Southern Utah University vs. WGU Western Governors

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT 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 Southern Utah University based on total student enrollment (210,208 students vs. 15,444 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Utah University is located in Cedar City, UT (Remote Town setting); Western Governors University is in Salt Lake City, UT (Large Suburban setting).
• Southern Utah University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Governors University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Utah University 22:1; Western Governors University 42:1.

Southern Utah University vs. WGU Western Governors Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Utah 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 Southern Utah University ($11,328 vs. $11,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Governors University are 12.3% lower than at Southern Utah University ($8,100 vs. $9,236).
• Western Governors University is 24.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Utah University (about $1,696 more per year; $8,658.00 vs. $6,962.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.8% higher at Southern Utah University than at Western Governors University (about $12,534 more per year; $21,192.00 vs. $8,658.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Utah University than at Western Governors University (94% vs. 58%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Utah University students is 79.3% larger than aid received by Western Governors University students ($9,779 vs. $5,455).

Southern Utah University vs. WGU Western Governors Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Utah 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 Southern Utah University.

• Western Governors University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Utah University 1030/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Utah University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Utah University - Test-free; WGU Western Governors - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Utah University Sep 8, 2026.

Southern Utah University vs. WGU Western Governors Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Utah 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 Western Governors University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Southern Utah University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $43,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Governors University graduates have a $75 lower median loan debt than Southern Utah University graduates ($12,500 vs. $12,575).
• Among borrowers, WGU Western Governors graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Utah University graduates ($129 vs. $130).
• More Southern Utah University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WGU Western Governors students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 51%)

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.