Western Colorado University sees notable increases in enrollment

Western Colorado University welcomed its largest freshman class in several years this fall and retained more returning students, helping push enrollment above 4,000 for the first time in recent years

The gains reflect growth in several areas. New first-year enrollment increased 14 percent over Fall 2025, while first-to-second-year retention climbed for the third consecutive year to 74 percent, the second-highest retention rate in Western’s history.

Overall, as of the September 11 census date, enrollment reached 4,019 students, a 10 percent increase from last fall, including a 32 percent rise in the number of concurrent enrollment students taking Western courses at their high schools.

New academic, athletic, and financial support programs also contributed to a 2 percent increase in degree-seeking undergraduate enrollment.

Colorado residents make up 72 percent of Western’s undergraduate population. Twenty-five percent of undergraduates represent the first generation in their families to attend college, and 26 percent identify as racially or ethnically diverse.

New programs in nursing and aerospace engineering, along with Western’s new women’s wrestling program, attracted new students, while the Gunnison Valley Promise, which covers tuition for local students, more than doubled the number of Gunnison High School graduates starting at Western this year.

“It’s encouraging to see this kind of growth. It shows us that what Western has to offer is attractive and the work we’ve put in is paying off,” Western President Brad Baca said. “Not only are we welcoming a strong incoming class, but we’re keeping more of the students who are already here. That suggests that the investments we’ve made in programs and services are meeting the needs of our students and the communities we serve.”

And the gains aren’t limited to new students. Western has also continued to make progress in keeping students on campus after they arrive.

“Retention and student success continue to be an area of focus in managing enrollment at Western. The investments made in programs that foster academic success, relationship building, and mentoring for new students are paying dividends,” Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Leslie Taylor said. “Commitment and intentional work in student affairs and academic affairs have led to the second-highest retention rate in University history, something staff and faculty across campus are proud of.”