Western Governors University vs Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences: which has better ROI?
Western Governors University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $50,192 in 4.1 years versus 37.9 years at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, on median earnings of $60,615 vs $49,841 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Governors University | Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,548 | $28,039 |
| Total net cost | $50,192 | $56,078 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,615 | $49,841 |
| Median debt | $11,116 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 4.1 yrs | 37.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $194,908 | -$26,458 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Governors University or Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences?
Western Governors University, at $12,548 a year after aid versus $28,039 — a gap of $15,491 a year, or $5,886 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 Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences graduates earn more?
Western Governors University graduates report a median $60,615 ten years after entry, $10,774 more than the $49,841 at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences. 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 Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences?
Western Governors University: its completers carry a median $11,116 in federal loans versus $20,000 at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, a difference of $8,884. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 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.