Did they pay you to write this? WGU sucks!

hi Dustin and Alicia..
it's very reassuring to see responses like yours.. and that makes me believe in schools like WGU.

I am really busy at work and so i think that schools like WGU would be perfect to attain my long wanted degree..

Thanks for the positives comments regarding WGU. I am a RN am planning to enroll in the RN-MSN program. My concerns are regarding the teaching methods and academic support. Can anybody clarify what " Competency based learning " entails?
Thanks,
A serious student.

I am currently a student at WGU, returning to college after many years. I hold a BS degree in business administration and an MS degree in counseling. I just finished my first semester as an undergraduate accounting major. So far I enjoy the program and my mentor checks in periodically to make sure I'm meeting requirements for my degree. I would strongly recommmend WGU to others

I guess attending an online college has its risks and benefits. It is like larning to swim ;I may drown or I may master my back stroke. I'm just going to jump in the water, do the best I can, and become the best teacher I can be!

To the person who "was accepted into a prestigious graduate school" come on, tell us what school this actually is. Otherwise it doesn't have any credibility. Please give specific information. Please.

With motivation and discipline you can really do well at WGU. I finished my BS in Finance in two years, put in one more term and got my BS in Accounting. I got the job I wanted as an appraiser (along with a fat raise) and am just starting my MBA online through Auburn University.

D Harris,
I am really glad to hear that Auburn University accepts WGU's degrees. It is reassuring to know that!

I know this post is old, just want to chime in. I was going to WGU for a little while whilst I was in the military. Word of advice to veterans seeking to go to WGU.......DONT!!!!!!!! They're all hunky dory while they're getting money directly from the govt (tuition assistance) but the minute they have to do ANY leg work to verify you with the VA you're screwed. It's been 2 years since I was forced to leave that horrible institution and I'm still dealing with the consequence! WGU is a horrible school...word of advice, get a cheaper degree from some community college and the rest of the real education you can learn for free from he Internet and doing your research

I am trying to do some research about WGU. I have a BSN and want to persue MSN. I am excited about their tuition and that i can complete the program as fast as i want. I am just not sure if it is a good idea to take it online from WGU. I dont know if their quality of education is as good as some traditional class based schools. I really want to hear from some who have attended this school or this program. Would i have problem finding a job later or have my degree equally recognized as other so called good big schools

I earned my BS in marketing management from WGU in 2009. At the time, WGU was the only school I could afford that could get me the (accredited) degree I wanted/needed to move out of the cubicle farm that was crushing my soul. Near the end of my final term I began to think about graduate school. My positive experience with online learning at WGU taught me first and foremost that learning is about your own efforts far more than it is about what someone else (a professor, a boss, a colleague) is going to GIVE you. In May 2011, I finished my MBA from the University of Michigan. People who take the time out of their lives to troll the internet and grind their axes about the quality of schools they don't attend should consider finding a hobby - perhaps one of their self-approved colleges will have some courses of interest to fill the free hours of their day. Best of luck to you all.

I am currently attending a school that has an actual building. I of course am prejudice towards this type of school. I also feel that the quality of education would be better from an physical school. I may be wrong, who knows. I do know that I would like Alicia (the first comment) to go ahead and line up with me toe to toe academically speaking, since I apparently have just fun times to talk about . . .

This type of school is for adults. That is the difference. Not everyone has the ability to up and quit to become a full time student. This type of education is mainly good for getting a promotion/raise, which is what most people care about. It serves it's purpose. Most people attending these types of colleges are not premed, not potential engineers, not anything of the sort, but usually lower to mid-level people and looking for a bump.

@Kristen, so they wouldn't accept Brown either? They use pass/fail as well. And where are you pulling this bunk about their instructors (which they don't have, they use mentors) are not "degreed educators?" They require a Masters in the subject in order to be a mentor, so if they have that how are they not "degreed", whatever that means.

WGU as stated by the last comment is not a school for everybody. I have been to a regular nursing school and had instructors read the slides word for word on the screen. Moreover, the school will not give you the opportunity to do your best. They logged everybody together, do not care who is failing or not or how to encourage or mentor somebody to help them achieve their dreams. They believe you have to operate and flow with the group. I have a degree before and I like very much to learn at my own pace. Most of the people that do well are very young students most of whom still lives with their mama or do not have responsibilities. It is very difficult to go to school and still take care of family lives at the same time, that is why I think WGU is a good opportunity for people like me who prefers to learn at my own pace while taking care of my family not by going with the crowd. It is not a race for better or worse. Everyone will definitely get to the destination; With God all things are possible!

