Frequently Asked Questions – WGU (2024)

Computer System and Technology Requirements

Recommended Computer Settings:Operating System - Windows 8 or later, Mac OS X 10.11 or laterWeb Browser-Latest Chrome (preferred), Edge, Firefox, or Safari BrowserCookies-Enabled

If any of your courses include a proctored exam, you will need an external web camera.

Proctored Exam Requirements:

  • An external web camera is required for online exam proctoring. (This requirement does not apply to those enrolled in ITF+.)
  • Chromebooks are not compatible with the online proctoring service. Therefore, they cannot be used to take proctored final exams.

Please check the external webcam minimum specifications below to ensure that Examity can successfully proctor your exam.

External Webcam Minimum Specifications:

The webcam recommendations listed here meet or exceed the minimum resolution. For example, options with HD 1080p and 720p image resolution possess the functionality to exceed the minimum.A laptop's integrated camera does not meet these requirements. Webcams must be external and elevated to achieve the required viewing angle.

  • Sensor: CMOS
  • Minimum Resolution: HD 720p
  • Viewing Angle: 70 degrees or higher
  • Interface: USB 2.0
  • Focus: Automatic or Manual
  • Microphone: Integrated microphone
  • Imaging Distance: five (5) cm to infinity
  • Video Format: Color
  • Minimum Height of Camera (using gooseneck or tripod): eight (8) inches

What is the relationship between WGU and WGU Academy?

WGU created WGU Academy to provide a college-readiness program with guaranteed admission to WGU. While everyone can succeed in college under the right circ*mstances, WGU recognizes that not everyone who wants to go to WGU is ready to commit to a full course load and a six-month tuition plan.WGU Academy offers courses and certificates that will help you develop skills that dramatically increase the likelihood of success in college and in your career. You'll have the opportunity to strengthen your motivation, confidence, and academic preparedness.We're here to help you accomplish your academic goals no matter where they'll take you.

How does guaranteed admissions to WGU work?

If you enroll in any of WGU Academy's single courses or course bundles, you will meet WGU's academic admission requirements. Once you complete the required transferable course with a "pass" grade, you will need to clear any remaining non-academic WGU requirements, including sending transcripts from other colleges and any other special pre-enrollment steps.See the course requirements in each section or talk to your WGU Academy Enrollment Counselor for more details. WGU Academy's admission guarantee does not currently include some WGU programs. Check with your enrollment counselor if the WGU program you are interested in is not listed on our website.

Why coaching?

Most students at WGU Academy are looking to create opportunities and possibilities in their lives. Working with a personal coach is a powerful way to focus on your goals. It can even be life-changing. Coaching can help you manage your inner dialogue, so your thoughts bring you closer to your goals and not further away.Many of the most successful people in the world are supported by coaches—think life coaches, executive coaches, and even sports coaches.At WGU Academy, you will be supported by a Success Coach who will meet with you one-on-one. Our coaches are trained in coaching psychology and motivational interviewing and serve as your sounding board and listen to what you want to help you develop and then build your future.

Is WGU Academy accredited?

Only colleges and universities can be accredited. However, WGU Academy is an approved course provider to WGU.WGU Academy academic courses are fully transferable and work as a pathway to WGU bachelor's degree programs.

Why is tuition at WGU Academy different from tuition at WGU?

While WGU's flat-rate tuition covers a full 6-month term and is paid upfront, WGU Academy's flat rate tuition is based on the courses you choose and how long you'll need to complete them. There's an option to pay for additional time to complete the courses, but we've set the time it should take based on the performance of thousands of students who have taken the courses.We also offer certificate options for a flat rate fee. These include all the courses you need to pass the certification exam.

Is financial aid available?

Federal financial aid is not available to WGU Academy students. Please speak with your Enrollment Counselor about ongoing promotional offers you may be eligible for.

How quickly can I finish and enroll at WGU?

