Western Governors University
Overview
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit, online American university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997 after the idea was formulated at a 1995 meeting of the Western Governors Association. The university uses a competency-based learning model, with students working online.
History
In the mid-1990s, the governors of the Western U.S. states created the "Western Governors University" initiative. The initiative proposed the creation of a new, technology-based university. The university was officially founded in 1997 following a meeting of the Western Governors Association, and it began accepting students in 1999.
The university was initially funded by government sources, but it has grown to be self-sustaining and does not receive ongoing funding from state governments. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has been since 2003.
Academic Model
WGU uses a competency-based learning model. In this model, students earn their degrees by demonstrating their competence in a subject area rather than by accumulating credit hours. This model is designed to allow students to progress at their own pace and to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through assessments.
The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees in business, education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. The academic model is student-focused, flexible, and designed to meet the needs of adult learners.
Student Body
As an online university, WGU serves students from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as military personnel serving overseas. The average age of a WGU student is 37, and the majority of students work full-time while attending school.
As of 2020, the university had over 121,000 enrolled students and more than 190,000 graduates. The university's student body is diverse, with students from various ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
Recognition and Rankings
WGU has received recognition for its innovations in higher education. The university has been recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for its competency-based learning model.
In terms of rankings, WGU has consistently ranked among the top online universities in the nation by various publications. However, as with any rankings, these should be taken with a grain of caution as methodologies and criteria can vary.
Criticisms and Controversies
Like any institution, WGU has faced its share of criticisms and controversies. Some critics argue that the competency-based model lacks the rigor of traditional academic models. Others have raised concerns about the quality of the online learning experience.
In 2017, an audit by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General recommended that WGU repay over $700 million in federal financial aid. The audit claimed that the university's faculty model did not meet federal requirements. However, the Department of Education has not taken action on this recommendation.