To Ex: I am currently a student at WGU and I am not sure how this was possible. So far, I have had to use a webcam for 2 assessments. When the proctor could not see my keyboard or the whole area, they completely cut the session, I had to call a designated facility.They had me reposition the camera and made me even remove the non required pencils from the area before the assessment restarted. For another assessment, I was required to go to a large university in my city and show a picture I.D. and be supervised for a test.
When I applied, they checked all of my previous credits from other schools and they only accepted a few compared to the 56 credits that I had. Sounds to me like your post is a scam against WGU. As far as I am concerned, it has been the best program for an online education. By the way, my employer approved my program and even called The University of TN to make sure they would accept my undergrad. They had absolutely no problem accepting WGU. I work for a large healthcare company with a great reputation and if they encouraged me and approved then I have absolutely no issues with WGU!

I have been searching for cheap, quality education for awhile and I have come across WGU many times. I finally decided to attend WGU because they are in a different league when it comes to affordability, reliability, and recognition.

My best friend graduated from the University of Washington with BS in Economics. Even though he is happy with the degree he got from UW, he is not pleased with the price tag. He told me it would take a decade or more for him to pay off his debt.

Affordability is what many universities are lacking. With WGU I can spend about $12k and get my degree and that is what matters to me the most since I have three kids to provide for. If someone have the money to go to prestigious school, let them do so. I have nothing but respect for them. However, it saddens me to hear from people who are jealous about WGU's affordability.

I think we don't have to break the bank to be educated. Education should be free in this country to start with and WGU would get me close to paying nothing. I appreciate the opportunity to be educated and debt free at the same time. Now, we can all agree to disagree. And I prefer to go my way! Thanks for the thoughtful posts presented here.

Kris Dunn you are right on the money about WGU needing to work harder to get the word out about the level academic merit that their programs offers.

I just graduated with my Bachelors of Science In Human Resource Management.The reason why I picked WGU was bout of the fact that students in the HR program must take and pass either the PHR exam or the Assurance in Learning exam to complete their program specific requirements toward graduation. Also WGU is Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Being regionally accredited is a big deal and it's not easy to get or keep.

Someone posted a question above that I was wondering if anyone had an answer to.

"I am looking into obtaining my BS in Accounting with the long-term goal to become a CPA. Western Governors University has a great accounting program. In addition, they are regionally and nationally accredited. However, they use a non-standard approach in monitoring student progress - so called "competency" units, which can be converted in semester units on transcripts, but they do not provide a letter grade. Can anyone please tell me if students from Western Governors University are eligible to sit for CPA exam?"

My state requires 150 credit hours (among other requirements) but do these Competency Units count towards the 150 in general?

Also, I'd love to hear from someone who has obtained their BS Accounting from WGU to see where it took them.

Thanks in advance!

So let me give you who are looking for some real information and not some cry baby venting like some of these so-called professionals are giving. I have done both, brick and mortar and WGU. As mentioned WGU is for the PROFESSIONAL, someone who is focused and has the willingness to learn, and not be spoon feed information. That is why you seem some of the people on here upset because WGU was not a choice they should have made (They needed bigger spoons, LOL). Everyone learns differently i respect that, just poking a little people are so cynical and negative these days STOP CRYING!. Let me give some real advice, in this world and business climate, the economy and your bills are not going to wait for you to spend four years to get an degree from a brick and mortar school whose educational material they are providing you is obsolete the second year of you attending! Not to mention a bunch of BS GE classes just to get money from you anyway... sorry but history classes dont help me with IT..just saying. With WGU i received my BS in IT: Network Management in design in 7 months! and not because it was microwave education, but because they where realistic and i did not have to do GE classes that would not benefit me. So while most are spending 4 years getting a degree in technology that has changed since they started school, i will have the job they dreamed of already and moved on. Be smart not cynical! Furthermore WGU is the only school, and i am speaking from IT standards that uses actually IT certifications as part of their degree program, which means they always are up to date, and not only are you receiving a degree, but you are gaining valuable certifications in the field, to elaborate more (as if i needed to) COST! 3035.00 even for 6 months of training, it is personalized! you choose your courses you want to do first, and if you finish them more quickly then 6 months you can add more, with no charge! Oh let me add more.... the mentors all have masters, so the comment above was not correct... and you have 2 mentors for every course... yes 2! Why one is your program mentor that checks in with you every week... on the phone you have to talk... no email check ins... then you have a different course mentor for every course, who specializes in that subject. Now do understand that those mentors are assigned to every person in that course, and there are usually multiple mentors for one course but do understand that person is not just assigned to you. Listen just because you sit down in a class room doesnt make you any better...or learn more.. that is an ignorant argument from ignorant people. Take it from a professional that works in the field and was working in the field before i start WGU... it is a great place! I loved it... you will find so many great reviews on the place... and it took me 2 years to decided to go there. My mentor said to me... it took you 2 years to do something that only took you 7 months, next time just pull the trigger... so to all of you reading this and trying to decided on WGU ... believe me it is a no brainier. I am going back for my Masters next month...in Information Security... because i already have technical certifications... it is only 9 more classes and i receive my Masters!!! I promise you... i would put and brick and mortar IT person under the table... and i say that with my CHEST because WGU is great. You only receive what you are prepared to ladies and gentlemen... if you are ready for school and you want and education... at the end of the day what you gain from it always depends on you anyway. WGU Grad OUT! Court is ADJOURNED! Verdict WGU BABY!

