Western Governors University (WGU) vs The New School

Western Governors University (WGU) and The New School are two distinct institutions of higher learning that cater to different student populations and offer unique educational experiences. WGU, an online, competency-based university, boasts a remarkably high acceptance rate of 100%, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. In contrast, The New School, a private research university located in New York City, has a more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 58%. While WGU excels in online programs, particularly in business and information technology, The New School is renowned for its liberal arts and design programs, attracting students from diverse backgrounds. Both universities offer flexible learning options, but WGU's competency-based approach allows students to progress at their own pace, while The New School provides a more traditional semester-based structure. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and learning preferences.

	The New School	Western Governors University
Overview
Location	New York, New York	Salt Lake City, Utah
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	83.0%	63.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	66.3%	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	9,696
Total number of admissions given out	6,428
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,902
Yield rate	29.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$73,344	$14,652
Average net price	$43,547	$10,336
Tuition	$51,128	$7,162
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $15,000 Meal plan: $6,400
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $20,330	47.0% Average amount $4,316
Students receiving federal student loan	26.0% Average amount $5,138	67.0% Average amount $5,072
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $23,894	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,381 Men 24.3% Women 75.7%	107,952 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students	3,112 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%	42,164 Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	81.9%	92.9%
International students	33.8%	0.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	2,325	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California New York New Jersey Florida Pennsylvania	Texas Washington Utah California Indiana

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Computer and Information Science Communication and Journalism Multidisciplinary Studies Liberal Arts	Health Professions Education Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	10:1	42:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.9%	63.6%
Dropout rate	16.3%	27.2%
Transferred out	13.5%	2.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $63,289 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $82,468 Visual and Performing Arts, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $72,367 Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,302 Year 2: $58,866 Year 3: $69,897 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,442 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $68,670 Architecture (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,057 Year 2: $59,124 Year 3: $63,261 Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,427 Year 2: $63,430 Year 3: $62,407 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,154 Year 2: $59,788 Year 3: $60,722 Sustainability Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,594 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $59,550 International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,177 Year 2: $48,041 Year 3: $55,483 Design and Applied Arts (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $45,981 Year 2: $46,407 Year 3: $51,410	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,943 Year 2: $98,156 Year 3: $111,928 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,608 Year 2: $90,998 Year 3: $97,288 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,245 Year 2: $86,988 Year 3: $90,365 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,868 Year 2: $74,056 Year 3: $80,509 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,342 Year 2: $75,430 Year 3: $78,577 Educational Administration and Supervision (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $76,072 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,423 Year 2: $70,169 Year 3: $74,384 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,520 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $72,823 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,154 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $68,593 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $68,172

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in the academic structure between Western Governors University (WGU) and The New School?

WGU operates on a competency-based education model, meaning you progress by demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge, rather than by seat time. This allows for self-paced learning and flexible scheduling. The New School, on the other hand, follows a more traditional semester-based system with scheduled classes, lectures, and assignments. The New School emphasizes a liberal arts approach with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and critical thinking, while WGU is more focused on practical skills and career readiness.
How does the cost of attendance compare between WGU and The New School?

WGU is generally significantly more affordable than The New School. WGU offers flat-rate tuition per term, regardless of the number of courses taken, making it a cost-effective option, especially for those who can complete courses quickly. The New School's tuition is based on credit hours and is considerably higher, reflecting its location in New York City and its focus on a more traditional, in-person learning experience.
What are the main differences in the learning environment and delivery methods?

WGU is primarily an online university, offering all programs remotely. This provides maximum flexibility for students who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments. The New School offers a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid courses, with a strong emphasis on in-person learning, particularly for its arts and design programs. The New School's environment fosters a collaborative and interactive learning experience, while WGU's environment is more self-directed.
What types of programs are offered at each institution?

WGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, primarily focused on fields like business, information technology, healthcare, and education. These programs are designed to be career-focused and industry-aligned. The New School offers a diverse array of programs across its various colleges, including the Parsons School of Design, the College of Performing Arts, and the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts. The New School's programs are known for their focus on the arts, design, social sciences, and humanities.
How does the accreditation of WGU and The New School compare?

Both WGU and The New School are regionally accredited institutions, which is a standard requirement for federal financial aid and the transfer of credits. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), while The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Both accreditations are recognized and respected.
What are the admission requirements like for each university?

WGU generally has more open admission requirements, focusing on a student's readiness to succeed in a competency-based program. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve an introductory course or assessment. The New School has more selective admission requirements, often requiring a high school transcript, standardized test scores (though some programs are test-optional), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Admission to The New School's art and design programs often requires a portfolio review.
How does the student experience differ between WGU and The New School?

The student experience at WGU is characterized by self-directed learning and a high degree of flexibility. Students work independently, with support from mentors and course instructors. The New School offers a more traditional campus experience, with opportunities for in-person interaction, extracurricular activities, and a strong sense of community. The New School's location in New York City provides access to a vibrant cultural and social environment.
What are the career services and support like at each institution?

WGU provides career services focused on helping students prepare for their chosen fields, including resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance. The New School offers comprehensive career services, including career counseling, internship opportunities, and networking events, often leveraging its location in New York City and its connections to various industries, particularly in the arts and design fields.
Which university is better for someone seeking a flexible schedule?

WGU is the clear choice for students seeking a flexible schedule. Its competency-based, online format allows students to learn at their own pace and complete coursework around their existing commitments. The New School offers some online courses, but its programs are generally less flexible due to the semester-based structure and in-person requirements.
Which university is better for someone interested in the arts?

The New School is the better choice for students interested in the arts. Its Parsons School of Design and College of Performing Arts are highly regarded, and the university offers a wide range of programs in art, design, music, drama, and other creative fields. While WGU offers some programs that may relate to the arts, it is not a primary focus.

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