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Head-to-head comparison

Western Governors University vs Westminster University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Salt Lake City UT · vs · Private nonprofit, Salt Lake City UT

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University

Net price / year
$12,548
Earnings, 10 years
$60,615
Payback
4.1 yrs

Option B Salt Lake City, UT

Westminster University

Net price / year
$27,094
Earnings, 10 years
$66,215
Payback
6.1 yrs
The verdict

Western Governors University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,192 in 4.1 years versus 6.1 years at Westminster University, on median earnings of $60,615 vs $66,215 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWestern Governors UniversityWestminster University
Net price / yr$12,548$27,094
Total net cost$50,192$108,376
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,615$66,215
Median debt$11,116$22,250
Payback4.1 yrs6.1 yrs
20-year net return$194,908$248,724

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Western Governors University or Westminster University?

Western Governors University, at $12,548 a year after aid versus $27,094 — a gap of $14,546 a year, or $58,184 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Western Governors University or Westminster University graduates earn more?

Westminster University graduates report a median $66,215 ten years after entry, $5,600 more than the $60,615 at Western Governors University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Western Governors University or Westminster University?

Western Governors University: its completers carry a median $11,116 in federal loans versus $22,250 at Westminster University, a difference of $11,134. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Westminster University, against 46% at Western Governors University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Western Governors University vs Westminster University: frequently asked questions

Is Western Governors University or Westminster University a better value?
Western Governors University. It clears its $50,192 net cost in about 4.1 years versus 6.1 years at Westminster University, on median earnings of $60,615 vs $66,215 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Western Governors University or Westminster University?
Western Governors University: $12,548/yr net price after aid versus $27,094/yr at Westminster University — a difference of $14,546 a year, or about $58,184 over four years.
Do Western Governors University or Westminster University graduates earn more?
Westminster University graduates earn a median $66,215 ten years after entry, versus $60,615 at Western Governors University — a $5,600 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.