Campus Identity
Western Colorado University is a small public university in Gunnison, CO. Approximately 1,586 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 100% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Blue Mesa Reservoir, just 7 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 24 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Western Colorado University is a small public university in Gunnison, CO. Approximately 1,586 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 100% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Blue Mesa Reservoir, just 7 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 24 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Western Colorado University is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NCAA D2 athletics. The campus is 24 miles from Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D2
Rocky Mountain Athletic
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
30°F avg school-year
Ski Town
Western Colorado University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Crested Butte Mountain Resort, 24 miles away with 15 lifts and 1,547 skiable acres. All are within 43 miles of campus.
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Lake Life Campus
Blue Mesa Reservoir is 7 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Western Colorado University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Lake access within 6.9 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Gunnison, CO
Gunnison has a cold climate, with winters averaging 10°F in Jan and summers peaking around 62°F in Jul.
Station: GUNNISON 3 SW · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Western Colorado University in CO earns a composite safety score of 47/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,318 | $24,434 |
| Fees | $3,846 | $3,846 |
| Room & Board | $10,760 | $10,760 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $25,924 | $39,040 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
38 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Western Colorado University located?
Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, CO. The main campus address is 1 Western Way, Gunnison, CO. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University has an acceptance rate of 100%, making it accessible. Out of 3,119 applicants, 3,110 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,586 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Western Colorado University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Western Colorado University scored between 22 and 26 on the ACT, with a median of 24. About 8% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Western Colorado University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Western Colorado University charges $11,318/year for in-state students and $24,434/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($10,760/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $22,446/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,425/year — what students actually pay. Use Western Colorado University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Western Colorado University?
The undergraduate application fee at Western Colorado University is $30. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Western Colorado University have college sports?
Yes — Western Colorado University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Rocky Mountain Athletic. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is Western Colorado University the right fit for me?
Whether Western Colorado University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (100% admit rate), avg net price ($16,425/year after aid), campus culture in Gunnison, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Colorado University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Colorado University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Gunnison, CO
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- Rocky Mountain Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 30°F avg
- App Fee
- $30
- On Campus Safety Score
- 47/100
- Nearest Airport
- Gunnison, CO (GUC) · 1 mialso ASE (47 mi), MTJ (53 mi)
Location
Gunnison, CO