WGU Official Annual Report on Graduation Rates for 2024-2025

As of the academic year 2024-2025, WGU reports an official graduation rate of 51%. This figure indicates the percentage of students who have successfully graduated within 150% of the expected program duration. For a standard four-year bachelor’s degree, this translates to a completion period of six years. On average, WGU students take about 5.10 years to finish their bachelor’s degrees.

WGU Graduation Rate

The graduation rate, often called the “Student Right to Know” rate or the IPEDS graduation rate, measures the academic progression of first-time, full-time students enrolled in degree or certificate programs, tracking whether they complete their studies within the expected timeframe of 150%.

Important Note: WGU’s student demographic mainly includes non-traditional learners, with only 1% categorized as first-time, full-time students. The vast majority (99%) possess prior college experience. During this reporting period, merely 900 students were classified as “full-time, first-time” for this metric.

At WGU, our primary goal is the success of our students, culminating in graduation. We strive to empower each individual to earn their degree and turn aspirations into reality. Therefore, we take graduation rates very seriously.

It is crucial to recognize that the graduation rate displayed on the College Scorecard might not accurately capture the complete scope of student success at WGU. The College Scorecard mainly focuses on first-time, full-time students, while WGU caters to a diverse body of learners that includes numerous 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 and 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 mandated by the U.S. Department of Education to provide data about our institution and students. This information is accessible on College Navigator, allowing for college comparisons. As required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008, we offer extensive information regarding WGU, including retention and graduation rates for all current and prospective students on this page.

The College Scorecard focuses mainly on first-time, full-time students. With over 98% of WGU’s enrollment consisting of non-traditional learners, including those with prior college experience, their achievements are largely omitted from the College Scorecard’s graduation rate assessments. This demographic, which is not considered first-time, represents a significant portion of WGU’s students, and their successful degree completions highlight WGU’s commitment to serving all types of learners. Check out WGU Commencement 2025.

WGU Graduates Achieve Career Success

WGU graduates consistently showcase impressive career outcomes.

• Advancement: A 2023 Harris Poll survey of 1,655 WGU alumni indicated that 87% are employed in their chosen fields.
• Employer Satisfaction: Employers hold WGU graduates in high regard. In a 2023 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers, 98% confirmed that WGU graduates met or surpassed their expectations, 97% noted that graduates were well-equipped for their jobs, and 97% reported that they would hire another WGU graduate.
• Graduate Satisfaction: WGU alumni express high satisfaction levels. A 2023 Harris Poll comparing 1,655 WGU graduates with 1,443 graduates from other institutions revealed that 96% of WGU alumni would recommend WGU to others (vs. 84% of other graduates), and 96% would choose WGU again (vs. 91% of others).

Strong Financial Outcomes:

• Low Default Rates: WGU students exhibit responsible borrowing practices. The FY2019 cohort’s official three-year default rate of 0.7% is significantly lower than the national average of 2.3% and much lower than many comparable institutions. This trend defies the national average and underscores WGU’s dedication to student success.

WGU Retention Rate

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

Continuing Education:

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

• Overall: 17% of graduates from WGU’s four-year degree programs (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 shows a strong retention rate among first-time, full-time students.
• A significant number of WGU graduates pursue further education at the graduate level, primarily seeking Master’s degrees.
• Many WGU alumni continue their education at WGU itself.