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 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 Compare across schools → |
55
|
$41,886/yr | High | 8.4x |
| Sociology Compare across schools → |
50
|
$43,178/yr | High | 10.9x |
| Psychology Compare across schools → |
40
|
$32,352/yr | High | 10.4x |
| Health & Physical Education Compare across schools → |
37
|
$21,038/yr | Moderate | 11.2x |
| Political Science Compare across schools → |
36
|
$30,272/yr | Very High | 5.8x |
| Biology Compare across schools → |
34
|
$29,881/yr | High | 9.7x |
| Natural Resources & Conservation Research Compare across schools → |
27
|
$26,123/yr | High | 9.5x |
| Parks & Recreation Compare across schools → |
18
|
$25,903/yr | Very High | 6.0x |