About WGU
Accredited. Respected. Recognized.What accreditation means for you.
Choosing a school that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body is absolutely crucial. Look for regional accreditation: It's the gold standard.
Accreditation gives you an indication of a university’s quality and reputation. By attending a regionally accredited university:
- You are assured of a basic level of quality in education and services.
- Your credits will transfer to most other accredited institutions.
- Your degree will be recognized and respected by other colleges and employers.
We're regionally accredited, the highest form of accreditation.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a regional accreditation body of colleges and universities in a seven-state region that includes WGU’s headquarters of Utah. NWCCU provides the accreditation of many other major institutions, including the University of Washington, University of Oregon, Gonzaga University, University of Utah, and Brigham Young University, to name a few.
WGU also has the distinction of being the only university to have received regional accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions at the same time. In part because of our founding by 19 state governors, who represent a wide geographic region of the United States, in 2002 WGU was simultaneously reviewed by a special committee—the Inter-Regional Accrediting Committee—comprising representatives from four regional accrediting commissions.
Recognized for excellence in distance learning.
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) has recognized WGU seven times for our leadership in distance learning. In addition, USDLA has recognized four individual WGU leaders with its Outstanding Leadership by an Individual in the Field of Distance Learning Award.
"WGU has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by their contributions within all distance learning constituencies," said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA.
NCATE-accredited and an NCTQ top 1% teaching program.
NCATE accreditation: The WGU Teachers College is the first exclusively online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is now known as CAEP. The NCATE accrediting team extensively reviewed the entire WGU Teachers College curriculum to ensure that "candidates have the knowledge and skills to be effective in helping all students learn."
NCTQ recognitions: The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) in 2017 placed WGU's Teachers College in the top 1% nationwide for the quality of its secondary teacher-preparation programs. This follows several other NCTQ recognitions for WGU, including:
- the nation's #1 best value for teacher education in 2015, and
- the only online university on the NCTQ Honor Roll in 2014.
STEM leadership: In 2014, WGU was named a partner in 100Kin10, a multi-sector network addressing the national imperative to train 100,000 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers by 2021. Organizations are accepted as 100Kin10 partners following a rigorous vetting process conducted by a team of partner reviewers and the University of Chicago.
Healthcare programs have earned special accreditations and praise.
CCNE accreditation: The bachelor's and master's nursing degree programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, 202-887-6791).
NLN recognition: WGU was named an Center of Excellence™ in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing (NLN) for 2015–2019 for creating environments that enhance student learning and professional development. This prestigious award has only been given to 45 colleges and universities nationwide and is a result of a rigorous review process by an external team who examined WGU’s nursing programs and outcomes before extending the recognition through 2019.
CAHIIM accreditation: WGU's B.S. Health Information Management degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informations and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
Best Value School four years running = better ROI.
For business students wanting the best return on their investment, look no further. "A repeat Best Value School Designee, every adult considering enrolling in an online degree program should take a close look at Western Governors University, one of the most innovative school's we've seen. Two things stand out, besides the very reasonable cost, and they are: competency-based learning and the overwhelmingly positive reviews this school receives from its students and graduates," University Research & Review writes in awarding WGU its exclusive Best Value School recognition. "This is a school for those who are focused on attaining a respected credential and are willing to dive in and go get it."
Microsoft IT Academy Member and winner of several IT awards.
Microsoft IT Academy: As a Microsoft IT Academy program member, WGU is able to offer students a world-class technology curriculum and courseware provided by Microsoft—with the cost of certification exams included in WGU's tuition. By incorporating up to 18 of the latest industry-recognized certifications (such as CIW, CCNA, MCSA, OCP, and CompTIA), our IT degree programs offer students the benefit of an education that provides the credentials necessary to get ahead.
CODiE Award: The Software & Information Industry Association awarded WGU the 2016 CODiE Award for Best Learning Relationship Management Solution for its Business of IT – Project Management course, a course completed by students in most WGU IT programs. The course was created in partnership with interactive course provider uCertify.
Frequently asked questions about accreditation.
Should I care about accreditation?
Absolutely. Accreditation by a regional commission that's recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is important. It's your proof that outside evaluators have carefully reviewed an institution's programs and policies. Most businesses, school districts, and other organizations prefer to hire graduates of programs that are regionally accredited. Regional accreditation also allows you to transfer more easily to other universities and assures employers that you've earned a credible, respected degree.
Why is WGU's regional accreditation important?
Regional accreditation means that WGU’s competency-based programs meet the same educational standards for performance, integrity, and quality as those found at other more traditional universities, from large state schools to Ivy League universities. Regional accreditation bodies—in WGU’s case, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)—are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the authorities on educational quality and the effectiveness of institutions in their geographic areas. WGU’s accreditation comes from NWCCU because its region includes WGU’s headquarters state of Utah.
