Apply now for the Fall 2024 Semester!
We are still accepting applications! If you’ve just decided that college might be your next step, we’re here to support you. Thanks to our rolling admissions process and awesome staff, it’s not too late to apply for the Fall 2024 semester.
Start Your Application
It takes as little as two weeks to be fully enrolled
Step 1:
All you need are your transcripts! Your transcripts can be sent directly to Western by your institution on your behalf. We’re a test-optional university, but you can also include your ACT/SAT scores.
Step 2:
Submit your application, and guess what? There’s no application fee from now until the semester starts for Fall 2024. You’ll hear back from us in about a week with a decision.
Step 3:
Enroll in classes. To enroll in classes you’ll first tell us your class preferences and then set your class schedule with an advisor. Expect for this process to take about one week.
How to Make College More Affordable
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:
It’s not too late to fill out the general application; you’ll be in the running for any scholarships that have not been awarded.
General Scholarship Application
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.
First-Time, First-Year Students
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 |
Transfer Students
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
| Eligibility | 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 |
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. These tuition discounts are through the Western Undergraduate Exchange or Central Plains program.
The Federal Government is still accepting FAFSA applications. Our school code is 001372, and you can apply here.
If you have an existing FAFSA application, you can change the school code so we can receive your information; this option is only available once the federal government processes your FAFSA form.
The Mountaineer Promise guarantees that standard tuition and mandatory fees will be covered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional scholarships and grants for eligible Colorado residents.
| 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 |
Tuition costs are subject to change. For a breakdown of tuition costs per credit hour, email cashier@western.edu.
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.
Contact Admissions
We are here to help you navigate the admissions process.
While we strive to make our admissions process holistic and transparent, we know that you probably have outstanding questions. Fortunately, our knowledgeable admissions counselors are here to help guide you in the right direction. Feel free to reach out with questions about academic programs, campus life, admissions or financial aid.
NOTE: The Admissions Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., MST
Contact Us Here
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.