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About

About Western Colorado University

accessible admissionssmall public universitymasters level programsoutdoor recreation access

Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, CO, known for its accessible admissions, masters level programs, and outdoor recreation access. With an acceptance rate of 92%, WCU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 439 students each year. WCU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1010–1270, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. WCU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $9,658 per year; the sticker price of $36,886 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Western Colorado University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

92%
Overall Accept Rate
1140
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1010 – 1270 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 21 – 29

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Western Colorado University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Western Colorado University sits in the heart of the Gunnison Valley and attracts students who genuinely use the surrounding mountains, rivers, and public lands. If outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, or place-based learning is part of your life, write about it directly and connect it to why Gunnison specifically is the right setting for you.
Application Strategy
Western has nationally recognized programs in outdoor recreation, adventure education, and environmental studies. If you are applying to one of those tracks, highlight specific skills or experiences such as certifications, guiding work, or field research that show you are already living that curriculum.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Western Colorado University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$11.5k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$10.9k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$13.9k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$16.9k
110k+~$37k/yr$21.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

51%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$40k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,091
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

76%White
11%Hispanic
4%Two or More Races
3%Black / African American
2%Unknown / Unreported
1%International
1%Asian
1%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender57% Men · 43% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
WCU, Gunnison Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch