Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, in the small town of Gunnison. The campus provides access to incredible outdoor recreation, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Students here are known to be active and adventurous, often drawn to the university's strong programs in environmental studies and outdoor recreation. The university's location fosters a close-knit community, and its emphasis on experiential learning provides students with unique opportunities to explore the surrounding natural environment.
Financial Aid
The sticker price is rarely what families actually pay. Western Colorado University's grant and scholarship aid lowers the net price for most income brackets. 13% of students receive Pell Grants; 23% take federal loans.
Net Price by Family Income
Academic Year 2025| Income Bracket | Avg Net Price | 4-Year Net Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $30K | $10,573 | $42,292 |
| $30K – $48K | $9,926 | $39,704 |
| $48K – $75K | $15,090 | $60,360 |
| $75K – $110K | $18,658 | $74,632 |
| $110K+ | $21,621 | $86,484 |
| Sticker price (no aid) | $11,083 | $44,332 |
Programs at Western Colorado University
10 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.
| Degree Program | DW Score | 1-yr Earnings | AI Risk | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Accounting
Accounting and Related Services Compare across schools → |
69
|
$47,204/yr | Very High | 12.6x |
| Economics Compare across schools → |
62
|
$53,403/yr | Very High | 11.0x |
|
Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Compare across schools → |
55
|
$41,886/yr | High | 8.4x |
| Sociology Compare across schools → |
50
|
$43,178/yr | High | 10.9x |
|
Psychology
Psychology, General Compare across schools → |
40
|
$32,352/yr | High | 10.4x |
|
Health & Physical Education
Health and Physical Education/Fitness Compare across schools → |
37
|
$21,038/yr | Moderate | 11.2x |
|
Political Science
Political Science and Government Compare across schools → |
36
|
$30,272/yr | Very High | 5.8x |
|
Biology
Biology, General Compare across schools → |
34
|
$29,881/yr | High | 9.7x |
|
Natural Resources & Conservation Research
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Compare across schools → |
27
|
$26,123/yr | High | 9.5x |
|
Parks & Recreation
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies Compare across schools → |
18
|
$25,903/yr | Very High | 6.0x |
More Colleges in Colorado
Top-scored 4-year colleges and universities elsewhere in Colorado, ranked by average DegreeOutlook Score across their programs.