At $16,773/yr net price, Western Colorado University graduates earn $46,833/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,833/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,773 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,092 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,833/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,833/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,573/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,926/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,090/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,658/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,621/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $54,435 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $40,488 | $22,000 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $40,365 | $39,488 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,585 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,871 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $22,470 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $20,750 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,405 | $23,375 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $28,381 |
The Risk Factor
50.7% of students at Western Colorado University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Western Colorado University delivers below-average financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $46,833 ten years after graduation falling short of what you need to justify the investment at many other schools.
Computer programming stands out as the clear winner financially, generating $54,435 in median earnings. Accounting graduates also see decent returns at $46,087, making these two programs your best bets if you're focused on ROI. Education majors face a tougher reality with $40,488 earnings against $22,000 in debt, while natural resources graduates carry nearly $40,000 in debt for similar pay levels.
The 50.7% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. You face a coin-flip chance of finishing your degree, making this school particularly risky if you're already struggling academically or lack strong support systems. The 72.94% retention rate suggests many students realize early that Western Colorado isn't working for them.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing computer programming or accounting and can commit to finishing your degree. The $16,773 net price is reasonable for Colorado, but only if you actually graduate. Students interested in outdoor recreation, environmental sciences, or education should carefully weigh whether the career outcomes justify the debt load.
With only 13.47% of students receiving aid, Western Colorado offers limited financial support compared to other schools. You'll likely pay close to the sticker price, making it essential that you can afford the full cost without excessive borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Colorado University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Western Colorado University's graduates earn $46,833 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $16,773 annually and typical debt of $20,250, the financial return is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Western Colorado University?
Computer Programming leads Western Colorado University's earnings at $54,435 annually, followed by Accounting at $46,087. Education and Natural Resources majors earn around $40,000, while general business graduates average $39,585.
How much debt do Western Colorado University graduates typically have?
Western Colorado University graduates carry a median debt of $20,250, which is reasonable given the school's low net price. However, the 50.7% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degrees.
Does Western Colorado University have good job placement after graduation?
Western Colorado University's 10-year earnings of $46,833 suggest moderate job market success, though this varies significantly by major. The low graduation rate of 50.7% indicates many students struggle to complete their programs, which limits career prospects.