Western Colorado University
Deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Western Colorado University delivers a full liberal arts curriculum and career preparation in more than 100 areas of study. Encouraging a tight-knit community, WCU’s goal is to provide personalized attention to ensure students gain real-world experience before graduation. Western is home to the new Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering, made possible through a collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder. Located in Gunnison Valley, students can take advantage of Western’s location through the Wilderness Pursuits program, or by visiting either of the two ski resorts, both within 43 miles of campus. To top it all off, Western provides a number of study abroad options for its Mountaineers, including Semester at Sea and semester- or year-long stays at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 1 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | March 1 | |
| Spring Regular Decision | November 1 |
Rolling Admissions
The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.
Admitted Student Stats
14%
Submitting ACT
37%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 23
Average SAT Composite: 1114
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
3,548
Total Number of Undergrads
3,095
Classroom Sizes
0
100
28%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
50%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
16:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $11,083 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $23,683 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $10,442 |
| Books and Supplies | $1350 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
93%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Aid Per Year
$9,189
14%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$2,773
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$6,214
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
49%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$6,052
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$12,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$217
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
60
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Housing
0
100
47%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Mountaineers
School Colors
crimson and slate
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Denver
Grand Junction
Colorado Springs
Fort Collins
Los Angeles
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$43,400
What Students Are Saying
You will easily find great friends because everyone is super friendly. The professors are very willing to help you with anything if you ask for it. Lastly, location is everything. If you love the outdoors, or if you want to get more into outdoorsy things like ice climbing or mountaineering, this is the place to be.
It is a great place to learn and it feels like your in a community and your opinion matters. The teaching staff is good and willing to help were ever needed. There are tons of activities for everyone and the Gunnison community is great as well.
student
western state is an outdoor laboratory with outstanding opportunities for field experience, connections, and internships. western is the most hospitable college with people who genuinely want to know you and build a friendship. western state challenges you academically and helps you create a bright and successful future.
Kathryn from Castle Rock, CO
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