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WGU Washington
A University Built For You

Get a Degree on Your Time, in Less Time

About WGU Washington

WGU Washington was established in 2011 as a partnership between Western Governors University and the state of Washington with a unique mission to help Washington residents obtain a quality education. When WGU was established in 1997, the founding governors realized that technology, the internet, and a new model of competency-based education could transform higher education by creating new opportunities for working adults.
Western Governors University is available to learners across the country, and coursework is offered online so students do not have to go to a campus location. Students in Washington can recieve unique scholarship, financial aid, and other opportunities at WGU as a result of the partnership between WGU and the state of Washington.

Employers Value WGU Washington


 

WGU Washington offers a flexible, affordable, valuable education that measures graduates on the competencies that matter to employers. That's why employers regularly report that our alumni meet or exceed expectations.

THE WGU IMPACT

Online Education
Built for Life


We're an online university dedicated to making higher education accessible for as many people as possible. Everything we do at Western Governors University is aimed at increasing accessibility and opportunity for each student, regardless of their background, motivations, or life situation. That focus helps produce success for our over 300,000 graduates. Our curriculum focused on today's workforce needs is why WGU grads have a 99% employer satisfaction rate*, and why our students see an average salary increase of $22,200 just two years after graduating.* 

*2022 Harris Poll

Affordable Education

Personalized Learning

Expanded Access

Workforce Skills

Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?

What Our Alumni Are Saying


People love their WGU experience. See why it means so much to them and what makes us different.

"My MSN in Leadership and Management from WGU was the first step on an amazing adventure. I started the program knowing I wanted to do more in the nursing field but not certain which direction to go. Since graduating from WGU I have pursued further education, become a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, am leading the creation of a pediatric urgent care service at the clinic where I work. WGU and the adventures that have followed have created an amazing career that I absolutely adore!"

— Genevive Baxter
M.S. Nursing Leadership and Management, WGU Washington

"After 25 years in the industry and mostly self-taught I found myself out on the job market again and struggling to find a job. Anyone that wanted that much experience was expecting a BS degree and certifications, but I had none of those. With my new BSIT as well as the many certificates I got as part of the program I'm confident that employers will take me more seriously when I apply for management positions.."

— Eric Jones
B.S. Information Technology, WGU Washington

"WGU allowed me to be able to be around when my husband and daughter were available, work at my job, and work on my classes on my own schedule. I live in a small rural community where we must drive an hour in any direction to get to a store other than Walmart or any college community or university. Without the flexibility of WGU, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did." 

— Lorinda Besherse
M.A. English Language Learning, WGU Washington

"I wanted to better myself, and my family. I never finished my Bachelors degree when I was young, and really wanted to reach that goal. I just hope people know how capable they are in receiving a degree from WGU. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to pursue mine."

— Deanna Dansie
B.A. Elementary Education, WGU Washington

"To progress further in my career, I needed to complete an undergraduate degree. While deploying overseas, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Management and was promoted to Operations Manager. The Operations Manager oversees the entire program that serves the United States Army in conducting flight operations in multiple theaters."

— Ralph Richmond
B.S. Business Management and M.S. Management and Leadership
WGU Washington

Tonya Drake, Regional Vice President, Northwest Region

A leader in higher learning, Dr. Tonya Drake has dedicated her career to expanding access and success to high-quality and relevant higher education. She serves as Regional Vice President for the Northwest at Western Governors University (WGU).  

Her work is guided by the belief that higher learning transforms lives and she is passionate about creating pathways to opportunity. Drake earned the Certificate of Leader Development for National Security and Strategy from the National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army War College. She served as keynote speaker at the Global Leadership Summit in South Africa on the topic of “Deconstructing Race” and she was named among Seattle Business magazine’s “Daring Women.”

She has extensive experience in leadership positions at Edmonds Community College, Shoreline Community College, Maricopa Community College District, Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University, and the University of Washington. Drake serves on the board of directors for the Association of Washington Business. She has served on the executive committee for the United Way of Snohomish County and is an active member of  women’s executive leadership group, Chief.

Drake holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree from Arizona State University, a bachelor’s degree in Business from University of Washington, and an associate degree from Lower Columbia College.

Ismar Vallecillos, M.Ed., Northwest Regional Director, Western Governors University

In the rapidly changing higher education landscape, no one is more confident that higher ed can and should help all students go further than Ismar Vallecillos, Northwest Regional director for the largest online higher education institution in the United States, Western Governors University (WGU). With more than 110,000 enrolled students nationwide, WGU offers a unique, accredited, competency-based education model, which measures skills rather than time in the classroom. This allows students to achieve an undergraduate degree for less than $20,000 in a shorter period of time.

Vallecillos brings an inspiring and motivating perspective to education in Colorado and the Northwest, with particular emphasis on his belief that education is the great equalizer. His experience as an educator from elementary through college level, combined with his personal background as the son of immigrants and an adult education student, equip him with wide-ranging expertise that encompasses access, affordability, innovative learning environments and equity in education, particularly the Hispanic experience.

Vallecillos has a passion for supporting low-income, rural, first-generation, technical-degree-holding and some-collegebut-no-degree students. As an immigrant from El Salvador, Vallecillos grew up working for his father’s landscaping business before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while raising a family of his own. He believes in the power of education to improve lives and strengthen communities.

