Western Governors University
| Type | Private online university |
|---|---|
| Established | 1997 |
| Founder | Mike Leavitt, Roy Romer |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
| Endowment | $3.7 million (2025) |
| President | Scott Pulsipher |
| Provost | Courtney Hills McBeth |
Academic staff | 2,974 (full-time) 1,220 (part-time) |
| Students | 156,935 (fall 2022) |
| Undergraduates | 112,807 (fall 2022) |
| Postgraduates | 44,128 (fall 2022) |
| Location | , U.S. |
| Campus | Online |
| Colors | Navy and white |
| Nickname | Night Owls |
| Mascot | Sage the Night Owl |
| Website | www |
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private online university based in Millcreek, Utah, United States. The university uses an online competency-based learning model, providing advanced education for working professionals. Degrees awarded by WGU are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Schools and Universities (NWCCU). The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997, after the idea was formulated at a 1995 meeting of the Western Governors Association to expand education offerings to the internet.