Western Governors University vs Westminster 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, Western Governors University comes out ahead: 75/100 to 70/100, a 5-point edge over Westminster 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 $27,094 at Westminster University - $14,546 more a year, or about $58,184 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Westminster University graduates earn a median $66,215 against $60,615 at Western Governors University. The cost earns itself back in 7.4 years at Western Governors University and 8 years at Westminster University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Western Governors University owing a median $11,116 versus $22,250 at Westminster University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.23 and 0.50 - 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... | 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
It's close. Western Governors University edges out Westminster University by 5 points (75 vs 70), 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.
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
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.