Western Colorado University
Discover Immersive Education Unique Outcomes Extraordinary Adventure Your Story Discovered Discover Western
Be a leader. Be a Mountaineer.
Western Colorado University fosters the path towards a purposeful future by actualizing the potential of students in their unyielding search for excellence and individuality.
Programs & Schools
Through immersive academics, an emphasis on career readiness and a unique model for hands-on learning, we transform our students into dedicated professionals who enjoy bold and exciting careers.
Life at Western
Western represents more than academic excellence. Our location in the heart of the Rockies promotes an active lifestyle, inclusive community and extraordinary adventure unlike anywhere else in the world.
Admissions & Aid
We are committed to helping you apply to your program of choice with confidence and ease. Learn more about the process — including deadlines, costs and financial aid — or contact our office with questions at any time.
The difference is the outcome.
At Western, our students are given the professional guidance and support necessary to develop real-world skills that lead to successful careers. Our highly personalized programs center around developing professionals ready to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
Through our distinct combination of academic merit, hands-on research opportunities and an inclusive student experience, we deliver an education that better meets what the market demands.
Inclusive Community
Our students and educators collectively believe that worldly views and different perspectives help provide a better education.
Where academic rigor meets awe-inspiring adventure.
Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Western Colorado University offers a vast outdoor research laboratory with unparalleled opportunities for students to learn and gain hands-on experience. Head out with your professor to track lynx, take part in an archaeological dig, join the robotics team to create your own machine or explore the brand-new labs in the Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering. Take a closer look and you’ll see what makes Western such a special place.
Research in our backyard
Nearly 80 percent of Gunnison County’s 3,239 square miles is federally owned land, making it an ideal environment for fieldwork.
Schools & Programs
We create a solid foundation for your future success.
At Western, we provide the knowledge and tools you need to make an impact in any field you choose. We’ve intentionally designed our curricula around practical experience to give you the industry knowledge you’ll need to excel. Explore our programs and learning opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else in higher education.
Undergraduate Programs
At Western, we believe a relevant education goes beyond academic excellence and critical thinking. From our accomplished faculty members—to our state-of-the-art facilities, we’ll give you the real-world skills and knowledge you need for a successful and rewarding career.
School of Graduate Studies
Western Colorado University’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is comprised of cutting-edge graduate programs committed to accelerating your career. Upon joining our graduate community, you will become part of an expansive network of graduate professionals who are eager to learn, interact and explore together.
Accelerated Degree Programs
Western Colorado University offers a variety of Accelerated Degree programs that allow you to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Our Accelerated Degree programs are designed to jump start your career, while saving you time and money.
Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering
Our engineering programs combine academic rigor with practical application in our new, cutting-edge facilities, classrooms and labs. Work towards an esteemed University of Colorado Boulder engineering degree, while enjoying the personal attention, small class sizes and spectacular surroundings of Western Colorado University.
School of Business
The business world can be extremely rewarding for those who are well-prepared. A strong foundation in business will enable you to enjoy the long-term gains of your career–regardless of the fluctuations of the economy. Western Colorado University’s unique model of business education is dedicated to comprehensively preparing you for the global marketplace.
Clark Family School of Environment and Sustainability
We empower students to foster community transitions to ecologically resilient, economically sustainable and socially-just energy, food, water and land-use systems. Our students have monitored forests on snowshoes, managed a campus organic farm, addressed climate change and collaborated with diverse global communities.
Adult Degree Completion
Earning a college degree is a goal for millions of Americans, but sometimes life gets in the way. Western Colorado University’s Adult Degree Completion program serves to aid professionals with some college experience in finishing their credit requirements and earning a bachelor’s degree in a flexible, accessible and completely online environment. Let’s finish what you started.
Discover your story at Western.
The unique outcomes of the education at Western become the stories we tell. Our students are more than successful, they are personally fulfilled and recognized as leaders within their communities and industries.
News & Research
Western Athletes Compete at Skimo World Championships Western Athletes Compete at Skimo World Championships
Western Hires New VP of Finance and Administration Western Hires New VP of Finance and Administration
Western Student Wins Outstanding Graduate Award Western Student Wins Outstanding Graduate Award
Western Hosts West African Dance and Drummers Western Hosts West African Dance and Drummers
Take the Next Step
Apply to Western
We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.
Visit Western
The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.
Alumni Community
We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.
Request Information
Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.