DU vs. Western Colorado University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Western Colorado University based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 3,568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Western Colorado University is in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; Western Colorado University 17:1.

DU vs. Western Colorado University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU 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 Western Colorado University than DU ($17,711 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 39.4% lower than at University of Denver ($10,760 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 442.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Colorado University (about $50,080 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $11,318.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 151.3% higher at DU than at Western Colorado University (about $36,964 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $24,434.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Denver than at Western Colorado University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Denver students is 303% larger than aid received by Western Colorado University students ($33,955 vs. $8,425).

DU vs. Western Colorado University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DU 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 DU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 70 points higher than at Western Colorado University (1260).
• Incoming DU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at Western Colorado University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; Western Colorado University 1163/1353.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Western Colorado University 22/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Western Colorado University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Western Colorado University (3.42).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than DU (77.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 11.5% at Western Colorado University.

DU vs. Western Colorado University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU 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).

• University of Denver's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Western Colorado University's (39%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $22,600 more per year than Western Colorado University graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have a $2,199 lower median loan debt than DU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,699).
• Among borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DU graduates ($222 vs. $245).
• More DU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Colorado University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 61%)

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.