An online university that won't rest until you succeed.
Affordable Tuition
Graduate with less student debt—or none at all1.
By going faster, you save even more.
Student Obsessed
Personalized, one-on-one faculty support.
Online university education to fit modern life.
Unmatched Results
97% employer satisfaction with WGU grads2.
A degree that can pay for itself faster3.
WGU Student Emergency Aid Fund
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, some WGU students are struggling to pay for their basic needs, like housing and food. Our students are our top priority, and we want to ensure that they are getting everything they need to succeed. We are doing everything we can to help students currently facing financial hardship, and want to invite you to join with us. If you have anything to spare, please donate to the WGU Student Emergency Aid Fund. All of the money goes directly toward helping WGU students who are financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accredited. Recognized. Respected.
“I’m impressed by the results in places like Western Governors University. Its low-cost online programs rely on competency-based progression, not class time or credit hours.”
—Bill Gates, Microsoft Founder
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities first accredited WGU in 2003 and reaffirmed our accreditation in 2016, noting WGU's “institution-wide focus on helping students succeed.”
University Research & Review has named WGU a Best Value School seven years running, saying: “Every adult considering enrolling in an online degree program should take a close look at WGU, one of the most innovative schools we’ve seen.”
WGU's Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
The teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.
The bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791).
WGU's College of Business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a leading specialized accreditation association for business education worldwide.
Believe in yourself.
“I would say as a non-traditional student, you’ve got to find your small victories, and you’ve got to just really believe in your purpose. You work for your purpose, your purpose always works for you.”
Country music singer/songwriter Angie Keilhauer earned her bachelor's degree in marketing management at WGU and learned to manage her own brand.
WGU Frequently Asked Questions.
Is this program truly "at your own pace"?
WGU offers flexible pacing, meaning you can move through courses at a pace that meets your learning style and knowledge level. Students can go as fast as they can but not as slowly. Students are required to complete a minimum number of competency units per term to meet on-time progress. However, if you choose to study at 3 am daily, that we can accommodate.
Do all my existing credits transfer to WGU?
WGU has a generous transfer policy. Our transcripts department can accept official copies of transcripts from your previous educational institutions for a course-by-course evaluation that compares the context of your courses to those in our programs, to tell you what is comparable and transferable.
How quickly can you finish the program?
Your personal progress will be determined by the extent of your transfer units, your time commitment, and your determination to proceed at a faster rate. Traditionally, without an associate’s degree or equivalent, it will take 2 to 2.5 years. Master's degree programs are designed to be completed within 2 years. However, we work on a competency-based model, which gives you credit for passing assessments and proving you can perform a task or understand a course of study proficiently.
Can you skip ahead if you get done early?
Yes! If you are able to complete the minimum requirement before your term is over, you can add more courses, with no tuition increase.
Does WGU offer financial aid?
WGU is approved to offer federal student aid. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.
Is WGU accredited?
Yes! WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the highest form of accreditation.
How do WGU courses compare to classes in traditional schools?
WGU offers competency-based education. Competency-based learning means our online degrees are based on real-world competencies as opposed to seat time or credit hours. Our focus in on ensuring you possess the skills and knowledge you need to be successful, not whether you’ve attended class or not. If you already have knowledge in an area a course covers, you’ll be able to draw upon this experience to complete assessments faster, ultimately saving you both time and money.
Does WGU offer job placement?
WGU students and alumni have access to career services which include professional development, career exploration, and career planning. WGU also has partner employers who share full-time, part-time, and paid internship opportunities.
Four online colleges. 60+ flexible degree programs. One highly respected national university.
Our commitment to your success starts with our focus on four high-demand fields: K–12 teaching and education, nursing and healthcare, information technology, and business. Every degree program at WGU is designed to fit a high-growth, highly rewarding career path. Which college fits you?
What degrees does WGU have to offer? View all our online college degree programs.
Next Start Date
Aug 1
Start the 1st of any month—as soon as you complete enrollment!
Apply FREE this weekOur online university degree programs start on the first of every month, all year long.
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
¹ Since the launch of WGU's Responsible Borrowing Initiative in 2013, average borrowing per WGU student has decreased significantly. In fact, 42% of WGU undergraduate alumni complete their degrees without taking out student loans. Students at WGU graduate with less than half the debt ($14,941) of the national average ($29,900).
2 In a 2019 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers of WGU graduates, 97% said their WGU grads meet or exceed expectations.
3 WGU graduates, on average, increase their annual income by $11,800 within two years of graduation. With an average cost of $16,500 for a bachelor's degree, the average return on investment for a WGU degree is less than three years. Source: 2019 Harris Poll survey.