FLC vs. Western Colorado University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fort Lewis College in Durango, 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 FLC based on total student enrollment (3,568 students vs. 3,544 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

FLC vs. Western Colorado University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FLC 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 Fort Lewis College than Western Colorado University ($17,114 vs. $17,711).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 21.3% lower than at Fort Lewis College ($10,760 vs. $13,680).
• Western Colorado University is 13.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than FLC (about $1,360 more per year; $11,318.00 vs. $9,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.5% higher at Western Colorado University than at Fort Lewis College (about $2,908 more per year; $24,434.00 vs. $21,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fort Lewis College than at Western Colorado University (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Colorado University students is 27.5% larger than aid received by Fort Lewis College students ($8,425 vs. $6,610).

FLC vs. Western Colorado University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FLC 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 FLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Colorado University (1260) is 150 points higher than at FLC (1110).
• Incoming Western Colorado University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at FLC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Lewis College 1010/1210; Western Colorado University 1163/1353.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fort Lewis College 18/26; Western Colorado University 22/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FLC - Test optional; Western Colorado University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: FLC Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Colorado University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at FLC (3.3).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than FLC (77.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.5% at FLC vs. 11.5% at Western Colorado University.

FLC vs. Western Colorado University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FLC 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 Fort Lewis College's (37%).
• Graduates from Western Colorado University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than FLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Lewis College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Western Colorado University graduates ($19,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, FLC graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Colorado University graduates ($201 vs. $222).
• More Western Colorado University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FLC students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 57%)

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.