Thanks to everyone who posted here! I am about to finish two years at the University of Phoenix and am looking for a place to pursue my BS. The set-up of WGU is different from most schools, inlcuding UoP, so I am a little wary. I feel a littel better after reading everyone's posting.

I heard the application fee can be waived, if a current student refers... is this true?

Any clue how to have that last bit happen, Jennifer? I want to apply, but my wallet is extra-thin right now!

Thanks for all the positive posts. I am going to DO THIS! Any volunteer to refer me too? :)

Thanks, Stacey. I just did. :)

Hi there, After doing some research in my own for many months I have decided to pursue adegree from WGU,I have read every single comment in many sites, but the truth is that WGU is real, and believe me, i will become a next success story from this university

I am getting ready to become a student at WGU. Could anyone refer me. My email is [email protected] I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

I cannot thank you guys enough for being so informative, realistic, and progressive about this new wave of education. I did my B.A. in Hawaii and now live in San Diego. I was going to either have to spend 20k for a credential at a private university, or wait yet another year to receive instate tuition in California. I think one of the best things about our tech generation is simply that we're forward moving. There are classes out there on Coursera, Kahn Academy, EdX, and the like. It's an opportunity for free knowledge and is really changing the way previous socioeconomics created a biased sample for who could and could not be educated. I was intimidated to choose this school because of a fear of bias for later employment opportunities, but after reading about the rigorous study work feel much more confident in this decision. If Time can boost WGU forward, I'm happy to be on board. I'd sincerely appreciate a referral to waive the application fee as well if I may please have one from someone. I'm at [email protected]. Naturally, financial incentive was the initial concern. :) I feel like I just saved myself years of unnecessary debt, seeing that teaching isn't terribly lucrative and positions aren't readily available to begin with. Nonetheless, I'm glad this is the way the world is turning.

im not sure if i am accepted to wGU yet but I can access everything except my orientation on my student profile like the library and book store and everything what does that mean

Hi K,

I'm going through Admissions right now, and I asked that very questions. My enrollment counselor advised told me that the Accounting program will NOT prepare you for the CPA exam. You will have to take some upper level graduate courses in order to sit for the exam. She also recommended that I review the requirements in my state.

I'm still going through with the admissions process because I think the school is a good value, and also because of the positive things I've heard about the school. I've tried brick and mortar schools, University of Phoenix, ect. and I just can't sit there and listen to people talk about stuff that I already know. So I'm hoping to make it through admissions and get started. Wish me Luck!!

I am at the tail end of completing the RN-MSN program at WGU. I graduated in 12 months with my BSN (starting with an A.A.S. in nursing) and transitioned right into the MSN curriculum.

Here is my personal thoughts on what the competency-based learning meant to me:

I went into the program expecting a certain level of difficulty. I found that with several years of nursing experience in a variety of roles and specialties as an RN, the BSN was "easier" than I thought it would be. Was it EASY? No. But was it very relatable to a day in the life of an RN? Yes. What I eventually determined was that the content in the curriculum for the BSN was appropriate, and I was comptetent in much of it. I questioned for a moment whether I was getting the value that others were, but after talking with state university instructors that had nursing students doing clinical time in our organization, I found that I was doing the same thing they were - I just had a lot of experience under my belt, so I had already "done" it and that was what made the content much easier to understand.

Moving into the MSN (Education) portion, wow. Totally different degree of difficulty, more papers returned for revision. But, still very relevant, and the coursework has been translatable to things I am doing in a leadership role (Director) in my organization. It has taken me a lot more time and energy to complete this portion, and for that I am grateful because it further shows that I am NOT as competent in this area of the curriculum!

