirements.

Do I have to pay the application fee to be admitted?

Yes. You may talk to an Enrollment Counselor without paying the application fee, but the fee must be paid before you can be admitted. The application fee helps defray our costs associated with admissions, transcript collection, enrolling students, etc. Note: It is against federal regulations to use financial aid for an application fee.