That’s up to you! It will depend on how much time you’re able to dedicate to your coursework. It’s very possible to finish your required WGU Academy courses in as little as two to three months.We encourage you to complete your WGU Academy program in the shortest time possible. If you're transferring to WGU, we can send your Academy transcript immediately, even if you have other non-academic requirements to complete for admission, such as financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions – WGU (2024)

FAQs

What is the acceptance rate at WGU? ›

Western Governors University has an acceptance rate of around 100%. As such, all applicants who meet the school's admission requirements are accepted at WGU.

What is a passing grade at WGU? ›

WGU Academy Transcripts include the following marks: Pass: Certifies successful completion of a course of study. A student has demonstrated required competencies by passing all required assessments with a grade equivalent of B or better or 3.00 grade points on a 4.00 scale.

Is Western Governors University a degree mill? ›

Western Governors University (WGU) is certainly not a diploma mill. It is an accredited and reputable online university that offers bachelor's and master's degree programs.

What GPA do I need to get into WGU? ›

Applicants with a GPA lower than a 2.5 but a 2.0 or above may seek admission by submitting passing scores from the WGU program required basic skills test (e.g. Praxis CORE). An Enrollment Counselor can help you best determine whether you have the sufficient background for entry into your program of choice.

What is the average graduation rate at WGU? ›

It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 107,952, and admissions are selective. The university offers 31 bachelor's degrees, has an average graduation rate of 64%, and a student-faculty ratio of 42:1.

Does WGU accept low GPA? ›

WGU does not require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT for admission. However, during the application process, you'll need to complete an intake interview with an Enrollment Counselor to ensure that the program is a good fit for you and to assess your readiness for online learning.

What is the WGU controversy? ›

Western Governors University Scandal

The inspector general claimed that the competency-based education model employed by WGU caused the university's courses to fit the definition of “correspondence courses.” The amount of faculty-student interaction at WGU is comparatively low.

Are degrees from Western Governors University respected? ›

Institutional accreditation means that WGU's competency-based programs meet the same educational standards for performance, integrity, and quality as those found at more traditional universities, from large state schools to Ivy League universities.

Why is WGU so popular? ›

Unlike traditional universities, WGU allows students to study at their own pace, which means they can complete their degree programs faster or slower than the traditional timeframes. This flexibility is ideal for individuals with busy schedules or those who need to balance work and family responsibilities.

What is the average age of students at WGU? ›

37: The average WGU student is 37 years old, although we serve students in their teens all the way up to their late 80s. 95: Over 95 percent of employers surveyed say they would hire another WGU student.

Does WGU accept FAFSA? ›

Most WGU Students Qualify for Federal Aid

Start your FAFSA today. Be sure to list WGU's school code. To receive consideration for any federal student aid program, you must first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How long does it take to get accepted to WGU? ›

Applying to WGU is a discovery process, that ends in an admissions decision on our end, usually within 4-6 weeks. When you apply, you learn about WGU and we learn about you, and together we can decide if it's a compatible fit.

Is a WGU degree respectable? ›

We're Institutionally Accredited—the Highest Form of Accreditation. Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), an institutional accreditation body of colleges and universities in a seven-state region that includes WGU's headquarters of Utah.

Is WGU a top tier school? ›

On March 20, 2023, Niche.com released their 2023 college rankings. WGU's overall ranking improved significantly year over year. CollegeFactual now ranks WGU in the top 6.6% of schools overall nationally. Most notable, however, is the fact that its IT programs are ranked #7 in the country.

What is the reputation of Western Governors University? ›

With hundreds of independent reviews, Western Governors University has a rating of “excellent" on TrustPilot. Start your back-to-school journey today.

Does WGU affect GPA? ›

The Academic Transcript's key states, "Western Governors University and its state affiliates do not calculate a grade point average (GPA) or class rank." The Record of Achievement Transcript contains the statement in the transcript header, “GPA: This student completed each of the listed courses with a GPA between 3.0 ...

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6089

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.