Western Governors University picks Raleigh for new hub, promises nearly 300 jobs
A massive online university says it will establish its “East Coast Hub” in Raleigh’s Crabtree Valley neighborhood, bringing with it the promise of around 300 new employees.
Utah-based Western Governors University confirmed Wednesday it is leasing 48,000 square feet in Northwest Raleigh where it plans to open an office next spring. Between new hires and relocations of current employees, WGU expects this office will “bring together nearly 300 employees over time.”
Founded as a fully online nonprofit school in 1997 by a group of U.S. state governors, WGU today counts nearly 189,000 students nationwide, including more than 6,000 in North Carolina. Degree topics focus on business, education, health and information technologies as the school offers classes to both undergraduates and graduate students.
The Triangle Business Journal first reported on WGU’s local plans Tuesday.
WGU already has a smaller office in Research Triangle Park and said in a statement its incoming operations at Raleigh’s Glen Lake Office Park will focus on procurement, program development and education technology. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, the university said being in Raleigh will help it serve students and partners “in every time zone.”
WGU has recorded substantial enrollment increases over the past dozen years, jumping from 43,400 students in 2013 to 169,400 in 2023.
This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Western Governors University picks Raleigh for new hub, promises nearly 300 jobs."
