National University vs. WGU Western Governors

Comparable Facts

Compare National University in San Diego, CA with Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Governors University is larger than National University based on total student enrollment (210,208 students vs. 22,115 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• National University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Western Governors University is in Salt Lake City, UT (Large Suburban setting).
• National University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Governors University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: National University 16:1; Western Governors University 42:1.

National University vs. WGU Western Governors Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, National University or WGU Western Governors? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Governors University than National University ($11,328 vs. $25,043).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Governors University are 64.9% lower than at National University ($8,100 vs. $23,076).
• National University is 53.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WGU Western Governors (about $4,626 more per year; $13,284.00 vs. $8,658.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.4% higher at National University than at Western Governors University (about $4,626 more per year; $13,284.00 vs. $8,658.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at National University than at Western Governors University (79% vs. 58%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by National University students is 87% larger than aid received by Western Governors University students ($10,200 vs. $5,455).

National University vs. WGU Western Governors Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, National University or WGU Western Governors? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WGU Western Governors and National University.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: National University - Open admission; WGU Western Governors - Open admission.

National University vs. WGU Western Governors Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for National University and WGU Western Governors? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from National University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than WGU Western Governors graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Governors University graduates have a $16,142 lower median loan debt than National University graduates ($12,500 vs. $28,642).
• Among borrowers, WGU Western Governors graduates have an estimated $167 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than National University graduates ($129 vs. $296).
• More WGU Western Governors graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former National University students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.