About Western Colorado University
Students pay an average net price of $16,773 after financial aid, making this mountain education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $46,833 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,250. The monthly loan payment of $215 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Low-income students benefit , with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,573 annually.
The Mountaineers compete in nine NCAA Division II sports with 420 student-athletes receiving $1.99 million in athletic scholarships. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this tight-knit mountain community. However, the 72.94% retention rate suggests the remote location and rigorous mountain lifestyle aren't for everyone.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,833
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $54,435 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Education, General. | Master | $40,488 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $40,365 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,585 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,871 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,405 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $28,381 |
Campus Life
The surrounding wilderness defines weekend life here. Students ski at nearby Crested Butte, hike fourteeners, and pursue the outdoor recreation programs that put Western on the map. The remote location creates a tight-knit campus community where everyone knows each other. With a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like discussions than lectures. The Mountaineers compete in nine NCAA Division II sports, and athletic events become major social gatherings in this small town. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes the way outdoor clubs do. Students describe the culture as laid-back and outdoors-obsessed, where having the right hiking boots matters more than designer clothes.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,263 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1901
Campus Safety (2023)
28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- -6°–26°F
- July Avg
- 43°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 10.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 45.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 56.8%
- Women
- 43.2%
- White
- 72.5%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 12.9%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 73.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.5%
Location
- Address
- Gunnison, Colorado 81231
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,833
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,723
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $215/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University accepts 91.85% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1010-1270 on the SAT. This open admission philosophy aligns with the university's mission to serve students seeking outdoor recreation programs in Colorado's mountains.
How much does Western Colorado University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,773 annually at Western Colorado University. In-state tuition runs $11,083 while out-of-state students pay $23,683. The university keeps costs manageable for mountain adventure seekers, with graduates carrying a median debt of just $20,250.
What are class sizes like at Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,653 enrolled students. This smaller scale allows for personalized attention in outdoor recreation and other specialized programs. The intimate setting fits the university's remote mountain location in Gunnison, where students often know their professors personally.
What do Western Colorado University graduates earn after college?
Western Colorado University graduates earn a median of $46,833 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.4% for recent graduates. Many alumni work in Colorado's outdoor recreation industry, recreation management, and tourism sectors throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
Where is Western Colorado University located and what's campus life like?
Western Colorado University sits in Gunnison, a remote mountain town that serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures. The campus houses 1,263 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community. Students embrace the Mountaineers identity through access to strong skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation right outside their dorms.
What sports and athletics programs does Western Colorado University offer?
Western Colorado University fields 9 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division II as part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The university supports 420 student-athletes with $1,990,450 in athletic scholarships. The Mountaineers excel in outdoor-oriented sports that take advantage of Colorado's mountain terrain and climate.
