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TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID

School of Education Tuition & Fees

Surprisingly Affordable: More Degree—Less Debt

At WGU, tuition is charged at a low flat rate each term and covers all coursework completed in that time. The more courses you complete each term, the more affordable your degree becomes.

Each WGU term is six months long, and during that time, you can complete as many courses as you're able. Unlike other schools, you aren't charged per course or per credit, so if you earn your degree ahead of schedule, you save both time and money.

School of Education Programs: Costs per 6-Month Term

NOTE: Effective for terms beginning on or after September 1, 2024

All Undergraduate School of Education Programs

Tuition

$3,825

E-Books & Resources Fee

$200

Tuition

$3,825

E-Books & Resources Fee

$200

All Graduate School of Education Programs

Tuition

$4,125

E-Books & Resources Fee

$200

Tuition

$4,125

E-Books & Resources Fee

$200

“For a mom on a teacher's salary, WGU's low flat-rate tuition was crazy good—about half the cost of other online universities.”

—Hilary Tinnesand-Darnold
M.A. Mathematics Education

Tuition Comparison— How WGU Flat Rate Tuition Compares

Remember, WGU charges tuition at a flat rate every six months, not per credit hour. If you can finish your program faster, you'll save money.

M.S. Educational Leadership (or equivalent)

Compare tuition prices from universities similar to WGU. Other fees may apply, and fees will vary based on degree program and institution. These calculations are made based on 2-year degree programs, with prices listed on an institution's website.

Western Governors University

$16,500

Grand Canyon University

$17,700

University of Phoenix

$20,520

Southern New Hampshire University

$22,932

Walden University

$23,700

Western Governors University

$16,500

Grand Canyon University

$17,700

University of Phoenix

$20,520

Southern New Hampshire University

$22,932

Walden University

$23,700

Scholarships are Available

Through the generosity of numerous corporations and foundations, WGU offers a number of scholarships that are available to qualified students.

WGU’s Pricing Structure

Most universities charge tuition by credit hour—if you take more courses, you pay more money—but not WGU. We offer flat-rate tuition. That means that whether you complete 8 courses in a term or 20, your tuition won’t change. Our pricing structure boasts: 

  1. Flat-rate tuition. Tuition is paid by six-month term, not by credit. You pay one low price for as many courses you complete in a term toward a single degree program.
  2. Better savings. Our programs are competency-based. That means you can complete most courses as fast as you master the material. The more courses you finish in a term, the more money you can save.
  3. Low overhead. Because WGU was designed without classrooms, quads, or sports arenas, we are able to keep our operation costs low. We pass that savings directly to our students. We pay less, so you do too.

Cost of Attendance

Download the complete lists of Cost of Attendance (COA).

Satisfying your tuition obligations

The majority of WGU students are independent adults supporting themselves and their families, and federal financial aid makes it possible for them to complete their degrees. There are different types of financial aid for which you may be eligible.

Western Governors University's FAFSA Code: 033394

  • Pell Grants: These need-based grants are awarded to students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
  • Supplemental Educational Opportunity (SEOG) Grants: These need-based grants are available for students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree and demonstrate exceptional financial need when filing the FAFSA.
  • Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants: Students who qualify for the TEACH Grant must agree to teach in a low-income, high-need school after graduation.

  • Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized): The interest on these need-based loans is paid by the federal government while you are enrolled in school at least half time or during deferment periods.
  • Federal Direct Loans (Unsubsidized): These loans are available to most WGU students. You are responsible for the interest from the day you borrow the money until you repay the loan.

For students who plan to pay for tuition without government assistance, payments or payment arrangements must be completed on or before:

The 22nd day of the month prior to program start date for new students paying first-term tuition.

The first day of the new term for second and subsequent terms.

WGU's degree programs are approved for Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill®.

Read more about support for service members.

WGU's degree programs are approved for Tuition Assistance for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members.

Read more about tuition assistance for military students.

Many corporations and organizations offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement to their employees.

Read more about tuition reimbursement.

Have more questions?

Tuition and Financial Aid Deadlines

All Students

First term:
Payment or payment arrangements must be completed on or before the first day of the new term. 

Subsequent terms:
Payment or payment arrangements must be completed on or before the 22nd of the month prior to the first day of the new term.

Students Using Financial Aid

First term:
Complete the Financial Aid application process no later than the 22nd of the month prior to program start date.

Subsequent terms:
Payment or payment arrangements must be completed on or before the 22nd of the month prior to the first day of the new term.

Self-pay Students

First term:
Payment or payment arrangements must be completed on or before the 22nd of the month prior to program start date. 

Subsequent terms:
Payment or payment arrangements must be completed by the first day of the new term.

Common Questions about Tuition and Financial Aid

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 in a six-month term. The "standard term" is based on attempting at least 12 competency units per term for undergraduate students and 8 competency units per term for graduate students. Students who attempt more or fewer units are charged the same tuition rates.

  • All e-textbooks and course materials, with 24/7 access via the WGU student portal, your online "campus."
  • Course assessments (subject to guidelines for individual assessments and the number of "re-takes" allowed).
  • Continuous one-to-one faculty support.

WGU accepts cash, checks, and web checks/EFT at no additional cost to the student. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) are also accepted, but a 2.85% credit card fee applies. Students may make payments through the “Make or View Payments” link in the online 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.

More Information

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 about one week before 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) prior to your intended start date. An Enrollment Counselor can help you complete the admission process.

Students who withdraw from WGU or stop progress through the 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. No fees will be refunded or prorated.

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

Have more questions?

Take the Next Step

College can be affordable—and it's definitely worth it.  We're here to help you make the best decisions on degree program, payment options, scholarship application, and more.

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