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 endeavor 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 188,935 Individuals
WGU has a diverse student body living in all 50 states—and on U.S. military bases around the world. Current student totals as of February 28th, 2025.
A Global Network of 371,430 Graduates
WGU's alumni network is made up of accomplished professionals in all 50 states—and around the world. Current count of alumni as of February 28th, 2025.
Gallup and WGU
Because WGU believes its success is measured by its graduates’ success, we partner with Gallup to conduct research into students' experiences at WGU and beyond.
WGU surveys every WGU student at graduation. Read their stories of inspiration and success.
Outstanding Performance in the National Study of Student Engagement (NSSE)
This survey is conducted annually and asks undergraduate students about the quality and characteristics of their higher education experience. The 2023 survey collected responses from 354,067 students from 541 institutions—473 in the U.S. and 63 in Canada.
In a pandemic year that forced the WGU and its students to continue to adapt to new ways of doing things, those who participated in the survey expressed a high level of satisfaction with the university’s efforts to support them while providing a relevant and affordable education—in many areas, far outpacing the national average.
76% of WGU student rated the quality of their interactions with faculty a 6 & 7 on a 7-point scale. That's 25 percentage points higher than the national average.
"How would you evaluate your entire educational experience at this institution?" 93% of WGU students said it was "good" and "excellent"—compared to the national average of 81%.
78% of WGU students said their experience has contributed "quite a bit" and "very much" to their knowledge and skills—compared to the national average of 54%.
96% of WGU students said they would definitely choose WGU if they were to start again. That 14 points higher than the national average!
Strong Salary Outcomes
WGU graduates are happy with their education:
- 95% of WGU graduates reported that they would recommend WGU to others, compared with 84% nationally.
- 81% of WGU graduates were satisfied with their overall experience, compared with 78% nationally.
Source: 2023 Harris Poll survey of 1,655 WGU graduates and 1,443 non-WGU graduates.
Impressive average salary increases:
- WGU graduates reported an average increase on income of $22,200 within two years of graduation, compared with salary pre-enrollment.
- Four years after graduation, the average increase was $30,300.
Source: 2023 Harris Poll survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
High-Performing Alumni = Happy Employers
WGU graduates boast degrees that prepare them to succeed in their careers. The data below proves it.:
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
