Your Quick Guide to Admission and Enrollment
Earning your degree can not only open the door to increased earning potential, it can change families and communities for generations. From admission to graduation, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
The admission process is simple and straightforward.
- Complete admission form.
- Submit official transcripts through our free transcript service or independently.
- Fill out your FAFSA if you are interested in financial aid.
- Complete your Commit to Start documents.
(Individual degree programs may have additional admission requirements.)
If at any point you would like help with the admission process, you can call or email your Enrollment Counselor and get more support through the process.
Next Possible Start
{{startdate}}
Start dates are the 1st of every month. Meet requirements by the 15th to start next month. Discuss steps and deadlines with your Enrollment Counselor.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Prepare yourself to enroll at WGU by downloading your step-by-step guide here.
Get Checklist
Any Questions?
Get your questions answered and take the next step. Talk to an Enrollment Counselor.
866-225-5948
Request Info
Student Success IS Our Business–Your Support Starts Now
Helping our students succeed is at the heart of everything we do. If you have any questions about admission or degree programs, or would like help with any part of the process, your Enrollment Counselor is there to provide all the support you need.
From the very beginning, the whole process was very smooth. My enrollment counselors were knowledgeable and helpful. If I did run into any kind of little snag, somebody was always there to help me.”
Cindy Krupinski
B.S. Information Technology
WGU is Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as Part of our University Mission
WGU’s mission is to help as many people as possible obtain the quality education they desire. We recognize every individual has talent and potential, but not every individual has the same access to opportunity. Our goal is to help as many students as possible reach their educational goals and use their talent to change their lives, regardless of race, color, nationality, gender, religion, disability, orientation, or age. We know that diversity is crucial to ongoing growth and progress, particularly in higher education. That's why we are determined to make our university inclusive to all types of learners.
Read more about inclusion efforts at WGU.
General Admissions Criteria
For each student who applies, WGU will evaluate previous academic history to include high school or college coursework and/or work history as required.
Students may also meet admissions requirements by completing the relevant program of study at WGU Academy, a pre-enrollment alternative pathway to regular enrollment at WGU.
Program Criteria
Many WGU programs have specific admission requirements. To be considered for enrollment into a bachelor's degree program, applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Click on the links below to learn more about specific admission requirements for your degree program.
School of Education
Leavitt School of Health
School of Technology
School of Business
Admission Details For Courses and Certificates
Anyone can enroll in a WGU academy course, bundle, or certificate as long as they meet the prerequisite requirements. Enrolling in any of WGU Academy's courses or certificates means you will meet WGU's degree program admission requirements. After you complete your course or certificate, you are guaranteed admission to WGU and your credits will transfer.
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.
Submitting Past Transcripts
At WGU we are committed to decreasing the barriers to starting school. That is why we are working with a large group of education institutions to request and gather transcripts for you, free of additional fees and time for participating institutions.
The process is simple—during the application you will:
1. Add in all the information about your previous education institutions.
2. The free transcript service will let you know if any of your institutions do not participate in their program. If an institution does not participate, you will need to request that transcript independently. Currently several thousand institutions do participate in the free transcript service, but there may be some that do not.
3. You will then be asked if you would like to use the free transcript service to gather transcripts from previous institutions.
4. You will check “yes” if you are interested in this service.
5. For participating institutions, your transcripts will be gathered and submitted to WGU with no additional work or cost on your end.
6. If you opt out or have a previous institution that does not participate in the free transcript service, you will need to arrange and pay to have your official transcripts sent to WGU. This can be done electronically or by mail. Plan ahead, because it can take a few weeks to process your request. Transcripts should be submitted by the first day of the month before your intended start date.
Mail option:
Western Governors University
Attn: Transcripts Department
4001 South 700 East, Suite 300
Salt Lake City, UT 84107-2533
Electronic option:
Western Governors University,
Student Records 03339400
transcriptinfo@wgu.edu
Learn About Credit Transfer
Admissions FAQs
WGU seeks to ensure that students can engage in WGU coursework using both written and spoken English, as the language of instruction and evaluation at WGU is English. If English is not your native language, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Learn more about how you can demonstrate your English proficiency.
At the present time, WGU is accepting applications only from individuals living in the United States. (The exceptions are U.S. active-duty military personnel and their families at overseas installations and individuals living in Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
As a recent update, students who reside in and/or will complete their programs in Canada (except for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador) are eligible for admission but may not enroll in WGU programs that require clinical field experience (e.g., initial teacher licensure programs).
Unfortunately, we have discovered we cannot always guarantee that the educational experience for students living outside the United States will meet our high standards for quality and convenience. It is our expectation that these problems will be solved in future years. AnEnrollment Counselorhas more information about which areas are eligible to submit applications.
Applicants who have completed coursework outside of the United States must provide one copy of official transcripts or certified true copies with official English translation of all documents. Applicants are responsible for submitting transcripts that have been evaluated for U.S. equivalence.Click here for more information about international transfer credit evaluation.
If you attended a college that no longer exists, you may be able to get transcripts from a state agency, such as a Department of Consumer Affairs or Department of Higher Education. If the college was taken over by another school, check with the current school. You can also submit any unofficial copies of transcripts or course records you may have, although we can’t promise that you will be able to waive any WGU requirements.
Have more questions? More information can be found by speaking with an Enrollment Counselor.
Resources for Student Success
Learn how you can find success as a student during troubling or challenging times.
Student Success Resources
Join Students Like You
Whether you’re the first in your family to go to college, live in a rural area, or want to move ahead in your career, you are not alone. At WGU, our goal is put a quality education within reach for as many people as possible. And with nearly 130,000 students from all 50 states, you’re sure to meet other students who understand where you’re coming from.
"WGU endeavors to be the most inclusive university in the world."
Jason Thompson
WGU's Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Who Attends WGU?
2023 Annual Report data as of December 31, 2023.
Connect with Student Communities
Once you enroll, you’ll be able to connect with a wide range of student groups and communities, including groups of students working on the same course as you. Many WGU grads say connecting with other students made a huge difference in their success.
Or, Chat Now!
Submitting Past Transcripts
If you have prior college experience, official transcripts can be gathered via our free transcript service, or should be sent directly from the previous institution via secure electronic channels or be mailed directly from the previous institution.
Computer System Requirements
Because WGU programs are hosted online, students must possess or have access to a computer and internet access that meet certain technological requirements.
Learn more about computer system requirements.
Didn't Find What You're Looking For?
Here are some suggestions:
WGU Academic Experience
Applying for Admission
Transferring
Iniciar inscripción
Descubra cómo ser admitido y matriculado.
Ver admisiones
