WGU Graduation Rate Official 2024 25 Annual Report

The official graduation rate of WGU is 51% as of 2024 25. This metric represents the percentage of students who graduated within a timeframe of 150% of the program’s expected duration. A typical four-year bachelor’s degree translates to a six-year completion window. The standard length of time for most students to complete a bachelor’s degree at WGU is 5.10 years.

WGU Graduation Rate

The graduation rate, often referred to as the “Student Right to Know” rate or the IPEDS graduation rate, tracks the academic progress of full-time, first-time students enrolled in degree or certificate programs. It tracks whether these students complete their program within 150% of the expected timeframe.

Important Note: WGU’s student population primarily consists of non-traditional learners. Only 1% of our students are classified as first-time, full-time students. The majority (99%) have prior college experience. For the reporting period, only 900 students were counted as “full-time, first-time” for this specific metric.

At WGU, our sole focus is student success, culminating in graduation. We exist to empower every student to achieve their degree and transform their dreams into reality. Therefore, we view graduation rates with the utmost importance.

It is important to understand that the graduation rate reported on the College Scorecard may not accurately reflect the true success of all students at WGU. This is because the College Scorecard primarily focuses on first-time, full-time students, while WGU serves a diverse student population that includes many part-time and returning students.

Key Observations:

• Overall Graduation Rates:

  • First-Time Students: 50.89%
  • Non-First-Time Students: 52.21%

• Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity (First-Time):

  • Asian: Highest (61.19%)
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native: Lowest (30.00%)
  • White, non-Hispanic: 52.72%

• Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity (Non-First-Time):

  • Nonresident Alien: Highest (58.35%)
  • Black, non-Hispanic: Lowest (33.58%)
  • White, non-Hispanic: 56.11%

• Graduation Rates by Gender (First-Time):

  • Female: Higher (60.55%) than Male (43.06%)

• Graduation Rates by Gender (Non-First-Time):

  • Female: Higher (55.60%) than Male (42.25%)

• Graduation Rates by Financial Aid Status (First-Time):

  • Received a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive Pell: Highest (62.69%)
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant: 48.73%

• Graduation Rates by Financial Aid Status (Non-First-Time):

  • Received neither a Pell Grant nor a Subsidized Stafford Loan: Highest (56.54%)
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant: 44.86%

WGU is required by the U.S. Department of Education to report data on our institution and students. This information is publicly available on College Navigator, where you can compare colleges. Additionally, as mandated by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008, we provide comprehensive information about WGU, including retention and graduation rates, to all current and prospective students on this page.

The College Scorecard data primarily focuses on first-time, full-time students. Since over 98% of WGU’s student body comprises non-traditional learners, including those with prior college experience, their success is largely excluded from the College Scorecard’s graduation rate calculations. These students, who are not considered first-time, are a significant portion of WGU’s student population, and their successful completion of their degrees is a testament to WGU’s commitment to serving all learners. Take a look of WGU Commencement 2025.

WGU Graduates Achieve Career Success

WGU graduates consistently demonstrate strong career outcomes.

• Advancement: A 2023 Harris Poll survey of 1,655 WGU graduates revealed that 87% are employed in their field of study.
• Employer Satisfaction: Employers highly value WGU graduates. In a 2023 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers, 98% reported that WGU graduates met or exceeded their expectations, 97% stated that graduates were well-prepared for their jobs, and 97% indicated they would hire another WGU graduate.
• Graduate Satisfaction: WGU graduates express high levels of satisfaction. A 2023 Harris Poll comparing 1,655 WGU graduates with 1,443 graduates from other institutions found that 96% of WGU graduates would recommend WGU to others (compared to 84% of other graduates), and 96% would choose WGU again (compared to 91% of other graduates).

Strong Financial Outcomes:

• Low Default Rates: WGU students demonstrate responsible borrowing behavior. The FY2019 cohort’s official 3-year default rate of 0.7% is significantly lower than the national average of 2.3% and far below many comparable institutions. This trend bucks the national average and reflects WGU’s commitment to student success.

WGU Retention Rate

• Definition: Measures the percentage of first-time, full-time students who continue their studies at WGU in the subsequent year.
• Data Source: 23-24 IPEDS Fall Enrollment Survey
• Rate: 62% – This indicates that 62% of first-time, full-time students enrolled in the previous year returned to WGU for the following academic year.

Continuing Education:

• Data Source: National Student Clearinghouse Subsequent Enrollment and Graduation Survey

• Overall: 17% of WGU’s four-year degree program graduates (between July 1, 1998, and October 23, 2024) pursued further education at the graduate or professional level.

  • Most Common: Master’s degrees (99.69%)
  • Other Degrees: Doctorate (0.02%), Juris Doctor (0.02%), Post-Master’s (0.23%), Post-Baccalaureate (0.05%)

• WGU Baccalaureate to Graduate Programs:

  • Most Common: Master’s degrees (99.75%)
  • Other Degrees/Programs: Post-Master’s (0.02%), Post-Baccalaureate (0.04%), Endorsements (0.20%)

Key Takeaways:

• WGU demonstrates a solid retention rate for first-time, full-time students.
• A significant portion of WGU graduates pursue further education at the graduate level, primarily Master’s degrees.
• Many WGU graduates continue their education within WGU itself.