Western Governors University vs Weber State University: which has better ROI?
Weber State University has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $20,516 in 2.6 years versus 4.1 years at Western Governors University, on median earnings of $56,287 vs $60,615 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Governors University | Weber State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,548 | $10,258 |
| Total net cost | $50,192 | $20,516 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,615 | $56,287 |
| Median debt | $11,116 | $15,113 |
| Payback | 4.1 yrs | 2.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $194,908 | $138,024 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Governors University or Weber State University?
Weber State University, at $10,258 a year after aid versus $12,548 — a gap of $2,290 a year, or $29,676 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 Weber State University graduates earn more?
Western Governors University graduates report a median $60,615 ten years after entry, $4,328 more than the $56,287 at Weber State 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 Weber State University?
Western Governors University: its completers carry a median $11,116 in federal loans versus $15,113 at Weber State University, a difference of $3,997. 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 Weber State 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.