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Explore Your Passion

Welcome To Western

Explore Your Passion

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.

A student speaks to an employer at an energy management career fair.

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.

 

Start your application!

Top Three Reasons to Choose Western Colorado University

The milky way above Hartman Rocks recreation area

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.

A group of female students pose for a photo outside of a residence hall during Orientation.

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.

A student works on a project in a classroom

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:

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:

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.

Let’s get started!

Explore Your Passion

We're here to help!

For more general information about Western, contact our friendly Admissions team or schedule a visit!

admissions@western.edu
970.943.2119