Western Governors University vs Brigham Young University: which has better ROI?
Brigham Young University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,256 in 2.3 years versus 4.1 years at Western Governors University, on median earnings of $75,790 vs $60,615 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Governors University | Brigham Young University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,548 | $15,564 |
| Total net cost | $50,192 | $62,256 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,615 | $75,790 |
| Median debt | $11,116 | $11,069 |
| Payback | 4.1 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $194,908 | $486,344 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Governors University or Brigham Young University?
Western Governors University, at $12,548 a year after aid versus $15,564 — a gap of $3,016 a year, or $12,064 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Governors University or Brigham Young University graduates earn more?
Brigham Young University graduates report a median $75,790 ten years after entry, $15,175 more than the $60,615 at Western Governors University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Western Governors University or Brigham Young University?
Brigham Young University: its completers carry a median $11,069 in federal loans versus $11,116 at Western Governors University, a difference of $47. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
81% of students finish at Brigham Young University, against 46% at Western Governors University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.