Tuition and Fees

Tuition that’s affordable

WGU charges tuition at a flat rate every term.

A WGU term is six months in length and can begin on the first of any month. Unlike other schools, you aren’t charged per course or per credit.

Tuition Rates and Fees:

As of September 1, 2012

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

Special Fees:

(apply to select programs)

• Science Lab Fee: $350 (one time)
  Individuals pursuing either of the science bachelor’s degrees or science master’s degrees that require a home science lab will be assessed this one-time charge (billed separately along with the first term’s tuition).
• Consolidated Nursing Program Fee: $350 (one time)
  Individuals pursuing a nursing degree will be assessed a one-time charge (billed separately along with the first term's tuition). This one-time fee covers any and all extraneous expenses related to nursing coursework. These can include lab work, third-party exams, and select learning resources.
• Demonstration Teaching (standard): $1,000
  Individuals in a Teachers College program that includes student teaching must pay a $100 application fee, plus a $900 demonstration teaching fee prior to their in-classroom teaching practicum.
• Educational Leadership Practicum: $1,000 (one time)
  Individuals pursuing the M.S. in Educational Leadership will be assessed this one-time fee in their last term as they complete their practicum experience.

How Tuition Works

WGU treats all students as "full-time" and charges tuition at a flat rate regardless of the number of competency units (credit equivalents) attempted or completed by the student. The "standard term" is based upon a full-time enrollment of at least 12 competency units for undergraduate (bachelor’s) students and 8 competency units for graduate (master’s) students. Students who complete more or fewer units are charged the same tuition rates (see above).

Tuition covers:

• All coursework attempted and completed, as well as learning resources, including many electronic textbooks (e-texts) but excluding printed textbooks, which are scheduled in the student’s personalized Degree Plan.
• All assessments (subject to guidelines for individual assessments and the number of "re-takes" allowed).
• Ongoing advising from a dedicated mentor.

Note: Tuition does not cover the cost of textbooks or select other materials required for courses.

When and How to Pay Tuition

For students who plan to pay for tuition themselves (self pay), payments or payment arrangements must be completed and received by the Bursar’s Office by:

• New students for first term tuition: 22nd day of the month prior to program start date.
• Renewal term tuition: 1st day of the new term.
• Two-Payment Plan: Must be arranged and confirmed by the Bursar’s office. First payment consists of a minimum of 1/2 of program tuition; plus resource fee; plus any special program fees such as lab fees or nursing program fees and/or scholarships; plus entire $55 convenience fee; less any WGU confirmed discounts. The second installment is due by the 1st day of the 4th month of the term. A signed installment agreement is required each new term. The payment plan convenience fee is due each term where a payment plan is chosen. Payment plan fee and special fees are always due at beginning of term with the first payment.

Note: The two payment plan can only be used by self-paying students.

Paying with Financial Aid

If you wish to use federal financial aid to cover your tuition obligations, it is your responsibility to apply for financial aid and submit all forms required by the Financial Aid Office and to be aware of the following deadlines for submission:

• Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Application Process for first-term financial aid students must be completed no later than the 22nd of the month prior to program start date.
• Renewal term financial aid students: The process must be completed by the 30th day of the term.

To learn more about the financial aid process, visit the Financial Aid section.

Payment Methods

WGU accepts cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) at no additional cost to the student through the online "Make a Payment" link in the student portal. WGU does not accept post-dated checks. WGU will not hold any check for deposit past the date of the receipt of the check. WGU will not be responsible for any bank fees associated with the deposit of said check.

WGU Financial Policy

Please read all about WGU’s Financial Policy

Consumer Information Guide

All institutions participating in federal financial student aid programs are required to notify enrolled and prospective students and current and prospective employees regarding available consumer information. This document provides access to required consumer information.

WGU Consumer Information Guide

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

• When do new terms begin?
• Is tuition refundable if I withdraw?

When do new terms begin?

New terms begin on roughly the first day of every month (some exceptions apply) for most programs. After you have applied and been accepted for admission, you must complete an Intake Interview—generally by the 15^th of the month prior to when you plan to start. You’ll also be required to make arrangements to pay your first term’s tuition (either self-pay or through financial aid) by the 22^nd of the month prior to when you plan to start. An Enrollment Counselor can help you complete the admission process.

Is tuition refundable if I withdraw?

The application fee and resource fee are not refundable. Students who withdraw from WGU or stop progress through the 60-percent (60%) point of a six-month term of enrollment for which tuition is assessed will receive a prorated tuition refund. After that point, there is no provision for a refund.