Academic Comparison between DU and Western Colorado

University of Denver and Western Colorado University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. DU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Denver, CO and Western Colorado is a four-year, public school located in Gunnison, CO.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • DU is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Colorado is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • DU has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,398) than Western Colorado ($24,434).
  • It is harder to admit to DU than Western Colorado.
  • DU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,320) than Western Colorado (1,260).
  • DU has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Western Colorado (24).
  • DU has more students with 12,813 students while Western Colorado has 3,568 students.
  • DU has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Western Colorado's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • DU has more full-time faculties with 779 faculties while Western Colorado has 139 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
DU Western Colorado
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Denvervs.Western Colorado University
Denver, ColoradoLocationGunnison, Colorado
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
$61,3982025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,318
Out-Of-State$24,434
90%% Receiving Financial Aid43%
$34,254Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,574
77.81 %Acceptance Rates99.71 %
9.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.48 %
1,320SAT Score1,260
31ACT Score24
76 %Graduation Rate50 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate72 %
12,813Student Population3,568
779Number of Faculties139
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare