Western Colorado University
About Western Colorado University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains. It offers programs in business, biology, outdoor recreation, and the arts, attracting students who love mountain living, skiing, and the outdoors.
Founded
1901
Location
Gunnison, Colorado
Students
2,006
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
99.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
50.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,318
Out-of-state: $24,434
Avg Net Price
$16,425
After financial aid
SAT Average
1230
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$46,833
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$30
Early
Aug 8
Regular
Rolling
Western Colorado University accepts the majority of applicants at 99.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1230/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
50.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72.4%
4-Year Grad
29%
6-Year Grad
48%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
67.9%
$/Student
$14.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 29% graduation rate is below average, but 72.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,318
In-State
$24,434
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,760
Books & Supplies
$1,350
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,736
After Financial Aid
$16,425
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,490
Receive Grants
12%
Take Loans
19.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,736/yr for in-state students, including $10,760 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,425. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $24,434.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Colorado University fund their education.
While in School
12%
Get Grants
Free money
19.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,406
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$215/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 19.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,250. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Colorado University.
Gender
43.3%
Female
57%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,586
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
420
Graduates
25%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
7%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 25% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
1,586
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Western Colorado University fields 7 varsity teams with 663 student athletes, about 42% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Rocky Mountain
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
663
42% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
391
Men
272
Women
4
Men's Teams
5
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Colorado Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$46,833
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$42K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$30K
43 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$21K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$26K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
—
21 grads
Graduates earn about $40K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Colorado University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Colorado University?▾
How much does Western Colorado University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Colorado University?▾
How much do Western Colorado University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.