Academic Comparison between Western Colorado and CU Boulder

Western Colorado University and University of Colorado Boulder are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Colorado

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • CU Boulder has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,970) than Western Colorado ($24,434).
  • It is harder to admit to CU Boulder than Western Colorado.
  • CU Boulder has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than Western Colorado (1,260).
  • CU Boulder has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Western Colorado (24).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 38,799 students while Western Colorado has 3,568 students.
  • Western Colorado has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • CU Boulder has more full-time faculties with 1,616 faculties while Western Colorado has 139 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Colorado Universityvs.University of Colorado Boulder
Gunnison, ColoradoLocationBoulder, Colorado
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,318
Out-Of-State$24,434
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
43%% Receiving Financial Aid49%
$9,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,072
99.71 %Acceptance Rates78.08 %
11.48 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.15 %
1,260SAT Score1,340
24ACT Score31
50 %Graduation Rate74 %
-Transfer-out Rate16 %
72 %Retention Rate90 %
3,568Student Population38,799
139Number of Faculties1,616
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare