Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU), headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a private, nonprofit institution operating entirely through a competency-based online learning model. Founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors seeking to expand access to higher education, WGU operates without a traditional campus, instead delivering all coursework through its digital platform. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees primarily in four areas: business, information technology, education, and health professions, with programs structured around demonstrating mastery of skills rather than completing credit hours. WGU employs a term-based flat-rate tuition model where students can complete as many courses as they are able within each six-month term, and assigns dedicated faculty mentors to guide students through their individualized academic programs.