Western Governors University ROI Analysis
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
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1983%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Western Governors University's in-state tuition costs $8,300. Graduates earn a median of $74,978 one year after graduation. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $69,572, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $60,615. The median debt for graduates is $11,116, and 42.6% of students receive financial aid.
Given the median debt of $11,116 and the first-year earnings of $74,978, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 15%. The tuition cost is paid off in less than a year based on first-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $85,330 | 2932% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $98,444 | 3722% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $125,482 | 5351% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,529 | 113% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $62,348 | 1547% |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | $62,921 | 1582% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $0 | N/A |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $110,090 | 4423% |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $58,803 | 1334% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $75,925 | 2365% |
| Special Education and Teaching | $56,287 | 1182% |
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.