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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.

Apply Here

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. 


Learn More

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.

Read Eligibility Requirements

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

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.

Contact Admissions

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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.

Call Admissions

NOTE: The Admissions Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., MST

Contact Us Here

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Take the Next Step

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Apply to
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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.

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Visit
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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
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Alumni
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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.

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