Western Colorado University

Last updated: April 13, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

Western Colorado University is a public institution located in Gunnison, CO, offering 35 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. Western Colorado University provides students with educational opportunities designed to prepare them for success in their chosen fields.

Key Facts

  • 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $11,083
  • 2024 Average Net Price: $16,773 After Financial Aid
  • 2024 Acceptance Rate: 97.47% Moderate Selectivity
  • 2024 Enrolled Students: 1,653 N/A% Full-Time
  • 2024 Graduation Rate: 50.67%
  • Average SAT Score: 1130

Costs

Tuition Costs

$11,083
2024 Undergraduate Tuition

In 2024, the cost of tuition at Western Colorado University was $11,083.

Tuition comparison with similar institutions.

Average Net Price

$16,773
2024 Value

In 2024 Western Colorado University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $16,773.

Average net price comparison with similar institutions.

Total Cost of Attendance

$67,092 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost

$16,773 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)

$44,332 4-Year In-State Tuition

$94,732 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition

Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.

4-year total cost breakdown for Western Colorado University.

Financial Aid by Income Level

13.47% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants

22.58% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans

Financial aid distribution by income level.

Student Loan Default Rate

Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)

The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Western Colorado University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.

Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

97.47% Acceptance Rate

This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.

Acceptance rate compared to national average.

Test Scores

SAT Average: 1130

Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.

Academic Requirements

Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4

Estimated Median GPA: 3.20

Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.

Estimated GPA and test score ranges.

Enrollment

Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment

N/A% Full-Time Enrollment

The total enrollment at Western Colorado University in 2024 is 1,653 students.

Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.

Retention Rate over Time

N/A%
2024 Retention Rate

Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.

Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.

Graduates & Outcomes

Time to Complete

31.61% 100% Completion Time

50.67% 150% Completion Time

In 2024, 31.61% of students graduating from Western Colorado University completed their program within 100% "normal time".

Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.

ROI & Programs

Financial value and program information for Western Colorado University.

Return on Investment

$20,250 Median Student Debt

$46,833 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)

43.24% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio

598.04% Return on Investment

4.3 years Estimated Payback Period

Financial value analysis for Western Colorado University.

Top Programs by Completions

10 Programs Reporting Data

CIP 52.0201: 71 completions

General Biological Sciences: 53 completions

CIP 03.0103: 46 completions

Agricultural Business and Management: 33 completions

CIP 31.0505: 31 completions

General Psychology: 31 completions

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education: 30 completions

CIP 31.0101: 23 completions

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services: 20 completions

Other/Unknown Programs: 513 completions

Most popular programs at Western Colorado University.

Employment Outcomes

$40,037 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)

$43,861 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)

$46,833 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)

Earnings outcomes for Western Colorado University graduates.

About

Western Colorado University is a public institution located in Gunnison, CO, offering 35 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 1,653 students. The admission rate is 97.47%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1130. The institution maintains a 50.67% graduation rate. Approximately 13.47% of students receive Pell Grants.

Institution Type

Public

Location

Gunnison, CO 81231

Region: Rocky Mountains

Insights and Analysis

Western Colorado University provides educational opportunities for students seeking higher education. Prospective students should carefully evaluate all factors including costs, outcomes, and program offerings when making their enrollment decisions.

Data Sources

This page uses data from the following sources:

  • College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
    • Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
    • Employment and wage data by occupation
    • Latest data: May 2024
    • Source: bls.gov/oes
  • O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
    • Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
    • Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
    • Source: onetcenter.org
  • IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
    • Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
  • Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
    • Demographic and workforce data
    • Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
    • Source: census.gov/acs

Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.

Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.

Methodology

Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.

All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.