Landing Page | Explore Your Passion - Western Colorado University

Seen from Van Tuyl Ranch, the collegiate

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Our unbeatable location features two nearby ski resorts, over 1,000 miles of trails, the largest body of water in the state, and more than 2 million acres of public land to learn and explore. You’ll be living in a real-life postcard!

Our small town and small campus guarantee that you’ll be known on a first-name basis and get the support you need to succeed. Whether you’re an athlete, adventurer, or artist, you’ll find your community at Western.

Top 3 Reasons to Choose Western

Four students smile in front of Teocalli at sunrise making a W with their hands.

Our Unbeatable Location

With over 2 million acres of public land, an extensive trail system, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort just 35 minutes from campus, Western offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and hands-on learning.

Two students wearing pink cowboy hats ride a tandem townie bike down main street and bring joy to community members during the Homecoming parade.

Our Close-Knit Community

Western and Gunnison are known for their strong sense of community. The people here are genuinely welcoming and supportive, creating an environment where you can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging.

Professor Dave Erbe points his ski pole uphill in front of his backcountry skiing class. Mount Crested Butte is seen in the background.

Our Class Environment

At Western, it’s easy to build meaningful relationships with professors both inside and outside the classroom. With an average class size of 17, you’ll work closely with your professors and have your education personalized to you.

On the bank of the Taylor River, two students kneel and sort insects into an ice cube tray.

Western’s location and small classes permit unmatchable hands-on learning experiences in the beautiful Gunnison Valley. With over 110 areas of study to choose from, we ensure every program provides immersive learning to prepare you for your dream career.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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 scholarship opportunities as well as a breakdown of tuition below:

First-Year Scholarship Award Levels:

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.

High School GPA	In-State Scholarship	In-State Per Year
3.35 to 3.749	East Merit	$2,500
3.75 to 3.999	Slate Merit	$3,500
4.0	Taylor Merit	$4,500

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 students are awarded a Merit Scholarship and fail to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, they will not default to their state’s tuition-discount program.

Transfer Scholarship Award Levels:

New students are evaluated as transfers if they have taken college courses after high school graduation. 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 transfer students are considered for merit scholarships based on cumulative college GPA. Merit scholarships are renewable for up to three years.

GPA	Scholarship	In-State Award
3.0-3.49 GPA	Advantage Award	$2,500
3.5-4.0	Scholars Award	$3,500
Two-Year College Honor Society Member	Phi Theta Kappa	$4,500

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 students are awarded a Merit Scholarship and fail to maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.75, they will not default to their state’s tuition discount program.

Cost & Aid

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Western Undergraduate Exchange

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) offers significant savings—students pay 150% of in-state tuition instead of full out-of-state rates. If you’re from one of 25 Western or Midwestern states, you’ll automatically be considered when you apply—no separate application is required.

WUE is available to incoming students from eligible states who have not received a merit scholarship.

Map of the United States highlighting the states that can participate in the WUE tuition discount.

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa

Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico

North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Direct Cost	Out-of-State	WUE Cost
Tuition	$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	$35,644

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 career and life after college.