If you have experience in nursing and a life outside of being a student, this school would probably be a good fit for you. If you are a procrastinator and not self-driven, not able to seek out information and quickly ask for help when you need it, you need to find a brick and mortar school where the instructors are going to be on your back to get things done. I have no doubt that the work I have done with WGU has challenged me in real ways that have helped develop me as a nurse leader, and am confident that my degree's credibility has as much as the next MSN.

I am a graduate of WGU. I have a BS in Accounting and it serves me well. When applying for positions, I have taken Accounting tests and passed with flying colors thanks to what I learned at WGU. I am now gainfully employed at a wonderful company where I use my Accounting and Finance knowledge every day.

I would recommend WGU to anyone who has real-world work experience and previous college credits. Western Governors University is great for highly motivated individuals who may have started a traditional college education years ago and never got the opportunity to go back for whatever reason.

I am extremely proud to call myself a WGU Night Owl!

Most of the comments on here are obviously "sponsored" by WGU.

I have read all of the post good and bad. I was deciding for the best online college to attend and pretty much fully enrolled at University of Phoenix but after all these comment I am happy to say I will pursue my degree at WGU. If anyone could refer me so that I can have my application fee waived it will be greatly appreciated. [email protected]

I am interested in attending WGU. Could anyone refer me so I could get my application fee waved? Thank you so much! You could reach me at [email protected]

Currently attending Keiser University in florida on campus. I'd like to attend wgu for my bachelor in information security. I like all the cert it comes with. But how does it look to an employer? and do brick and mortar schools take wgu transcripts? Looking to go elsewhere for my masters..

I currently attend UOP I just completed my first year. I have a total of 28 units and just started Math class how many of my classes will transfer for the BS in Accounting if I transfer to WGU to complete my BS I would most likely want to transfer to another school for my Masters.

Does anyone know if the Bachelors Degree in Sales and Sales Management at WGU will get you in a Masters degree from somewhere other than WGU? I want to get a Maters degree when I finish and I am trying to decide on whether to go after the Sales and Sales Management degree and the Business Admin degree.
Thank for the help :-)

I am currently enrolled at WGU. RN-MSN and have just finished my first semester. The university is challenging but the degree is attainable and inexpensive. The learning structure is different but I have always been an independent learner and enjoy progressing through the classes at my own pace, rather than attending lectures set at specific times. The best part is that if I feel I need that extra help a professor might have been able to provide I can simply ask my student mentor where to find the material I need to succeed. I have also asked my course mentor material specific questions and scheduled one on one sessions which are excellent.
Before I began studying at WGU I was hesitant because what seems to be to good to be true usually is. So far I have been pleasantly surprised. I researched their accreditation and yes they are legit. Next I was concerned that because they where a pay one price facility, meaning that you pay a fixed price for any amount of credits that can be completed in a six month period. This worried me because it would make sense that your progression could be slowed down if papers where failed. My concern was that passable papers would be failed for no legitimate reason simply to haul your progress. In my experience this is not the case. I have finished my first semester six weeks early and got a jump on the classes I have next semester. consequently I expect to finish twelve credits next semester within the first four weeks .

I'll refer you Lisa, shoot me an email at [email protected] and let's talk.

"Sponsored."
It's interesting, when reading through there's responses I saw one that claimed that most of these are sponsored by WGU. To read the posts it certainly seems like the students are a little over zealous.
However, I ignored the speculation, applied for enrollment, and started last fall. You know what, it really does live up to the hype. I'm so invested in this university I attend any function they have. When invited to the state capital to speak to the legislature; I went ( and on my own dime.)
I love WGU. Wouldn't choose anywhere else for undergrad, at this point in my life.

if you need an apply code [email protected]

Also do the graduates have a commencement ceremony?

I am just curious as to how hard it is to get accepted into WGU? I have paid the application fee, had my transcripts sent, and now I am waiting for IRS transcripts for verification for financial aid. I still do not know though if I will be accepted because it is all done as a package deal. With that said, has anyone had any trouble getting accepted?