WGU Washington Board Members

Dr. Andre Alfred, Partner Group Program Vice President, Azure Security at Microsoft

Marty Brown, Retired Executive Director, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)

Al Davis, Principal, Revitalization Partners

Dr. Michael Dunn, Superintendent of NorthEast Washington Educational Service District 101

Dr. Justin Guillory, President, Northwest Indian College

Dr. Jean Hernandez, President Emeritus, Edmonds Community College

Heather Lewis, Managing Partner, Red Maple Strategies

Steven Maheshwary, Strategic Partnerships Lead - Underserved Populations, Amazon

Steve Mullin, President, Washington Roundtable

Bill Poppy, Retired Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Virginia Mason Medical Center

Mike Schindler, CEO Operation Military Family Cares and Co-Founder at Integrated Telehealth Solutions WA

Dr. John A. Polm 

Dr. Polm was appointed Superintendent of the Puyallup School District in July 2020, and is responsible for the education of more than 22,500 students enrolled in 22 elementary, seven junior highs, three comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school, and several online programs. He is a dedicated and accomplished leader of the 6th largest school district in the state of Washington with a passion for public education. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from University of Puget Sound, his Master of Education degree from Eastern Washington University, and his Doctor of Education degree from Seattle Pacific University. He has served as an educator in Washington State public schools since 1986.

With his extensive educational background, Dr. Polm has built a career in education. He has worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent, and he has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to quality education. His work has focused on system productivity, access to quality programs, and support for continuous improvement. He also has championed partnerships and community engagement. He is dedicated to helping shape the next generation of educators. Outside of work Dr. Polm is extensively involved in community service and is passionate about giving back to support our youth. He is a Rotarian and Kiwanian. He has also remained active as a musician. He and his wife, Julie, have been married since 1984. They have three grown children and five grandchildren. Overall, Dr. Polm is a dedicated individual who has demonstrated a commitment to education and giving back to the community. He is excited to offer his expertise and experience to Western Governor’s University as part of the Advisory Board.

Partner With WGU

If you are a company or community college that is looking to do something more for your employees or students, a partnership with WGU could be the perfect fit. Learn more about creating a partnership with WGU for tuition reimbursement, a scholarship, or other opportunity.

Featured Partners

WGU partners with hundreds of companies to help increase learning opportunities for every individual. Some of our partners include:

Connect with WGU Washington

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jake Riddell

Frequently Asked Questions at WGU

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.

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates. This video shows more about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

  • How to apply
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Examples of scholarships
  • What happens after you apply
  • FAQs
  • Other financial aid options

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

You will be expected to maintain regular communication with your Program Mentor while enrolled at WGU. 

During a student's first term, the Program Mentor and student meet once each week by phone for a substantive discussion about engaging learning resources and assessments until the student achieves on-time progress (OTP).

After the first term, for students who meet and maintain on-time progress (OTP), the Program Mentor and student meet at least once every two weeks by phone for a substantive discussion about engaging learning resources and assessments.

For students on financial aid warning, probation, or termination, the Program Mentor and student meet at least once each week by phone for a substantive discussion about engaging learning resources and assessments until the student achieves OTP.

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. 

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. 

Yes! If you are able to complete the minimum requirement before your term is over, you can add more courses, with no tuition increase.

Yes! WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the highest form of accreditation.

An accredited online college offers the same valuable and respected degrees that an on-campus college offers. The main difference is that online colleges offer you flexibility in your program. For example, you don't have to go to campus and sit in a classroom. You can move faster through courses. You are largely independent in your education. These are benefits that help many students pursue degrees who may not be able to attend an on-campus college.

It depends on the type of degree and online school you choose. Some online bachelor's degree programs will take 4+ years, and some online master's degrees will take 2+ years.

However, WGU is designed to help students accelerate their online degrees. Our unique education model allows students to move through courses as quickly as they can master the material. This means that, on average, students finish bachelor's degree programs in three years or less, and master's degree programs in 18 months or less.

Source: WGU internal data

We may be biased, but we believe WGU is truly the best online college. Our unique education model, affordable tuition, and complete flexibility mean that students are truly in charge of their own education.

An online degree helps you learn skills and earn credentials that will boost your résumé and prepare you for a meaningful career. Either a bachelor's or master's degree will be key in helping you be prepared for a new job, promotion, or salary increase. The specific jobs you can be qualified for with an online degree will depend on the specific degree you pursue.

An accredited online college offers the same valuable and respected degrees that an on-campus college offers. The main difference is that online colleges offer you flexibility in your program. For example, you don't have to go to campus and sit in a classroom. You can move faster through courses. You are largely independent in your education. These are benefits that help many students pursue degrees who may not be able to attend an on-campus college.

It depends on the type of degree and online school you choose. Some online bachelor's degree programs will take 4+ years, and some online master's degrees will take 2+ years. However, WGU is designed to help students accelerate their online degrees. Our unique education model allows students to move through courses as quickly as they can master the material. This means that on average students finish bachelor's degree programs in three years or less, and master's degree programs in 18 months or less.

Typically online universities are able to offer less expensive tuition compared to brick and mortar universities. This is often because there are less building maintenance requirements, staffing needs, living expenses for students, etc. At WGU for example, tuition for an undergraduate program is approximately $4,005 for a six-month term. This is much lower than most online and traditional degree programs.

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.

Yes! WGU is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the highest form of accreditation.

It depends on the program you are interested in pursuing. Some programs will have additional requirements however, the general admissions process is as follows: 

  1. Complete the enrollment application
  2. Contact Enrollment at 866-225-5948 to go over the program and admissions process specific to your desired degree program
  3. Submit official transcripts
  4. If desired, complete FAFSA form for financial aid

The enrollment process can take approximately 4-6 weeks. Start dates are the first of each month once enrollment has been completed.

Every school sets its own guidelines however, accreditation plays a big part in recognition and acceptance. WGU is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the highest form of accreditation. WGU graduates go on to continue their education at many colleges and universities. When WGU alumni self-report acceptance into graduate or doctorate programs, we add the university to a list so you can see where WGU graduates are continuing to pursue higher education.