Head-to-Head Comparison
Stevens Institute of Technology vs Western Governors University
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 19
- Western Governors Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Western Governors University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Stevens Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 48%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $41,346 compared to Western Governors University's $12,548 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Western Governors University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 79% more than Western Governors University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
Western Governors
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $28,798 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,116, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Stevens Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (45% of degrees); Western Governors in Business & Marketing (28%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Western Governors University. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $60,615.
Pick Western Governors University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $12,548 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Western Governors University. 88% completion rate vs 48%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Stevens Institute of Technology and Western Governors University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
What it costs
On price, Western Governors University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $28,798 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of Western Governors University also borrow less: median debt of $11,116, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $115,192 before any change in aid. Choosing Western Governors University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $60,615 at Western Governors University. That is a 79% advantage. Set against borrowing, Western Governors University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 79% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 48%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 40% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Western Governors University to keep costs and debt down; pick Stevens Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: Medium. Both schools report 4 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Western Governors University saves about $28,798 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $48,157 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Western Governors University leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above Western Governors University's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $11,116 at Western Governors University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Western Governors University offers the stronger options.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Western Governors University's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Western Governors University's enrollment of 155,088 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Western Governors offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Stevens Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City stands out as a solid choice for those seeking flexibility in their education. It caters well to non-traditional students, particularly in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Education, and Engineering. The online format allows for self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Looking at life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $60,615 ten years post-degree. This figure suggests that graduates are finding solid job opportunities. While the graduation rate is 48%, the income potential indicates that those who complete their programs are likely to see a good return on their investment, despite the challenges that might come with juggling work and studies.
On the practical side, the net price after aid comes in at $12,548, with a median debt of $11,116. This suggests that many students can manage their educational expenses without overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically self-motivated individuals who appreciate the autonomy of an online learning environment, making it a good fit for those ready to take charge of their education and career paths.
Rankings They Appear On
Western Governors University is featured on the Best Online MBA Programs ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Stevens Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (45% of enrollment), while Western Governors leads with Business Administration (28%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Western Governors).
The two schools feed different job markets. Stevens Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, while Western Governors University concentrates in Health Professions, Education. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, Stevens Institute of Technology or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Stevens Institute of Technology or Western Governors University graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,615 at Western Governors University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Stevens Institute of Technology or Western Governors University?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 48%.
Should you choose Stevens Institute of Technology or Western Governors University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Western Governors University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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