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Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO·Public·www.western.edu/

Campus Identity

Ski TownNCAA D2Graduate Programs

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. 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.

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. 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.

100%
Acceptance Rate
3,119 applications
24
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 22–26
$6,816
In-State Tuition
+$3,846 fees
$18,600
Out-of-State Tuition
+$3,846 fees
$10,760
Room & Board
1,586
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
11%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
NCAA D2
Athletics
Rocky Mountain Athletic
Selectivity100% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

608640683

SAT Math

555620670

Campus Lifestyle

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

1,547 skiable acres15 lifts
32 mi away
800 skiable acres7 lifts
43 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Gunnison, CO

10°Jan16°Feb29°Mar39°Apr48°May56°Jun62°Jul60°Aug52°Sep41°Oct27°Nov13°Dec

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

47/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety426137
42/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
61/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
37/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

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

Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.

Tuition
$6,816$18,600
Fees
$3,846$3,846
Room & Board
$10,760$10,760
Total
$21,422$33,206
In-StateOut-of-State
App Fee: $30

These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.

Calculate Your Net Price

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 2023–24 academic year, Western Colorado University charges $6,816/year for in-state students and $18,600/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($10,760/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $22,446/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — 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), cost ($18,600/year out-of-state), campus culture in Gunnison, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Colorado University against similar schools side-by-side.

Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Colorado University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

Apply NowVisit Official Website

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

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.