Western Colorado University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Western Colorado University
Some campuses talk about the outdoors. Here, the mountains set the rhythm. Western Colorado University is known for hands-on learning in the sciences, environmental fields, business, education, and the arts. You get well equipped labs and studios, a bright library, and an active recreation center. And when class lets out, the valley opens to skiing, biking, climbing, paddling, and long, quiet miles of trail.
The vibe is friendly and practical, with a little grit in the best way. Students lean on tutoring, advising, counseling, and career coaching, and an outdoor program helps newcomers find their footing. Internships often tap nearby land agencies, schools, clinics, and outdoor companies, with alumni around the Rockies keeping doors open. Gunnison adds a walkable downtown, coffee and art, service opportunities, and a close community feel. Tradition is simple here: study hard, then step outside.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Western Colorado University offers 34 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 513 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (5 programs, 82 graduates), Biological Sciences (3 programs, 73 graduates), Education (3 programs, 57 graduates), Kinesiology (2 programs, 54 graduates) and English (3 programs, 52 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (5 programs, 82 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 71 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Organizational Leadership | 6 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0213 |
| Accounting | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Business Communications | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0501 |
| Finance, General | 1 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0801 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 73 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 53 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 12 |
|
Master's
|
26.0908 |
| Ecology | 8 |
|
Master's
|
26.1301 |
Education (3 programs, 57 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 33 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Special Education Teaching | 17 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| Elementary Education | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
Kinesiology (2 programs, 54 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0101 |
English (3 programs, 52 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing | 30 |
|
Master's
|
23.1302 |
| Professional and Technical Writing | 13 |
|
Other Award
|
23.1303 |
| English Language and Literature | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Natural Resources (1 programs, 46 graduates)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
03.0103 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 37 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography | 9 |
|
Other Award
|
45.0702 |
| Economics | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Science and Government | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
Psychology (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 20 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
Arts (3 programs, 17 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Arts, General | 13 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Fine and Studio Arts Management | 3 |
|
Master's
|
50.1002 |
| Music | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Western Colorado University.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Western Colorado University
How much does it cost to attend Western Colorado University?
The annual tuition at Western Colorado University is $11,083 for in-state students and $23,683 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $26,151 for in-state students and $38,751 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,442 (on) / $14,679 (off) and books and supplies $1,350.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Western Colorado University offer?
Western Colorado University offers 34 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (2 programs)
- English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University has an 97.5% acceptance rate and a 13.2% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 3,283
- Students admitted: 3,200
- Students enrolled: 423
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University provides financial aid to 14% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,169 and average loans of $6,208.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,640
- State/Local grants: $3,424
- Institutional grants: $5,492
- Federal loans: $4,627
The university supports 400 students with grants and 208 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Western Colorado University graduates?
Western Colorado University graduates earn a median salary of $40,037 after 6 years and $46,833 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $32,806 (25th percentile) to $66,361 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $69,600 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.