USAFA vs. Western Colorado University

Comparable Facts

Compare United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado with Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

United States Air Force Academy is larger than Western Colorado University based on total student enrollment (4,114 students vs. 3,568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• United States Air Force Academy is located in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting); Western Colorado University is in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting).
• United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: United States Air Force Academy 7:1; Western Colorado University 17:1.

USAFA vs. Western Colorado University Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Western Colorado University and USAFA ($11,318.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Western Colorado University and United States Air Force Academy ($24,434.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Colorado University than at United States Air Force Academy (93% vs. 0%).

USAFA vs. Western Colorado University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USAFA 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 USAFA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at United States Air Force Academy (1340) is 80 points higher than at Western Colorado University (1260).
• Incoming USAFA students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at Western Colorado University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440; Western Colorado University 1163/1353.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: United States Air Force Academy 26/33; Western Colorado University 22/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USAFA - Required; Western Colorado University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Accepted freshman USAFA students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Western Colorado University (3.42).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 78.5% at USAFA vs. 11.5% at Western Colorado University.

USAFA vs. Western Colorado University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USAFA 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).

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.