Western Colorado University Admission Requirements

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#12 Best Public Universities in Colorado

Western Colorado University Admission Overview

Western Colorado University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Western Colorado University admitted 99.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.42 GPA (B+) and SAT 1163-1353 / ACT 22-26. Western Colorado University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Western Colorado University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

99.7%

Admission Standards

Challenging

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Western Colorado University

Acceptance Rate

The Western Colorado University acceptance rate is 99.7%. Last year, 3,110 of 3,119 applicants were admitted. That is the 38th lowest acceptance rate in Colorado.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Western Colorado University and can you get accepted?

Western Colorado University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Western Colorado University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.42. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the lower half of their high school class. 11% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Western Colorado University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.42

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.42

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Western Colorado University typically have around a 3.42 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. Western Colorado University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

22% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #12 in Colorado for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Western Colorado University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 22.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 19.0% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 15.0% Avg -
3.25 to 3.49 14.0% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 10.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 15.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 4.0% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 1.0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Western Colorado University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1163-1353

Freshmen who sent SAT

11%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 608
  • Math 555
  • Composite 1163
SAT 25th percentile scores for Western Colorado University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 683
  • Math 670
  • Composite 1353
SAT 75th percentile scores for Western Colorado University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Western Colorado University typically score around a 1260 SAT (middle 50% 1163–1353) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 83rd percentile nationally. Western Colorado University ranks #6 in the state of Colorado for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1163 to 1353

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Western Colorado University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1260 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Western Colorado University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1353+ Above 75th >99%
1260 to 1353 Avg + 99%-99%
1163 to 1260 Avg - 99%-99%
Below 1163 Below mid-50 <99%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Western Colorado University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

22-26

Freshmen reporting ACT

8%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 21
  • Math 20
  • Composite 22
ACT 25th percentile scores for Western Colorado University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 27
  • Math 24
  • Composite 26
ACT 75th percentile scores for Western Colorado University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Western Colorado University typically have around a 24 ACT (mid-50 22–26) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 73rd percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Western Colorado University places #8 among colleges in Colorado for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 22 to 26

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Western Colorado University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 24.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Western Colorado University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
26+ Above 75th >99%
24 to 26 Avg + 99%-99%
22 to 24 Avg - 99%-99%
Below 22 Below mid-50 <99%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

64% of Western Colorado University freshman are in the lower half of their high school graduating class.

High School Class Rank for admitted Western Colorado University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 6%
Top 25% of class 17%
Top 50% of class 36%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Western Colorado University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Western Colorado University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 1,520 1,595 3,119
Accepted 1,516 1,590 3,110
Acceptance Rate 100% 100% 100%
Enrolled 138 219 357
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 9% 14% 11%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Western Colorado University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Western Colorado University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not required for admission, but considered if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Western Colorado University is $30.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Western Colorado University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Western Colorado University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 99.7% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.42 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1163-1353); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Western Colorado University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=128391.

GPA calculator: Western Colorado University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026