Adams State University vs. Western Colorado University

Comparable Facts

Compare Adams State University in Alamosa, CO with Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Colorado University is larger than Adams State University based on total student enrollment (3,568 students vs. 2,901 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adams State University is located in Alamosa, CO (Remote Town setting); Western Colorado University is in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting).
• Adams State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adams State University 14:1; Western Colorado University 17:1.

Adams State University vs. Western Colorado University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adams State University or Western Colorado University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adams State University than Western Colorado University ($13,340 vs. $17,711).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Adams State University are 8.7% lower than at Western Colorado University ($9,820 vs. $10,760).
• Western Colorado University is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adams State University (about $1,494 more per year; $11,318.00 vs. $9,824.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Western Colorado University than at Adams State University (about $2,490 more per year; $24,434.00 vs. $21,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Colorado University than at Adams State University (93% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adams State University students is 27.6% larger than aid received by Western Colorado University students ($10,747 vs. $8,425).

Adams State University vs. Western Colorado University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adams State University or Western Colorado University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Western Colorado University and Adams State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Colorado University (1260) is 240 points higher than at Adams State University (1020).
• Incoming Western Colorado University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Adams State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 910/1130; Western Colorado University 1163/1353.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 15/26; Western Colorado University 22/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adams State University - Not reported; Western Colorado University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Colorado University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Adams State University (3.2).

Adams State University vs. Western Colorado University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adams State University and Western Colorado University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Western Colorado University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Adams State University's (23%).
• Graduates from Western Colorado University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Adams State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Adams State University graduates have a $209 lower median loan debt than Western Colorado University graduates ($21,291 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Adams State University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Colorado University graduates ($220 vs. $222).
• More Western Colorado University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adams State University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.