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Western Colorado University

#990 in US ranking Gunnison, CO
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$26,610
Tuition & fees
$11,511
Avg. aid
$9,574
Receiving aid
96%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
100%
SAT range
1163–1353
ACT range
22–26

Outcomes

Graduation rate
50%
Median salary
$39,167
1 yr after graduation

What does Western Colorado University offer in terms of athletics?

Western Colorado University's Mountaineers compete in NCAA Division II athletics, primarily in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The varsity program includes sports such as football, basketball, cross-country, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.

Varsity teams are only one way to participate in sport. Students can also investigate current club teams, intramural competitions, and recreational fitness opportunities; those activities differ from NCAA teams in selection, schedules, and funding. Prospective athletes should check the roster and recruiting requirements for their specific sport rather than assuming that a recreational activity is a varsity program or that an athletic scholarship is available.

What student groups and Associations are available at Western Colorado University?

Western Colorado University has student organizations spanning academic interests, recreation, identity and community, and student representation. Reported examples include the Student Government Association, the Wildlife Society, Pi Sigma Epsilon, West Elk Wranglers, and an Asian Pacific Islanders group.

The Student Government Association gives students a formal avenue for representation, while subject-focused groups offer ways to meet peers beyond class. Organization rosters and activity can change from term to term. The university's club fair is a practical place to confirm which groups are currently meeting, learn whether there are membership requirements, and find out how to start a new organization.

Who studies at Western Colorado University?

Western Colorado University reports total enrollment of 3,568 students. Its reported student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1, a campus-wide measure that does not describe the size of every class.

Among the reported first-time undergraduate entrants, 357 enrolled; another 97 students entered as transfers. About 62% of students in the reported geographic breakdown were Colorado residents, while 38% came from other U.S. states. That mix means applicants should not assume that all classmates will have the same residency status or tuition rate.

Enrollment totals and demographic counts can come from different reporting periods and student populations, so they should not be combined to infer a precise campus-wide percentage without matching definitions. Prospective students seeking a closer picture of their likely peer group can examine the enrollment profile for their intended program and degree level.

How does student life look like at Western Colorado University?

Student life at Western combines a residential campus with a meaningful commuting population. The reported share living on campus is 63%, while 37% commute. That balance can affect when students meet, attend activities, and use campus services.

Students can connect through orientation, performances, student media, recreation, and campus events as well as through classes. Western reports a student-run newspaper and radio station, theater and choral opportunities, and student health and counseling services. For someone new to Gunnison, everyday planning also includes the mountain climate and the distance between campus, work, and off-campus housing. Commuters may want to check activity times and access to study space between classes.

What libraries are available to students at Western Colorado University?

Leslie J. Savage Library is Western Colorado University's main library. It provides a place for individual and group study as well as access to research materials and academic support.

Students can use library research assistance and electronic resources for coursework, and reported facilities include reservable study rooms. Library resources may also include materials obtained from other libraries when a needed item is not held locally. Students who rely on late-night study space should check current opening hours rather than assume that the library operates around the clock; 24-hour study areas are not reported.

Western Colorado University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

3568

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

393

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Total staff

140 full time, 24 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Western Colorado University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 3,148
Graduate: 420

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 1,754
Part-time: 1,814

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 160
Men: 233

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 215
Black or African American: 48
White: 1,134
American Indian or Alaska Native: 15
Asian: 31
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 5
Two or more races: 70
Unknown: 22

Western Colorado University Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Baseball

Men–Men

Basketball

BothBothMen

Cheerleading

Both–Men

Cross-country running

Both–Men

Football

MenBothMen

Ice hockey

BothBothMen

Lacrosse

Men–Men

Rock climbing

Both–Both

Rugby

Both–Men

Skiing (downhill)

Both–Men

Soccer

Both–Both

Softball

Both–Men

Swimming and diving

Women–Women

Track and field

Both–Both

Volleyball

WomenBoth–

Wrestling

Both–Men

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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