Our Story
Measuring Impact
Our Success Is Measured in Our Students' Success
Our mission is to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity. As such, we measure our own success in the lives of those we endeavour to serve. Our measurements are focused on expanding access to underserved individuals, creating excellent learning experiences, and helping students graduate with less debt and higher earnings.
A Diverse Student Body of 130,216 Individuals
A Global Network of 235,069 Graduates
Outstanding Performance in the National Study of Student Engagement (NSSE)
NSSE is a national survey that measures student engagement. In 2020, the NSSE polled 484,242 students from 601 institutions (531 in the U.S., 65 in Canada, and five in other countries)—including more traditional online and brick-and-mortar schools—asking them to rate their experiences. Students gave WGU the highest scores possible, at levels well above the national average, in the following areas:
65% of WGU student rated the quality of their interactions with faculty a 7 on a 7-point scale. That's 41 percentage points higher than the national average.
"How would you evaluate your entire educational experience at this institution?" More than 70% of WGU students said it was "excellent"—36 percentage points higher than the national average.
47% of WGU students said their experience has contributed "very much" to their knowledge and skills—27 points higher than the national average.
79% of WGU students said they would definitely choose WGU if they were to start again. That 40 points higher than the national average!
Strong Salary Outcomes
WGU graduates are happy with their education:
- 96% of WGU graduates reported that they would recommend WGU to others, compared with 82% nationally.
- 85% of WGU graduates were satisfied with their overall experience, compared with 75% nationally.
Impressive average salary increases:
- WGU graduates reported an average increase on income of $12,300 within two years of graduation, compared with salary pre-enrollment.
- Four years after graduation, the average increase was $21,800, significantly higher than the national average of $11,500.
Source: 2020 Harris Poll survey of 1,400 new college graduates nationwide compared with survey of 1,340 WGU graduates.
Less Debt at Graduation
Lower Cost Reduces the Need for Students to Borrow
Percentage of Graduating Undergrads Who Borrowed for School
Source: The Institute for College Access & Success, 2020 national data not yet released.
Less Debt + Better Outcomes = Lower Default
3-Year Loan Default Rate, Fiscal Year 2017 Cohort
Source: U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid Office (September 2020)
High-Performing Alumni=Happy Employers
WGU graduates boast degrees that prepare them to succeed in their careers. The data below, from a 2020 survey of 300 employers of WGU graduates by Harris Poll, prove it:
Beyond expectations.
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.
Top candidates.
96% said they would hire another WGU graduate.
Prepared for the job.
95% said that their WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.
WGU Graduates Hold Positions with Top Employers
