Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public · 4-year

Western Colorado University has a 97.5% acceptance rate. Western Colorado University is a public 4-year institution in Gunnison, CO, with a median SAT of 1260 and a median ACT of 24. The average net price is $16,425 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

97.5%

3,283 applicants

SAT Median

1260

Combined score

ACT Median

24

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$16,425

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Western Colorado University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Western Colorado University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)100012601353
ACT (composite, 1–36)212428

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

50.6%

Retention Rate

72.4%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$46,833

Student Body

1,586

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Western Colorado University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$11,490
$30,001 – $48,000$10,868
$48,001 – $75,000$13,908
$75,001 – $110,000$16,928
$110,000+$21,396

Top Majors at Western Colorado University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Parks, Recreation & Fitness54
Biological & Biomedical Sciences53
Business, Management & Marketing51
Psychology26
Computer & Information Sciences20
Natural Resources & Conservation17
Social Sciences17
Communication & Journalism15
Visual & Performing Arts12
English Language & Literature9

Financial Aid at Western Colorado University

About Western Colorado University

Official website: https://www.western.edu/

Admissions: https://www.western.edu/admissions-aid

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Colorado University

What is the acceptance rate at Western Colorado University?

Western Colorado University has an acceptance rate of 98%. it received about 3,283 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1260; the average net price is $16,425 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Western Colorado University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Western Colorado University?

Getting into Western Colorado University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 98% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1260. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Western Colorado University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Western Colorado University?

Admitted students at Western Colorado University typically have a median SAT around 1260 and a median ACT around 24. With a 98% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, CO. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Western Colorado University?

The average net price at Western Colorado University is $16,425 per year after grants and scholarships. about 95% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $7,169 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Western Colorado University?

Western Colorado University has a graduation rate of 51%. its first-year retention rate is 72%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $46,833. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Western Colorado University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Western Colorado University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Western Colorado University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1260. With a 98% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Western Colorado University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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