Admitted Graduate Students
Advance Your Education, Advance Your Career.
Top Reasons to Choose Western Colorado University
Our Flexible Learning Structure
Our graduate programs offer a variety of instruction modalities to fit the unique learning strengths of students. Because we offer in-person, hybrid, and remote/online programs, our students can pursue their educational and career goals worldwide at a pace that allows flexibility for pre-existing obligations.
Our Expert Faculty
Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty boast years of professional industry experience and provide invaluable personal mentorship to students. Our 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures students have the necessary one-on-one support and guidance in their courses, and these close relationships help foster the creation of professional connections to help students progress in their careers.
Our Career-Oriented Outcomes
Our School of Graduate Studies offers specialized programs in which students have the opportunity to develop their niche and take relevant, cutting-edge coursework to advance in their profession. Graduates from our programs gain the theoretical understanding to enhance their industry knowledge and an applied skillset that allows them to put their learning to practical use in their careers.
Admitted Graduate Student Checklist
We’re proud to welcome you to Western. Complete the following checklist items to officially begin your journey as a Mountaineer.
- Submit a non-refundable $150 enrollment deposit to confirm your spot in the incoming cohort. The enrollment deposit applies to your first tuition bill. Log in to the Applicant Portal to make your payment online.
Please contact the graduate program to which you are admitted if the enrollment deposit presents a barrier to committing to Western - If you are an Education or Special Education student, complete the Intent to Enroll Form to confirm your spot in the incoming cohort. You are NOT required to submit an enrollment deposit.
- Admitted graduate students who paid an enrollment deposit or submitted an Intent to Enroll form will receive a Western email account and a student ID. Check your email and Applicant Portal for updates.
View housing options here.
For questions about on-campus housing for graduate students, contact the Residence Life office at 970.943.2101 or reslife@western.edu.
Review your options for financing your graduate education.
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at ed.gov. Western’s school code is 001372.
- Summer 2024 admitted students: complete 2023-2024 AND 2024-2025 FAFSA applications.
- Fall 2024 admitted students: complete 2024-2025 FAFSA application.
- Check the status of your financial aid and scholarships and accept/modify/decline student loans through your Applicant Portal.
- Visit Western’s Financial Aid Toolspage for additional Financial Aid resources.
- NOTE: International graduate students are not eligible for federal Financial Aid
The Mountaineer Card is your official University ID. After you’ve registered for classes, upload your photo here. Once logged in, choose “Profile” to upload your photo.
For questions, contact the Mountaineer Card office at 970.943.2525, mountaineercard@western.edu, or visit our Mountaineer Card page.
TimelyCare is a free virtual health and well-being platform for Western students! You can access care 24/7, 365 days at no cost. Just download the TimelyCare app on your mobile device or log in at timelycare.com/western using your Western email and password. Not only do you have access to high-quality mental health professionals who are trained to care for college students, but you also have access to a wide range of self-care content, including a peer community, yoga and meditation videos, healthy recipes, and self-care journeys.
- All students enrolled in colleges and universities are required to submit proof of immunization.
- Refer to Immunization FAQ
If you were admitted to Western before completing your bachelor’s degree, please have your institution send your final transcript to the School of Graduate Studies immediately after your degree is awarded.
If you submitted an unofficial transcript to expedite the application review process, request an official transcript be sent directly from the issuing institution to the School of Graduate Studies before the first day of classes.
- By electronic download: graduatestudies@western.edu
- By mail:
Western Colorado University
School of Graduate Studies
118 Quigley Hall
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
You will receive one paper billing statement by mail approximately a month before classes begin.
- Payment is due in full on or before the first day of full-term courses unless you set up a W-Pay Payment Plan.
- Check your account balance and/or set up a W-Pay Payment Plan by contacting the Cashier’s Office at 970.943.3003 or cashier@western.edu.
- Adding or dropping classes may change your account balance.
- Click on the link to view course add, drop, and withdrawal dates.
The Cashier’s Office will charge a $50 monthly late fee to any graduate student’s account who does not pay their tuition bill on time or still needs to set up a W-Pay Plan by the time tuition is due.
To maximize your academic and personal journey, refer to our comprehensive Graduate Student Resources list, highlighting essential services and resources curated explicitly for graduate students
I paid my enrollment deposit; what other documents must I submit?
Western Colorado University and the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement require that admitted students planning to enter the U.S. on an F-1 visa provide proof of financial support before immigration documents (I-20) can be issued. You must provide evidence of the ability to cover the first year’s educational costs, living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses must be made available to the University.
Once you receive an admission decision, one of Western’s SEVIS Coordinators will contact you about the required documentation for your visa application process.
Some of the documents required include:
- Completed Affidavit of Support that is provided to you by one of Western’s SEVIS Coordinators;
- A letter of financial support and bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover the first year of study;
- A photocopy of your passport listing official name, birth date, birth place, etc.;
- If residing in the U.S., a photocopy of the visa and I-94 on which you entered the country.
Be advised that original documents, including bank statements, are required once you arrive on Western’s campus; however, for initial certification, copies are acceptable. Certified English translations must accompany all documents in a language other than English.
Please get in touch with any of Western’s SEVIS coordinators for more information about visa requirements:
- Marlo Frazier, graduate student Designated School Official, mfrazier@western.edu
- Laurel Becker, Primary Designated School Official, lbecker@western.edu
Important Phone Numbers
Office | Phone # |
Cashier’s Office | 970.943.3003 |
Graduate Studies Office | 970.943.2125 |
Financial Aid | 970.943.3085 |
IT Services | 970.943.3333 |
Student Affairs Office | 970.943.2232 |
Questions?
We understand attending graduate school is a notable financial, time, and resource commitment, and we want to assist you every step of the way. If you have questions about our program offerings, financial aid opportunities, time commitment expectations, or anything else, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to provide one-on-one guidance for your graduate school journey.