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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.

Final Spring Preview Day coming up soon

Western's final Spring Preview Day is on Friday, March 24! Register in advance to visit campus for this immersive experience where you'll meet with faculty, attend a club and activity fair, take a campus tour, chat with current students, and more. One night of free lodging in Gunnison for Preview Day students and their families is available while supplies last!

Register Now

Experience Western in The College Tour

Western’s episode of The College Tour is out now! The TV series, created by Emmy-nominated and award-winning producers, shares the stories and offerings from different universities firsthand from its students. Click the link below to watch the full episode!

Watch Now

Visit Western

Western invites prospective students and their families to visit campus and explore our university in-person this summer. To learn more about campus visit options or schedule a time for a tour, click the link below.

Learn More

Get Your Questions Answered

Ready to discover more about Western? Reach out to the university admissions team to get all your questions answered. Request information today to get started.

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Programs & Schools

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

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

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.

Your Future Starts Here


Areas of Study


Average Class Size


Faculty with the Highest Degree in Their Field


Graduate Employment Rate*

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.

Explore Western

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.

Explore Our Programs

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.

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

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.

Two students conduct research in a wildlife ecology lab focused on forest fires.

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

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.

Several students use laptops to work on homework together in a study space.

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.

School of Environment and sustainability

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

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

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Mar
23

Avalanche Beacon Clinic

Mar
24

Preview Day

Mar
24

PC: Retro Arcade Night

Mar
25

Gothic Overnight Backcountry Trip

Mar
25

Woodstock Night - KWSB 55th Anniversary Party

Mar
28

Opera Colorado presents Gounod's Romeo et Juliete

Mar
31

PC: Silent Disco

Apr
01

Intro to Rock Climbing

Apr
01

Faculty Recital: Dr. Darkson Magrinelli and his brother Dr. Fagner Magrinelli Rocha

Apr
01

20th Annual Crab and Steak Feed

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Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western

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

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

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

Request
Information

Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.