Your Professional Success Story Starts Here
"When I found out about WGU's flat-rate program with a baby on the way, it was automatically a no-brainer.”
– Sahar Hassan, WGU Chicago Grad, Director of Corporate Governance
Discover How Far a WGU Degree Will Take You
WGU Fits Your Life
Balance work, family, and a busy schedule with WGU’s flexible 24/7 degree program that lets you advance online at a pace that works for you.
WGU Costs You Less
Earn an undergraduate degree at about half the cost vs. the national average. The average debt at graduation for WGU borrowers is also about half the national average.*
WGU Prepares You
Enroll with confidence knowing 81% of employers would likely hire another WGU grad.** Now it’s your turn to earn a degree that builds career-ready skills employers look for.
WGU Opens the Right Doors
Enjoy the same standard of academic excellence as top universities and get recognized as a highly qualified, preferred candidate.
WGU Empowers You
Fast-track your WGU degree completion. The median time to complete a WGU bachelor’s degree is just 2 years, and undergraduate alumni earn an average of $21,000 more within two years of graduation.†
Did You Know?
- 97% of WGU students in Chicago would recommend WGU to others.
- Average annual WGU undergraduate tuition and fees are 67% lower than the Chicago average.*
- 82% of WGU graduates were employed full-time while earning their degree.†
- The median time to complete a bachelor's degree at WGU is 2 years.
- WGU offers 75+ real world-ready degree programs to choose from.
WGU Loves Chicago—We’re So Glad You’re Here
At WGU, we’re proud to serve the Chicago community. Although we are a national university, we have a local team committed to creating affordable, flexible educational pathways that support students' career goals right here in Chicago.
More than 7,200 WGU alumni call Chicago home and are building careers and making an impact across industries. Companies like Kraft Heinz, United Airlines, Chicago Public Schools, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital hire WGU grads because they value the practical skills our students develop. When you enroll at WGU, you're joining a community of driven Chicagoans who lift one another up. We are excited to do the same for you!
Discover Your Strengths, Get Degree Suggestions, and Plan Your Career Path
Take our degree placement quiz to receive personalized guidance based on your strengths and career goals. No obligation, no pressure!
*IPEDS Cost I Survey (2024); College Board (2024)
**Harris Poll Employer Survey (2024)
†Harris Poll Graduate Survey (2024)
Compare WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Illinois State University and
University of Illinois—Chicago
Western Governors University
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Illinois State University and
University of Illinois—Chicago
Western Governors University
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
