The WGU Texas Difference
WGU Texas’ mission is to improve lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity.
WGU Texas is an accredited, nonprofit, competency-based, 100% online university established to expand access to higher education throughout the state. Formed through a partnership between the state of Texas and nationally recognized Western Governors University (WGU), WGU Texas is open to all qualified Texas residents. We offer more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand career fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.
Degree programs are carefully chosen with workforce readiness in mind. Our special competency-based model for online learning is designed for theworking adult, and our commitment to keeping costs down means better ROI for graduates. Our model delivers bachelor’s degrees at 1/5th the cost of the national average and 42 percent of our graduates complete their degree without incurring student loans.
All degree programs are accredited through WGU by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) which is the highest form of regional accreditation based on performance, integrity and quality and qualifies institutions and enrolled students to access Title IV federal funds to support teaching, research and student financial aid.
Competency-Based Education
WGU pioneered competency-based education and remains the only institution offering it at scale. WGU Texas awards degrees based on the skills and knowledge that each student possesses and can demonstrate—not the number of credit hours on their transcript. Students learn at their own pace progressing through a degree program by demonstrating mastery of competencies as courses are completed. If a student can learn faster, spend more time on schoolwork, or lean on knowledge from previous work or school experience, they can accelerate.
With 24/7 access to online learning resources to engage with on their schedule, students learning journey is tailored exactly to where their knowledge currently is—and where it needs to be. Faculty provide personalized, one-on-one learning support. Students are paired with program mentors who help them understand the competencies required for their program and get over any obstacles to completing their courses, and course instructors guide students through the content one must master to pass the course assessments.
Equity and Access
Higher education can and should be affordable and accessible to all students. WGU Texas is committed to increasing access to high quality, affordable, and attainable programs that are connected to the workforce. WGU Texas’ diverse student population includes underserved populations, first-generation and low-income students. Most of our students are working adults, with 74 percent working full-time while enrolled in our programs. Through a generous scholarship, grant, and financial aid program, WGU Texas serves students who may not otherwise attend or succeed in college. Last year, WGU awarded more than $16 million in scholarships to students. Visit wgu.edu/access to learn more about our commitment to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to earn a degree.
Solving the College-Readiness Gap
Providing the foundation for success as a WGU student.
WGU Academy helps solve the growing college-readiness gap by providing individuals with an affordable, low-risk on-ramp that prepares them for eventual enrollment at WGU Texas. Students can complete two college-level courses in addition to a noncredit program, which helps develop confidence, persistence, and a positive academic mindset before taking on a regular degree program. Upon completing the program, students are guaranteed admission to WGU Texas.
Upskilling and Reskilling
WGU Texas is focused on learning outcomes as they relate to workforce skills that employers demand.
As people return to school to keep pace with the evolving job market, and as the pace of technological innovation accelerates, workers need to continually learn new skills. Working with industry, WGU mapped over 7,000 skills across our programs and courses, connecting course competencies to employer and workforce needs and in-demand skills. Our model allows adult learners to affordably, conveniently upskill and reskill in ways that are marketable to employers.