Western Governors University vs New York University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, New York University comes out ahead: 84/100 to 75/100, a 9-point edge over Western Governors University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Western Governors University runs $12,548 a year against $37,050 at New York University - $24,502 more a year, or about $98,008 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, New York University graduates earn a median $82,509 against $60,615 at Western Governors University. The cost earns itself back in 7.4 years at Western Governors University and 6.1 years at New York University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Western Governors University owing a median $11,116 versus $20,500 at New York University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.23 and 0.37 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Western Governors Univers... | New York University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,658 | $62,796 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,658 | $62,796 |
| Net Price (avg) | $12,548 | $37,050 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $50,192 | $148,200 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $55,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,615 | $82,509 |
| Graduation Rate | 46.2% | 87.6% |
| Payback Period | 7.4 yr | 6.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $11,116 | $20,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $118 | $217 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.23 | 0.37 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 70.6% | 82.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 57.1% | 81.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 9.2% |
| Enrollment | 155,088 | 28,663 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Western Governors Un... | New York University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,064 | $16,977 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,436 | $14,017 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,578 | $16,862 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,824 | $32,766 |
| $110,001+ | $12,734 | $66,876 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Western Governors Un... | New York University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $108,836 | $142,495 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $131,198 | $42,891 |
| Registered Nursing | $97,114 | $118,433 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $52,284 | $44,500 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Western Governors Un... | New York University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 71 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 80 | 89 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 97 | 90 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 31 | 95 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 41 | 79 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 84 |
The Verdict
New York University has the clearly stronger ROI here (84 vs 75) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Western Governors University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Western Governors University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
New York University
Strong 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.