In response to "Unnamed". I received my AAST degree in account from a brick and mortar school and then completed my BS in Business Management from WGU. I am enrolled to begin my MBA program from WGU in August. Not once have I been "handed" answers. I have sacrificed a lot while attending WGU. In fact, attending a brick and mortar school presented fewer challenges for me. It almost felt too easy. Attending WGU was the exact opposite. I truly felt like I accomplished something because of the hard work and sacrifices I made throughout my program at WGU.
In regards to my mentor, Austin Cook was absolutely amazing. There were a time I was willing to throw in the proverbial towel because of a dramatic family tragedy but he was there by my side, encouraging me to pursue my academic dreams so that I could better provide for my family.
I am a father of four children and I have a wonderful wife who has supported me and motivated me to do everything in my power to accomplish my goals. I am proud to say I am a WGU Night Owl!!!
If you do decide to attend WGU, know it won't be easy. You truly only get what you put into your program. Nothing was handed to me. Nothing was given to me. I earned it!

@courtney

I've seen a couple people be denied admission. In every case, the person was given a clear outline of what needed to be done. One person was denied, needs to work on some math skills, and reapplied. They just strarted in February.

I don't think the process takes too long and i wouldn't be surprised if you have already found out the answer by the time you read my message. I think the whole process took less than a month for me. And it will it actually took longer than that but all of the things that made it take longer than that we're on my end mind having to chase down my transcripts for my previous University my brick and mortar. My wanting to actually start when the time was right I had other things going on. And then eventually I needed to do the math portion of my insurance and I can drag my feet on that cuz I was nervous that I was going to fail it. By the way I did not feel it which means that everyone should feel confident that they won't feel it either because I'm terrible at math. And I'm not just saying that I actually dropped out of high school when I was 15 years old on a lot of math that I should know going into college I had not even learn cuz I was already kind of slow had to do a lot of studying of math on my own just the kind of grasp it. So you'll be fine you guys you can do it w Jews a good choice not a diploma mill is not the easiest thing in the world but it does allow you to work according to your own schedule which is helpful and I find to be less stressful than brick and mortar so you don't have to commit to Monday Wednesday Friday or something like that you couldn't go whenever is good for you and if that changes next week then it changes next week. By the way I'm using voice to text so I know these are a lot of run on sentences sorry

You simply don't learn anything at WGU, simply because they don't teach. If you don't have the knowledge and skills required to research and and learn on your own, you would be frustrated attending WGU.

Question: why all the debate re: WGU? If you are feeling a single ounce of doubt, don't go there! There are so many other options! Nearly every state university offers online degree programs these days (CSU, UCS...list is endless). Just attend a state university with good name-recognition and transferring to another school, or getting accepted for grad school won't be an issue. Why take any chances with your education? If you have to ask such questions about accreditation and transferability, go elsewhere.

WGU is most certainly a diploma mill!! You CAN NOT complete an "easy" graduate level course in 11 days. You CAN NOT complete a "difficult" graduate level course in 21 days!! Anyone that says this place is NOT a diploma mill is one of their graduates are beyond dull!! You DO NOT want to hire one of their graduates!! DIPLOMA MILL!!!!!!!!!!!

Greetings commenting folks, I just finished my MBA at WGU! It was definitely worth the time and money. Regarding the coursework and material it was well laid out and easy to access. I learned so much from this program. I'd recommend this to anyone and also wish I would have done my BS via WGU. Good luck to you all.

I have dual bachelor degrees in Accounting and Economics from Utah State University. I have an MBA from WGU. Let me say a few things about the WGU program; if you are looking for a "easy" degree, go do basket weaving at the local community college, WGU is for the serious NON-TRADITIONAL student. It is not a school for 18yr/olds coming straight out of High School. To pass many of the classes you're expected to have a lot of "real world" experience.
As many of you know, Accounting and Economics are not easy degrees to obtain, they are some of the absolute hardest in terms of study-time and effort. The MBA program at WGU was at least 5x harder than anything I experienced in my undergraduate studies. My capstone paper was 78 pg. I didn't write one paper during the MBA program under 18 pg. (In my undergrad work it was common to write 2 - 3 pg. papers).
I plan on getting a Masters in Accounting from either BYU or SUU. I plan on getting a Ph.D. in Accounting and want to teach at a big school that is the only reason I'm going to a big "brick - n - mortar" school to get this degree, I have to have AACSB accreditation. WGU is nationally and regionally accredited, but they do not have AACSB accreditation. Their are only 2 reasons to have a degree with this accreditation;
1. You want to teach at a brick - n - mortar university.
2. You want to work for the government (though a lot of government agencies are starting to take WGU degrees).
WGU is an amazing program for those who study hard and let nothing come in the way of their goals!

Also, anyone looking for a WGU referral, send me an email and I'll shoot you one.

[email protected]