Western Colorado University vs. TCNJ

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO with The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The College of New Jersey is larger than Western Colorado University based on total student enrollment (8,141 students vs. 3,568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting); The College of New Jersey is in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Colorado University 17:1; The College of New Jersey 14:1.

Western Colorado University vs. TCNJ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Colorado University or TCNJ? 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 TCNJ ($17,711 vs. $25,580).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 28.2% lower than at The College of New Jersey ($10,760 vs. $14,976).
• The College of New Jersey is 73.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Colorado University (about $8,314 more per year; $19,632.00 vs. $11,318.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at TCNJ than at Western Colorado University (about $1,318 more per year; $25,752.00 vs. $24,434.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Colorado University than at The College of New Jersey (93% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The College of New Jersey students is 58.6% larger than aid received by Western Colorado University students ($13,360 vs. $8,425).

Western Colorado University vs. TCNJ Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Colorado University or TCNJ? 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 TCNJ and Western Colorado University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Colorado University (1260) is 20 points higher than at TCNJ (1240).
• Incoming TCNJ students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at Western Colorado University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 1163/1353; The College of New Jersey 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 22/26; The College of New Jersey 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Colorado University - Test optional; TCNJ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TCNJ Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Colorado University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at TCNJ (3.29).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than TCNJ (62.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Western Colorado University vs. 19.7% at TCNJ.

Western Colorado University vs. TCNJ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Colorado University and TCNJ? 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).

• The College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Western Colorado University's (39%).
• Graduates from The College of New Jersey earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Western Colorado University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than TCNJ graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TCNJ graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Colorado University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.