Western Governors University (WGU) grew from humble beginnings in 1997 to the largest university in the United States based on a simple idea – quality higher education should be affordable and accessible to everyone. It’s no coincidence that WGU also became one of the largest education providers to our nation’s Servicemembers; we live by the motto – Military-Focused, Student Obsessed. Over 41,000 service members, military family members, and veterans attended WGU last year, and almost 7,900 graduated with their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. WGU’s competency-based and self-paced education model is especially suited for the rigors and unpredictability of military life. Service members know this as “training to standard, not to time”. Students study and take exams on their schedule anywhere in the world with an internet connection, regardless of the time zone, which is particularly important during PCSs and deployments. Our one-of-a-kind mentor program ensures that our students are never alone with weekly progress and wellness check-ins. WGU, like most other high-quality universities, is certified to accept federal and state tuition assistance, military tuition assistance, and Veterans Administration education benefits, as well as participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Our twenty-seven dedicated Military Benefits professionals work daily to solve challenges unique to military-affiliated students and our 15-member Military Engagement Team, led by Dr. Jeff Harley, Rear Admiral, USN (Ret), ensures military-affiliated students are cared for throughout their educational journey. WGU also offers many scholarship opportunities specifically designed for active-duty military and veterans. We awarded 2,200 scholarships to military-affiliated students in 2025 totaling almost $6.2 million. WGU support for military-affiliated students includes their well-being. WGU is honored to have received Military Friendly® recognition for fifteen years in a row and named both a Gold School and a Top 10 School for Military Spouses for 2025-2026.