Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, CO ranked #1456 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 1,586 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 99.7%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Business/Commerce.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 72.4% first-year retention, and 50.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $16,425, about $573 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -39.1%, roughly 124.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,037. That's about $3,651 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Western Colorado University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Western Colorado University graduates 50.5% of students within six years and keeps 72.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Western Colorado University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,318 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,760 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,294 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $25,736 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 12.0% of Western Colorado University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,490 to $21,396 depending on family income. Use Western Colorado University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $16,928/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,396/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,037
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,037
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.0%
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Western Colorado University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Western Colorado University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Western Colorado University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Western Colorado University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Western Colorado University graduates earn $40,037 median, the -39.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 608-683
- SAT Math 555-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,586
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 72.4%
- Graduation Rate 50.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into Western Colorado University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Western Colorado University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.7%, Western Colorado University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.7% acceptance rate, Western Colorado University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1163 and 1353 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Western Colorado University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.4%
- Psychology, General 10.8%
- Biology, General 10.6%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 8.1%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 8.1%
- Fine and Studio Arts 5.9%
See more majors
- Political Science and Government 4.9%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $60,215
- 2. Business/Commerce, General $55,543
- 3. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $54,285
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Economics $53,403
- 5. Sociology $52,935
- 6. Psychology, General $50,522
- 7. Biology, General $47,411
- 8. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $46,470
- 9. Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $45,525
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $41,886
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree) $54,857
- 2. Education, General (Master's Degree) $54,853
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $60,215—44% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,886). Graduate: Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs lead with $54,857 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Western Colorado University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 82 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 66 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree, 43 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (23 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Economics
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- History
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Music
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,586
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 56.7%
- Female Students 43.3%
- Caucasian 75.7%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 11.2%
- Black 3.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 12.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Western Colorado University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Western Colorado University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Western Colorado University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Western Colorado University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 75.7% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 12.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Western Colorado University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Western Colorado University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Western Colorado University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1456 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $16,425 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $40,037 median earnings. The 50.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 72.4% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Western Colorado University's Strengths
Ranked #1456 with a C+ grade, Western Colorado University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Western Colorado University excel at providing affordable education ($16,425 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Western Colorado University's 72.4% retention and 50.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($40,037 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Western Colorado University and $16,425 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 50.5% six-year graduation rate sits 12.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 72.4% first-year retention is 4.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -39.1% return on investment is 124.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,037 run about 8% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,425 is roughly $3,592 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 72.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 12.0% trails the national share by 22.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Western Colorado University—a public university in Gunnison, CO—at C+ overall. It holds a #1456 national ranking Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B-), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 72.4% retention and 50.5% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -39.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,425 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $25,736.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,311 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 12.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $40,037 six years after enrollment. That sits about 8% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 84.5% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -39.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Western Colorado University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Gunnison, CO 81231
- Website www.western.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$8.8M