Fact Check: Are wgu degrees respected?

Are WGU Degrees Respected?

Introduction

The claim that "WGU degrees are respected" has been a topic of discussion among prospective students, employers, and educational institutions. Western Governors University (WGU) is an online university that has gained popularity for its competency-based education model and affordability. However, questions about the respectability and recognition of its degrees persist, particularly in the job market and among traditional educational institutions.

What We Know

1. Accreditation: WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which is a recognized form of accreditation in the United States. This accreditation is often considered a benchmark for quality in higher education 12.

2. Employer Perception: Some sources indicate that employers respect degrees from accredited institutions like WGU. A report from College Reality Check states that employers will generally respect online degrees from accredited schools, including WGU 6. However, the perception can vary significantly by industry and employer.

3. Student Experiences: Anecdotal evidence from forums and reviews suggests mixed opinions about the respectability of WGU degrees. Some graduates report successful careers and positive experiences, particularly in fields like IT 3. Conversely, others express skepticism about the university's reputation, labeling it as a "no-name school" 9.

4. Program-Specific Accreditation: WGU offers specialized accreditations for certain programs, such as nursing and teaching, which may enhance the respectability of degrees in those fields 10.

5. Graduation and Acceptance Rates: WGU has a graduation rate of approximately 64% and a 100% acceptance rate, which may influence perceptions of its academic rigor and selectivity 5.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

• Accredited Online Colleges | WGU: This source is WGU's official website, which provides information about its accreditation. While it is reliable in terms of factual content, it may have a bias towards presenting the university positively 1.

• College Transitions: This article discusses WGU's legitimacy and accreditation status. It provides a balanced view but may not delve deeply into employer perceptions, which could limit its comprehensiveness 2.

• DegreeForum: This forum contains user-generated content, offering personal experiences and opinions. While it provides valuable insights, the subjective nature of forum posts means they should be taken with caution 39.

• Career Karma: This source provides a profile of WGU, including statistics on tuition and graduation rates. It appears to be a neutral source, but it may not fully capture the nuances of employer perceptions 5.

• College Reality Check: This article specifically addresses employer respect for online degrees. It cites the importance of accreditation but does not provide extensive evidence or examples to support its claims 6.

• Rebellion Research: This article argues in favor of WGU's respectability, citing its regional accreditation and program-specific accreditations. However, it lacks a critical examination of opposing viewpoints, which may indicate bias 10.

Methodological Considerations

The evidence regarding the respectability of WGU degrees is largely anecdotal and varies by field and employer. More comprehensive studies, including surveys of employers specifically regarding their perceptions of WGU graduates, would provide a clearer picture. Additionally, longitudinal studies tracking the career outcomes of WGU graduates compared to those from traditional institutions could offer valuable insights.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "WGU degrees are respected" is partially true based on the evidence available. WGU's regional accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is a significant factor that contributes to the respectability of its degrees. Additionally, some employers do recognize and respect degrees from accredited online institutions, including WGU. However, perceptions of WGU degrees can vary widely depending on the industry and individual employer biases.

Anecdotal evidence from graduates presents a mixed picture, with some reporting successful career outcomes while others express skepticism about the university's reputation. The lack of comprehensive studies specifically addressing employer perceptions of WGU graduates adds to the uncertainty surrounding this claim.

Readers should be aware that while WGU degrees may be respected in certain contexts, this respect is not universal and can depend on various factors, including the field of study and the specific employer. As always, it is crucial for individuals to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing the value of educational credentials.

Sources

1. Accredited Online Colleges | WGU. WGU Accreditation
2. Is Western Governors University Accredited? Is WGU Legit? College Transitions
3. WGU--Too good to be true?? DegreeForum
4. WGU Review- 3 Year Update - Is Western Governors ... YouTube
5. Is WGU a Good School? WGU Rankings and Reviews Career Karma
6. Is Western Governors University Respected by Employers? College Reality Check
7. Western Governors University Reviews: Written By Customers in 2025 Consumer Affairs
8. Is WGU Legit? Do Employers value online degrees? YouTube
9. Bad Review for WGU: Dishonest, Incompetent, and ... DegreeForum
10. Is a WGU degree respected? Rebellion Research