Western Colorado University

What are the graduation rates for students at Western Colorado University?

Western Colorado University exhibits an overall graduation rate of 51%, which places it in the lower 40th percentile nationally. This suggests that roughly half of the students who begin their studies will complete their degree within the expected timeframe, a figure that is below average when compared to other institutions.

The university's graduation rates display notable variation by gender. Male students graduate at a rate of 43%, ranking in the bottom 35th percentile, while female students graduate at a higher rate of 62%, placing the university's performance for women within the top half nationally. This gender gap indicates that female students have a considerably better chance of degree completion here.

Looking at time-specific rates, the four-year graduation rate is relatively low at 32%, placing Western Colorado University in the bottom 30% nationwide. However, when extended to six years, the rate increases to 51%, again reflecting an overall average standing but still in the lower 40th percentile. These statistics indicate that many students take longer than four years to graduate.

The retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-year students who continue to their second year, stands at 73%. This figure is somewhat below average, situated in the bottom 45th percentile, and highlights some challenges in sustaining student enrollment from year to year.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Western Colorado University?

Graduates from Western Colorado University experience varying earning potential based on their chosen field of study. Those who majored in Business Administration, Management and Operations report some of the highest early career earnings, with an average of $40,324 annually. Degrees related to Geological and Earth Sciences also offer strong earning prospects, with graduates earning around $37,592 on average.

In the natural sciences, graduates in Natural Resources Conservation and Research earn approximately $32,439, while those with a degree in Health and Physical Education/Fitness receive average earnings near $30,326. Sociology majors, similarly, see early earnings around $30,165, which is a competitive figure among the social sciences.

Fields like Communication and Media Studies provide graduates with initial earnings of about $28,244, whereas Biology majors start with average incomes of $26,963. Psychology graduates tend to earn slightly less, with average earnings around $23,793, close to those in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies, who see about $22,704 annually.

Lower starting salaries appear in fields such as English Language and Literature and Fine and Studio Arts, where average earnings stand at roughly $22,615 and $18,798 respectively. These figures highlight the notable differences in income potential across disciplines at Western Colorado University, underscoring the importance of career considerations alongside academic interests.