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Western Colorado University
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in CO. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$11,083
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
97.5%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
48.8%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$46,833
10y Career Outlook
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About Institution
Western Colorado University is a distinguished Public, 4-Year institution located in Gunnison, CO. With a competitive tuition profile of $11,083, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 48.8% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Admissions Intel
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Acceptance Rate
97.5%
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$44,332
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
2.6 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$16,833
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$123,998
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$292,328
Long-term projected return on your education investment
Graduation Rate: 49%
Students who don't graduate may still carry debt without the full earnings benefit. Consider program-specific outcomes in the Career Paths section below.
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at Western Colorado University is $20,250.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
6
Burglary
1
Theft
1
Assault
0
Robbery
0
Rape
3
Arson
1
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$11,083
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
Grant Aid (IPEDS 2021)
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
72.9%
Success
48.8%
In-State Cost
$11,083
Age 25+ Students
7.0%
Carnegie Class
Master's: Medium
Working at 6yr
645 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.
Living In Gunnison
Off-Campus Market Estimator
Studio
$1,111
Monthly Average
1 Bedroom
$1,119
Monthly Average
2 Bedrooms
$1,470
Monthly Average
3 Bedrooms
$
Monthly Average
Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the Gunnison metropolitan area.