Western Colorado University vs. Westminster

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO with Westminster University in Salt Lake City, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Colorado University is larger than Westminster based on total student enrollment (3,568 students vs. 1,155 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting); Westminster University is in Salt Lake City, UT (Midsize City setting).
• Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westminster University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Colorado University 17:1; Westminster University 8:1.

Western Colorado University vs. Westminster Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Colorado University or Westminster? 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 Westminster ($17,711 vs. $26,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 9.2% lower than at Westminster University ($10,760 vs. $11,844).
• Westminster University is 284.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Colorado University (about $32,210 more per year; $43,528.00 vs. $11,318.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.1% higher at Westminster than at Western Colorado University (about $19,094 more per year; $43,528.00 vs. $24,434.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Westminster University than at Western Colorado University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westminster University students is 264.3% larger than aid received by Western Colorado University students ($30,694 vs. $8,425).

Western Colorado University vs. Westminster Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Colorado University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Westminster (1190).
• Incoming Westminster students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Western Colorado University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 1163/1353; Westminster University 1070/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 22/26; Westminster University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Colorado University - Test optional; Westminster - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Westminster students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Western Colorado University (3.42).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than Westminster (66.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Western Colorado University vs. 9.7% at Westminster.

Western Colorado University vs. Westminster Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Westminster University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Western Colorado University's (39%).
• Graduates from Westminster University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Western Colorado University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,900 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Westminster graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westminster graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Westminster graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Colorado University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.