Western Governors University (WGU) vs Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Western Governors University (WGU) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) stand as distinct institutions of higher learning, each catering to unique student populations and academic aspirations. WGU, a pioneer in online education, offers a flexible, competency-based approach that allows students to progress at their own pace, while FAU, a public research university, provides a traditional on-campus experience with a diverse range of programs. With varying acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, these universities present contrasting educational landscapes. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and learning preferences.

	Florida Atlantic University	Western Governors University
Overview
Location	Boca Raton, Florida	Salt Lake City, Utah
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	80.0%	63.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	78.0%	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1020 - 1200	N/A
ACT range	20 - 26	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	77.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%
Total number of applicants	25,148
Total number of admissions given out	19,617
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,925
Yield rate	20.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A
High school GPA	Required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Not required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,605 Out of state: $37,050	$14,652
Average net price	$8,771	$10,336
Tuition	In state: $2,522 Out of state: $14,374	$7,162
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $3,902
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	82.0% Average amount $11,013	47.0% Average amount $4,316
Students receiving federal student loan	28.0% Average amount $4,899	67.0% Average amount $5,072
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $14,642	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,799 Men 41.9% Women 58.1%	107,952 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students	5,356 Men 38.0% Women 62.0%	42,164 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	92.9%
International students	3.8%	0.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,131	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	Health Professions Business Education Multidisciplinary Studies Engineering	Health Professions Education Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	42:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	55.4%	63.6%
Dropout rate	11.4%	27.2%
Transferred out	31.1%	2.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $88,871 Year 2: $90,061 Year 3: $92,028 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,217 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $86,797 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,866 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $79,750 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,854 Year 2: $64,865 Year 3: $74,441 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,298 Year 2: $63,600 Year 3: $73,548 Ocean Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,746 Year 2: $63,377 Year 3: $73,462 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,965 Year 2: $63,463 Year 3: $72,097 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,830 Year 2: $59,688 Year 3: $70,868 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,372 Year 2: $64,415 Year 3: $67,956 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,039 Year 2: $58,221 Year 3: $66,720	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 Florida Atlantic University (FAU)?

The primary difference lies in their learning models. WGU is an online, competency-based university, meaning you progress by demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge, not by seat time. FAU is a traditional brick-and-mortar university offering in-person classes, with some online options, and progress is based on credit hours and grades.
How does the tuition structure differ between WGU and FAU?

WGU charges tuition per six-month term, regardless of how many courses you complete. This can be more affordable if you're able to accelerate your learning. FAU charges tuition per credit hour, so the total cost depends on the number of credits you take each semester.
What types of programs are offered at WGU and FAU?

WGU focuses on career-oriented programs in business, IT, education, and healthcare. FAU offers a broader range of programs, including liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and architecture, in addition to professional fields.
What is the learning environment like at WGU versus FAU?

WGU offers a highly flexible, self-paced online learning environment. You'll work independently with support from faculty and mentors. FAU provides a traditional campus experience with in-person classes, opportunities for student activities, and a more structured learning environment.
How does the accreditation of WGU compare to FAU?

Both WGU and FAU are regionally accredited, which is the gold standard for accreditation. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Regional accreditation ensures that credits are more easily transferable and that the institutions meet rigorous quality standards.
What kind of student support services are available at WGU and FAU?

WGU provides personalized support through mentors, course instructors, and a variety of online resources. FAU offers a comprehensive range of student services, including academic advising, career services, counseling, disability services, and tutoring, all accessible on campus and often online.
How do I know if WGU or FAU is a better fit for me?

Consider your learning style, career goals, and lifestyle. 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 wider range of academic programs, and structured in-person learning, FAU might be a better choice.
What are the admission requirements for WGU and FAU?

WGU has open enrollment, but requires applicants to demonstrate readiness for college-level work through transcripts, assessments, or prior learning experience. FAU has more selective admission requirements based on GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and high school coursework.
Does WGU or FAU offer more opportunities for research?

FAU, as a traditional university, generally offers more research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. WGU's focus is primarily on practical, career-focused education rather than research.
What is the campus life like at WGU and FAU?

WGU, being an online university, does not have a traditional campus life. FAU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, sports teams, and social events.
How does the career placement assistance differ between WGU and FAU?

Both universities offer career services, but the approach differs. WGU focuses on helping graduates find jobs in their specific fields through online resources and career coaching. FAU provides a broader range of career services, including on-campus recruiting, internships, and career fairs.
Are there scholarships available at WGU and FAU?

Yes, both WGU and FAU offer scholarships. WGU offers scholarships specifically for its online programs. FAU offers a wider variety of scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. It's best to check each university's financial aid website for specific details and eligibility requirements.

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