Western Governors University vs Westminster 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
Western Governors University holds a 5-point ROI advantage over Westminster University, scoring 75/100 versus 70/100. 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 $27,094 at Westminster University - a difference of $14,546 annually, or roughly $58,184 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Westminster University graduates earn a median of $66,215 compared to $60,615 at Western Governors University. The payback period is 7.4 years at Western Governors University versus 8 years at Westminster University.
Graduates leave Western Governors University with a median $11,116 in debt versus $22,250 at Westminster University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.23 and 0.50 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Western Governors Univers... | Westminster University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,658 | $43,528 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,658 | $43,528 |
| Net Price (avg) | $12,548 | $27,094 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $50,192 | $108,376 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $48,100 | $44,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,615 | $66,215 |
| Graduation Rate | 46.2% | 63.8% |
| Payback Period | 7.4 yr | 8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $11,116 | $22,250 |
| Monthly Payment | $118 | $236 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.23 | 0.50 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 70.6% | 82.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 57.1% | 78.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 66.6% |
| Enrollment | 155,088 | 823 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Western Governors Un... | Westminster Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,064 | $22,972 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,436 | $24,138 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,578 | $21,768 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,824 | $25,316 |
| $110,001+ | $12,734 | $30,417 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Western Governors Un... | Westminster Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $97,114 | $80,037 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $83,654 | $92,548 |
| Accounting | $75,767 | $85,664 |
| Marketing | $71,431 | $68,786 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Western Governors Un... | Westminster Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 90 | 64 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 80 | 76 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 97 | 73 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 31 | 66 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 41 | 77 |
| Overall ROI Score | 75 | 70 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Western Governors University edges out Westminster University by 5 points (75 vs 70), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Western Governors University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Westminster University
Fair 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.