We’re a close-knit community. There’s a little more than 2,200 of us here on campus. We get to know each other really, really well. And we learn together in small classes of about 17 students.
Our home in Gunnison, Colorado is the starting point for your greatest adventure yet. We’re super close to two ski resorts. The nearby mountains make for excellent research and weekend trips. Rent gear on campus to explore over 2 million acres of public land and 750 miles of single-track trails.
Speaking of adventure, do what you love here with 110+ areas of study and competitive tuition. We define success as something both personal and professional. Western students build skills and experience necessary for a variety of careers. They also dedicate time to exploring their interests and getting outside.
Top Three Reasons to Choose Western Colorado University
Our unbeatable location
Western’s location in the beautiful Gunnison Valley is like no other. With access to 2 million acres of public land, 700+ miles of single-track trails, and Crested Butte Ski Resort within 30 minutes of campus, Western is the perfect place to find adventure and education.
Our close-knit community
From students to ranchers to service workers and even the ski bums, the eclectic community is what makes this Valley so close. With community-wide events like Cattleman’s Days and the Night of Lights, it’s easy to feel at home here at Western.
Our class environment
Western’s close connections allow you to create real relationships with professors inside and outside the classroom. The average class size of 17 means you get to work closely with professors to define your own personalized educational experience.
Western FAQ’s
As one of Colorado’s most affordable universities, we offer a variety of financial aid options and merit scholarships. 80% of our students receive some form of financial aid. These scholarships are designed to make your education more affordable and accessible. Check out a few of our scholarships opportunities as well as a breakdown of tuition below:
Merit scholarships
We offer a range of merit scholarships to recognize and reward your academic achievements. You are automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you submit your application.
New, first-year admitted students are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative high school GPA; test scores are not a factor in our merit scholarship calculation. First-year merit awards are renewable for four years.
First-Year Scholarship Award Levels
GPA | In-State | Per Year | Out-Of-State | Per Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
3.35 to 3.749 | East Merit | $2,500 | Basin Merit | $8,000 |
3.75 to 3.999 | Slate Merit | $3,500 | Ridgeline Merit | $9,000 |
4.0 | Taylor Merit | $4,500 | Peak Merit | $10,000 |
Renewal Requirements
A maximum of eight semesters of eligibility will be awarded to first-year students. To continue receiving a Merit Scholarship, students must:
- Enroll and complete a minimum of 24 credit hours each year.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA.
- Meet satisfactory academic requirements.
Note: If a student is awarded a Merit Scholarship and fails to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, the student will not default to their state’s tuition-discount program.
New students are evaluated as transfers if they have taken college courses after graduating from high school. Transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits AND a minimum 2.5 college GPA will be considered first-year students for merit awards – see above.
New admitted transfers students are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative college GPA. Merit scholarships are renewable for up to three years.
Transfer Scholarship Award Levels
In-State | Out-Of-State | |
---|---|---|
Advantage Award (3.0-3.49 GPA) | $2,500 | $5,000 |
Scholars Award (3.5-4.0 GPA) | $3,500 | $7,000 |
Phi Theta Kappa (Two-Year College Honor Society Members) | $4,000 | $7,000 |
Renewal Requirements
A maximum of six semesters of eligibility will be awarded to transfer students. To continue receiving a Merit Scholarship, students must:
- Enroll and complete a minimum of 24 credit hours each year.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA.
- Meet satisfactory academic requirements.
Note: If a student is awarded a Merit Scholarship and fails to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, the student will not default to their state’s tuition-discount program.
WUE/CP
If you’re from one of 25 states in the West or Midwest, you’ll
automatically get lower tuition rates once you submit your application.
Tuition
Direct Cost | In-State | Out-of-State |
---|---|---|
Tuition | $7,308* | $20,424 |
Required Fees | $4,010 | $4,010 |
Optional Fees** | $450 | $450 |
Double Room*** | $5,463 | $5,463 |
Board (15-meal/week plan) | $5,297 | $5,297 |
Total Annual Cost | $22,528 | $35,644 |
Indirect Cost | In-State | Out-of-State |
---|---|---|
Books & Supplies | $1,350 | $1,350 |
Miscellaneous | $1,746 | $1,746 |
Transportation | $1,548 | $1,548 |
Total Indirect Cost | $4,644 | $4,644 |
Total (Direct + Indirect) | $27,172 | $40,288 |
With small classes where you can connect with your classmates and our dedicated faculty, a focus on hands-on learning, and our close-knit community on and off campus, we are committed to providing you with more than just a degree. Set against the unbeatable backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Western provides a transformational experience that will prepare you for a rewarding life after college.
At Western, we believe a liberal arts education provides a well-rounded foundation that prepares students to handle anything life throws at them. Our approach focuses on teaching students how to think critically, not just what to think.
No matter what you choose to study within any program at Western, the foundation of a Liberal Arts education sets you up for success.
We have a rolling admissions process and take a holistic look at every application. Just gather your transcripts and other materials—plus, it’s free to apply. Once you submit, you’ll hear back from us in about a week! And if you need any help along the way, our friendly admissions team is here to guide you through the process.
Start an Application
Applying to Western is quick, free, and you’ll hear back in about a week. If you have any questions or need help, our admissions team has your back.
We're here to help!
For more general information about Western, contact our friendly Admissions team or schedule a visit!