Western Colorado University Admissions

Western Colorado University Description:

Western Colorado University (formerly Western State College of Colorado), better known simply as "Western," is a public liberal arts university located in Gunnison, Colorado. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, national parks and forests, the school's stunning location is part of the reason it draws students from all 50 states. Grand Junction is about two hours away, Pueblo is three hours, and Denver is a four hour drive (roads permitting, of course). Near campus students will find some of the best skiing, climbing, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking opportunities in the country. Not suprisingly, some of Western's more popular majors are related to the great outdoors -- environmental science and outdoor education. Academics are supported by a 17 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 21. Student life is active with over 50 clubs and organizations including a highly regarded campus radio station. In athletics, the Western Mountaineers compete in the NCAA Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Located at over 7,700 feet, Western's athletic facilities will certainly give students' lungs a workout.

Admissions Data (2016)

• Western Colorado University Acceptance Rate: 92%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 450 / 570
  • SAT Math: 440 / 550
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
    • Colorado colleges SAT comparison
  • ACT Composite: 19 / 25
  • ACT English: 18 / 24
  • ACT Math: 17 / 24
    • What these ACT numbers mean
    • Colorado colleges ACT comparison

Enrollment (2016)

• Total Enrollment: 2,908 (2,498 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 58% Male / 42% Female
• 78% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17)

• Tuition and Fees: $1,193 (in-state); $20,497 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,300 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,446
• Other Expenses: $2,763
• Total Cost: $22,702 (in-state); $34,006 (out-of-state)

Western Financial Aid (2015 - 16)

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 90%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 84%
  • Loans: 52%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $6,379
  • Loans: $6,871

Academic Programs

• Most Popular Majors: Art, Biology, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Exercise and Sports Science, Recreation and Outdoor Education, Sociology

Transfer, Retention and Graduation Rates

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 69%
• Transfer Out Rate: 16%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 22%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 45%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs

• Men's Sports: Football, Basketball, Wrestling, Track and Field, Cross Country
• Women's Sports: Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Basketball

Data Source

National Center for Education Statistics

Profiles of Other Colorado Colleges

Adams State | Air Force Academy | Colorado Christian | Colorado College | Colorado Mesa | Colorado School of Mines | Colorado State | CSU Pueblo | Fort Lewis | Johnson & Wales | Metro State | Naropa | Regis | University of Colorado | UC Colorado Springs | UC Denver | University of Denver | University of Northern Colorado

Western Colorado University Mission Statement:

complete mission statement at http://www.western.edu/academics/strategicplan/index.html/

"Western Colorado University fulfills its statutory mission by promoting intellectual maturity and personal growth in its students and graduates citizens prepared to assume constructive roles in local, national, and global communities. Western helps its students to develop the skills and commitments needed to continue learning for the rest of their lives and strives to elucidate the connections unifying academic domains which have traditionally existed separately: the sciences, the liberal arts, and professional programs..."