Western Governors University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$33,200
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$34,572/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1983%
Return on investment
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,300
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,116
Median Earnings (5yr)
$69,572
Graduation Rate
51%
Receive Financial Aid
43%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $33,200 | $85,330 | 2932% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $33,200 | $72,056 | 2132% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $33,200 | $98,444 | 3722% |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $33,200 | $62,348 | 1547% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $33,200 | $38,529 | 113% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | $33,200 | $0 | N/A |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | $33,200 | $62,921 | 1582% |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | $33,200 | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $33,200 | $86,143 | 2981% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $33,200 | $58,803 | 1334% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $33,200 | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $33,200 | $61,734 | 1510% |
Peer Comparison
1983%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
182%
20yr ROI
200%
20yr ROI
187%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.