Western Governors University (WGU) vs BYU-Idaho

Western Governors University (WGU) and Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) are two distinct institutions of higher learning that cater to different student populations and offer unique educational experiences. WGU, an online, competency-based university, boasts a remarkably high acceptance rate of 100%, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. BYU-Idaho, on the other hand, is a traditional brick-and-mortar university with a selective admissions process, resulting in an acceptance rate of 88%. While both universities offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, WGU excels in business and IT fields, while BYU-Idaho is known for its strength in health professions and education. Additionally, WGU's student body is predominantly composed of working adults seeking to advance their careers, while BYU-Idaho's student population is primarily made up of traditional-age students pursuing a faith-based education. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we have

	Brigham Young University-Idaho	Western Governors University
Overview
Location	Rexburg, Idaho	Salt Lake City, Utah
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	67.0%	63.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Mormon

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.6%	Open Admission
Application fees	$35	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	990 - 1200	N/A
ACT range	20 - 26	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	31.0%
Students submitting ACT score	50.0%
Total number of applicants	9,963
Total number of admissions given out	9,621
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,858
Yield rate	50.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A
High school GPA	Required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$12,880	$14,652
Average net price	$6,327	$10,336
Tuition	$4,416	$7,162
Room & board
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	45.0% Average amount $6,132	47.0% Average amount $4,316
Students receiving federal student loan	18.0% Average amount $5,882	67.0% Average amount $5,072
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $4,811	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	44,304 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%	107,952 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students	N/A	42,164 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	92.9%
International students	3.4%	0.0%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,162	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Texas Washington Utah California Indiana

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Family and Consumer Sciences Multidisciplinary Studies	Health Professions Education Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	42:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	49.6%	63.6%
Dropout rate	25.4%	27.2%
Transferred out	18.1%	2.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,097 Year 2: $77,966 Year 3: $89,777 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,778 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $84,400 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,924 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $76,101 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,318 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $70,703 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,955 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $67,614 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,669 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $65,263 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,593 Year 2: $54,209 Year 3: $63,131 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,585 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $61,312 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,429 Year 2: $46,924 Year 3: $54,022 Computer Software and Media Applications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,978 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $53,390	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,943 Year 2: $98,156 Year 3: $111,928 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,608 Year 2: $90,998 Year 3: $97,288 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,245 Year 2: $86,988 Year 3: $90,365 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,868 Year 2: $74,056 Year 3: $80,509 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,342 Year 2: $75,430 Year 3: $78,577 Educational Administration and Supervision (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $76,072 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,423 Year 2: $70,169 Year 3: $74,384 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,520 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $72,823 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,154 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $68,593 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $68,172

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Western Governors University (WGU) and Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho)?

The primary differences lie in their learning models, religious affiliation, and campus experience. WGU is an online, competency-based university focused on flexible, self-paced learning. BYU-Idaho is a primarily on-campus institution affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasizing a traditional semester-based academic calendar and a strong sense of community.
How does the learning model differ between WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU utilizes a competency-based education (CBE) model, where you progress by demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge, not by seat time. You can complete courses faster if you already have relevant experience. BYU-Idaho follows a traditional semester-based system with scheduled classes, lectures, and assignments. BYU-Idaho also offers some online courses, but the core experience is on-campus.
Is there a religious affiliation at WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU is a non-denominational university with no religious affiliation. BYU-Idaho is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students attending BYU-Idaho are expected to adhere to the Church's Honor Code, which includes standards of conduct and dress.
What is the campus life like at WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU, being primarily online, does not offer a traditional campus life experience. Students connect virtually through online forums and communities. BYU-Idaho offers a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, activities, and events. The campus environment is heavily influenced by the Church's values and provides a strong sense of community.
How do tuition costs compare between WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU charges tuition per term (typically six months), allowing you to take as many courses as you can complete within that term for a flat rate. This can be more cost-effective if you can accelerate your learning. BYU-Idaho charges tuition per credit hour, which can vary depending on the program and course load. BYU-Idaho generally has lower tuition rates than many other universities, especially for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What types of programs are offered at WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU focuses on career-oriented programs in high-demand fields such as business, IT, education, and healthcare. BYU-Idaho offers a broader range of programs, including liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies, in addition to its online offerings.
How do I know if WGU or BYU-Idaho is the right fit for me?

Consider your learning style, career goals, and personal values. If you thrive in a self-directed, flexible online environment and want to accelerate your degree, WGU might be a good fit. If you prefer a traditional campus experience, a structured learning environment, and are comfortable with the religious affiliation and Honor Code, BYU-Idaho could be a better choice.
What are the admission requirements for WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU has open enrollment, but you'll need to demonstrate readiness for college-level work through transcripts, assessments, or prior learning experience. BYU-Idaho has more selective admission requirements, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), and adherence to the Church's standards.
Are WGU and BYU-Idaho accredited?

Yes, both WGU and BYU-Idaho are regionally accredited. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and BYU-Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Accreditation ensures that the institutions meet quality standards and that credits earned are generally transferable.
What kind of student support services are available at WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU provides personalized support through mentors and course instructors who offer guidance and assistance throughout your program. BYU-Idaho offers a range of support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, and counseling, in addition to the support network within the campus community.
How does the pace of learning differ between WGU and BYU-Idaho?

WGU allows you to progress at your own pace. If you have prior knowledge or can learn quickly, you can complete courses faster. BYU-Idaho follows a structured semester schedule, with fixed deadlines and a set pace for each course.
What are the career services like at WGU and BYU-Idaho?

Both universities offer career services to help students prepare for their careers. WGU provides resources such as resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and job search strategies tailored to online learners. BYU-Idaho offers similar services, with a focus on connecting students with internships and job opportunities within their network.

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