Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Western Governors University
Bachelor's Degree
wgu.eduAnalysis
Western Governors University's nursing program delivers exceptional value, ranking in the 86th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Utah—impressive performance that places it among the state's top nursing programs. With median first-year earnings of $85,861, graduates earn nearly $20,000 more than the typical Utah nursing graduate ($66,420) and $11,000 above the national median. The program ties for the highest earnings among Utah's nursing schools, matching Arizona College of Nursing while offering a more affordable path.
The debt picture reinforces this program's value proposition. At $22,660 in median debt, students borrow roughly in line with state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26—meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with about three months of gross salary. This combination of high earnings and reasonable debt makes the financial return particularly strong.
One notable consideration is the flat earnings growth from year one to four, suggesting nurses may hit their earning potential quickly rather than seeing substantial salary progression. However, given the strong starting salary that already exceeds most programs' four-year marks, this isn't necessarily problematic. For parents seeking a reliable path to solid middle-class earnings in healthcare, this program offers one of Utah's best nursing education values with robust graduate outcomes and manageable debt.
Where Western Governors University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Western Governors University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | $85,861 | $86,143 | +0% |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | $74,693 | $83,350 | +12% |
| Utah Tech University | $69,616 | $82,137 | +18% |
| Westminster University | $66,132 | $67,444 | +2% |
| University of Utah | $69,565 | $66,109 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City | $8,300 | $85,861 | $86,143 | $22,660 | 0.26 |
 Arizona College of Nursing-Salt Lake CityMurray | $22,586 | $85,169 | — | $51,854 | 0.61 |
 Nightingale CollegeSalt Lake City | — | $79,449 | — | — | — |
 Joyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesDraper | $20,780 | $74,693 | $83,350 | $36,018 | 0.48 |
 Utah Tech UniversitySaint George | $6,074 | $69,616 | $82,137 | $20,250 | 0.29 |
 University of UtahSalt Lake City | $9,315 | $69,565 | $66,109 | $22,106 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Western Governors University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 11263 graduates with reported earnings and 12823 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.