Western Governors University vs Brigham Young University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Brigham Young University holds a 19-point ROI advantage over Western Governors University, scoring 94/100 versus 75/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Western Governors University comes in at $12,548 per year (net price after aid) versus $15,564 at Brigham Young University - a difference of $3,016 annually, or roughly $12,064 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Brigham Young University graduates earn a median of $75,790 compared to $60,615 at Western Governors University. The payback period is 7.4 years at Western Governors University versus 5 years at Brigham Young University.
Graduates leave Brigham Young University with a median $11,069 in debt versus $11,116 at Western Governors University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.23 and 0.24 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Western Governors Univers... | Brigham Young University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,658 | $6,688 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,658 | $6,688 |
| Net Price (avg) | $12,548 | $15,564 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $50,192 | $62,256 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $46,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,615 | $75,790 |
| Graduation Rate | 46.2% | 81.0% |
| Payback Period | 7.4 yr | 5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $11,116 | $11,069 |
| Monthly Payment | $118 | $117 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.23 | 0.24 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 70.6% | 87.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 57.1% | 84.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 67.8% |
| Enrollment | 155,088 | 32,952 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Western Governors Un... | Brigham Young Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,064 | $10,444 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,436 | $10,112 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,578 | $13,062 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,824 | $16,378 |
| $110,001+ | $12,734 | $20,542 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Western Governors Un... | Brigham Young Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $83,860 | $142,800 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $129,303 | $118,606 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $108,836 | $113,338 |
| Marketing | $71,431 | $112,596 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $83,654 | $105,544 |
| Registered Nursing | $97,114 | $59,080 |
| Accounting | $75,767 | $96,632 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $52,284 | $49,272 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $52,090 | $39,325 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Western Governors Un... | Brigham Young Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 94 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 80 | 94 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 97 | 97 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 31 | 90 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 41 | 90 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 94 |
The Verdict
Brigham Young University significantly outperforms Western Governors University on financial ROI (94 vs 75). The 19-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Western Governors University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors Brigham Young University.
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Western Governors University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Brigham Young University
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.