Overview
Western Governors University was founded in 1997 by a coalition of U.S. governors seeking to expand access to affordable, high-quality higher education through online, competency-based learning. Its nursing programs, now housed within the Leavitt School of Health, were developed to address the national nursing shortage and support working RNs seeking BSN, MSN, and doctoral credentials without pausing their careers. WGU nursing has become one of the largest producers of BSN and MSN graduates in the country, known for its accredited, flexible pathways tailored to licensed nurses.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Total students | 150,000+ |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open enrollment |
| Graduation rate | 49% |
| Average starting salary | $68,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,000 |
| Room & board | N/A (online) |
| Average financial aid | $5,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling (monthly start dates) |
Top Programs
- RN to BSN
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN - Nursing Education
- MSN - Nursing Leadership and Management
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.