Western Colorado University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Western Colorado University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 3,568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Colorado University 17:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Western Colorado University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Colorado University or WCU? 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 Carolina University than Western Colorado University ($13,767 vs. $17,711).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 12.9% lower than at Western Carolina University ($10,760 vs. $12,354).
• Western Colorado University is 144.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $6,688 more per year; $11,318.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 183.1% higher at Western Colorado University than at Western Carolina University (about $15,804 more per year; $24,434.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Colorado University than at Western Carolina University (93% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Colorado University students is 40.6% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($8,425 vs. $5,993).

Western Colorado University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Colorado University (1260) is 80 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Western Colorado University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 1163/1353; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 22/26; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Colorado University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Western Colorado University (3.42).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Western Colorado University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Western Colorado University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Colorado University and WCU? 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 Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Western Colorado University's (39%).
• Graduates from Western Colorado University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More Western Colorado University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 58%)

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.