Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited.

Western Governors University, a non-profit, online university and an innovator in distance education, was founded by 19 U.S. governors to provide working adults with affordable access to a quality college degree. WGU is not only all online, it uses a unique competency-based learning model. This competency-based approach to learning allows students to advance in their online degree program by demonstrating their knowledge and skill, instead of logging hours in class. Rather than "attending" classes online, students have 24/7 access to a variety of learning resources for each course. They can complete their studies on a schedule that allows them to meet their job and family responsibilities. WGU faculty do not teach -- they serve as mentors, working one-on-one with each student to provide coaching, support, and guidance.

WGU was designed for busy working adults who need to finish an undergraduate or graduate degree, but can't fit a traditional college or university into their busy schedules. Since the WGU "campus" is online, its nearly 24,000 students live and work in all 50 states, and WGU faculty members are also located across the U.S. Unlike universities established using a traditional, brick-and-mortar approach, WGU's academic model was designed for the online environment.

Online degrees giving you the skills and knowledge you need

Featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, WGU is the only university in the U.S. offering competency-based degree programs and the only non-profit, fully online university with students in all 50 states. WGU offers 50 degree programs in Business, Education, Information Technology, and Healthcare Professions, including Nursing. Since its inception in 1997, WGU has grown into a national institution, serving nearly 24,000 students. WGU is self-sustaining on tuition, and does not rely on state or national support to fund its operations.

Here’s what the WGU Advantage means to you:

• Flexibility and Affordability. Our competency-based approach allows for extensive personalization of your degree program. In most cases, you’ll access course material or study independently at the time and place you choose. If you come into your program with years of experience, you may be able to complete your assessments faster. This could save you thousands because you pay tuition at a flat rate every six months, regardless of how many assessments you successfully complete.
 
• Credibility through Accreditation. WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU’s Teachers College is the first and only exclusively online teacher education institution to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU is also the recipient of two International Distance Learning Awards from the U.S. Distance Learning Association, including the 21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award.
 
• Commitment and Support. As a student at WGU, you’ll have the support of a dedicated mentor to keep you motivated as you progress toward your degree. You will work with your mentor until you graduate. You get to know your mentor as an advisor, coach, cheerleader, even a friend. You’ll also interact with an online learning community of students in your same program, so you’re never alone.

"[WGU is] the best relatively cheap university you've never heard of."– TIME magazine, WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education. “Western Governors University has raised the bar of excellence,” said Dr. John Flores, CEO of USDLA. “We are truly honored by WGU’s contributions to the distance learning industry.”

CCNE Accredited

WGU’s nursing degree programs for current RNs are accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This includes the RN to BSN and the MSN programs.

If you’re an organized, independent learner willing to devote at least 15 to 20 hours per week to your studies but require flexibility in time and place to complete your education, WGU could be the university you’ve been looking for.

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