Academic Comparison between Western Colorado and DU

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

  • Western Colorado is a public and DU is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,260) than Western Colorado (1,260).
  • DU has higher submitted ACT score (24) 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.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Colorado Universityvs.University of Denver
Gunnison, ColoradoLocationDenver, Colorado
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
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$61,398
43%% Receiving Financial Aid90%
$9,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$34,254
99.71 %Acceptance Rates77.81 %
11.48 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.15 %
1,260SAT Score1,320
24ACT Score31
50 %Graduation Rate76 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate89 %
3,568Student Population12,813
139Number of Faculties779
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services