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Western Colorado University

Gunnison, Colorado — 1 Western Way, 81231

Annual Tuition $11,083
Enrollment 1,653
Acceptance Rate 97.5%
Median Salary $46,833

Western Colorado University is a leading Public institution located in Gunnison, Colorado. Established to provide high-quality education, Western Colorado University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Western Colorado University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 1/1/1966
Location Gunnison, Colorado
Type Public
Total Enrollment 1,653 students
Median Salary $46,833

Western Colorado University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Western Colorado University
Location Gunnison, Colorado
Official Website https://www.western.edu/
Address 1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
Institution Type Public
Total Students 1,653

Western Colorado University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 97.5% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 1,130 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint 24 out of 36

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math 500 610
Evidence-Based Reading 500 630
ACT Math 23 midpoint
ACT English 23 midpoint

Western Colorado University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $11,083
Out-of-State Tuition $23,683
Pell Grant Rate 13.5%
Median Debt (Completers) $20,250

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Western Colorado University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $10,573/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $9,926/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $15,090/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $18,658/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $10,573 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

97.5% acceptance rate

Is Western Colorado University hard to get into?

SAT score range

1,000 - 1,240

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math500 - 610
Reading500 - 630

ACT score range

21 - 28

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Western Colorado University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Computer Programming. salary after Western Colorado University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $54,435 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
2

Accounting and Related Services. salary after Western Colorado University

Bachelor's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $46,087 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $47,204 4yr: $44,548
3

Education, General. salary after Western Colorado University

Master's Degree
Steady earning
2yr salary $40,488 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $51,949 4yr: $49,464

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Western Colorado University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

97.5% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 1,653
Undergrad 1,169
Retention Rate 72.9% full-time
Full-Time Students 91.6%

Courses and Academic Programs at Western Colorado University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 145
Education, General.
Master's
Graduates 118
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 91
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 79
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Master's
Graduates 72
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Bachelor's
Graduates 71
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 64
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Bachelor's
Graduates 47
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Master's
Graduates 44
Fine and Studio Arts.
Bachelor's
Graduates 42
Showing top 10 of 29 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Western Colorado University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $46,833 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $40,037
Graduation Rate 50.7% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Western Colorado University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $40,037
10 Years After Entry $46,833
Is Western Colorado University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $16,773
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $46,833
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 92500%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Western Colorado University

Total Students 1,653
Undergrad 1,169
Graduate 484
Retention Rate 72.9% full-time

Gender Breakdown

43.2%
56.8%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 91.6%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
72.5%
Hispanic
12.9%
Unknown / Unreported
4.4%
Two or More Races
3.8%
Black
3.2%
Asian
1.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native
1.2%
International
0.8%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.2%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 25%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 47.3%
💍
Married Students 1.2%
📅
Students Age 25+ 7%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 66.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $68,547
Average Family Income $75,583
Median Family Income $61,406

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

55.4%
44.6%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 13.5% of students
Federal Loan Rate 22.6% of students
Avg Net Price $16,773 after aid
Median Debt $20,250 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $20,250
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $22,500

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Western Colorado University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Western Colorado University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 1/1/1966
4-Year Graduation Rate 50.7%
Median Graduate Salary $46,833
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Western Colorado University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Western Colorado University

Frequently Asked Questions about Western Colorado University

What is the acceptance rate at Western Colorado University?

Western Colorado University has an acceptance rate of 97.5%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Western Colorado University?

Tuition at Western Colorado University is $11,083 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Western Colorado University?

Graduates of Western Colorado University earn a median salary of $46,833 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Western Colorado University located?

Western Colorado University is located at 1 Western Way, Gunnison, Colorado 81231. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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