Western Governors University vs Syracuse 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
Good news if you're stuck between them: Western Governors University and Syracuse University come out about even on financial return. Western Governors University scores 75/100 and Syracuse University scores 76/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Western Governors University runs $12,548 a year against $38,793 at Syracuse University - $26,245 more a year, or about $104,980 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Syracuse University graduates earn a median $79,164 against $60,615 at Western Governors University. The cost earns itself back in 7.4 years at Western Governors University and 6.7 years at Syracuse University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Western Governors University owing a median $11,116 versus $26,000 at Syracuse University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.23 and 0.53 - 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... | Syracuse University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,658 | $65,528 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,658 | $65,528 |
| Net Price (avg) | $12,548 | $38,793 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $50,192 | $155,172 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $48,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,615 | $79,164 |
| Graduation Rate | 46.2% | 83.6% |
| Payback Period | 7.4 yr | 6.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $11,116 | $26,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $118 | $276 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.23 | 0.53 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 70.6% | 85.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 57.1% | 84.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 45.9% |
| Enrollment | 155,088 | 15,477 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Western Governors Un... | Syracuse University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,064 | $15,817 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,436 | $15,845 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,578 | $21,132 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,824 | $28,780 |
| $110,001+ | $12,734 | $55,401 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Western Governors Un... | Syracuse University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $108,836 | $120,773 |
| Accounting | $75,767 | $112,682 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $83,654 | $91,472 |
| Marketing | $71,431 | $91,235 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $52,284 | $65,410 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $52,090 | $62,864 |
| Education, General | $49,646 | $62,372 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Western Governors Un... | Syracuse University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 63 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 80 | 85 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 97 | 66 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 31 | 92 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 41 | 87 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 76 |
The Verdict
It's close. Syracuse University edges out Western Governors University by 1 points (76 vs 75), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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Western Governors University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Syracuse 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.