Western Colorado Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 99.71%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 1260. Above average SAT scores, indicating competitive applicants.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $11,318
- Out-of-State Tuition: $24,434
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at Western Colorado:
- Total Enrollment: 3,568, including 1,449 online students
- 3,148 Undergraduate, 420 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 47.1% men, 52.9% women.
- This is a lower medium-sized institution, balancing resources and a sense of community.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 50%. Moderate graduation rate, typical for many institutions.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 72%. Good retention, typical for many institutions.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 39 academic programs available.
- Graduate Programs: 9 graduate-level programs offered.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's.
Western Colorado Overview
Western Colorado University (Western Colorado) is a four-year, public school located in Gunnison, CO. It is classified as Master's College and University with medium programs by Carnegie Classification
The Western Colorado's tuition & fees is $11,318 for Colorado residents and $24,434 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 43% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $9,574.
The school has a total enrollment of 3,568 and the students to faculty ratio is 17 to 1 (5.88%).
Western Colorado's acceptance rate is 99.71% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 11.48%. The median SAT score is 1260 and the ACT score is 24.
Western Colorado ranked 13rd in Colorado Colleges rankings. Western Colorado University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Western Colorado University is $11,318 for in-state students and $24,434 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $15,550 for in-state students and $15,550 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $11,558 for Colorado residents and $25,209 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $15,550 for Colorado residents and $15,550 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $11,318 | $24,434 |
|---|
| Graduate | $15,550 | $15,550 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $11,558 | $25,209 |
|---|
| Graduate | $15,550 | $15,550 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
Western Colorado University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Special Learning Opportunities at Western Colorado
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | No |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
Western Colorado University Directory Information
Tools for analyzing and comparing Western Colorado