Western Governors University vs Salt Lake Community College: 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 not at all at Salt Lake Community College, on median earnings of $60,615 vs $47,867 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Governors University | Salt Lake Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,548 | $9,804 |
| Total net cost | $50,192 | $19,608 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,615 | $47,867 |
| Median debt | $11,116 | $8,003 |
| Payback | 4.1 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $194,908 | -$29,468 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Governors University or Salt Lake Community College?
Salt Lake Community College, at $9,804 a year after aid versus $12,548 — a gap of $2,744 a year, or $30,584 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 Salt Lake Community College graduates earn more?
Western Governors University graduates report a median $60,615 ten years after entry, $12,748 more than the $47,867 at Salt Lake Community College. 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 Salt Lake Community College?
Salt Lake Community College: its completers carry a median $8,003 in federal loans versus $11,116 at Western Governors University, a difference of $3,113. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
46% of students finish at Western Governors University, against 29% at Salt Lake Community College. 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.