WGU Western Governors vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT with University of the People in Pasadena, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Governors University is larger than University of the People based on total student enrollment (210,208 students vs. 41,961 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Governors University is located in Salt Lake City, UT (Large Suburban setting); University of the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• Western Governors University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Governors University 42:1; University of the People 28:1.

WGU Western Governors vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WGU Western Governors or University of the People? 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 University of the People than WGU Western Governors ($1,575 vs. $11,328).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 75.3% lower than at Western Governors University ($2,001 vs. $8,100).
• Western Governors University is 518.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $7,258 more per year; $8,658.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 518.4% higher at WGU Western Governors than at University of the People (about $7,258 more per year; $8,658.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the People than at Western Governors University (74% vs. 58%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Governors University students is 431.7% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($5,455 vs. $1,026).

WGU Western Governors vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WGU Western Governors or University of the People? 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 University of the People and WGU Western Governors.

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

WGU Western Governors vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WGU Western Governors and University of the People? 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).

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.