Adams State University vs Western Colorado University
Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, CO. Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, CO. Adams State University admits about 99% of applicants and Western Colorado University about 100%, making Adams State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,980 a year at Adams State University after aid, and about $16,425 at Western Colorado University. About 51% of students graduate at Western Colorado University, compared with 36% at Adams State University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Colorado University alumni earn a median of about $46,833, against $44,372 for Adams State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Alamosa, CO
Gunnison, CO
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,250
1,586
Acceptance rate
99%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
910–1130
1163–1353
ACT (middle 50%)
15–26
22–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,980
$16,425
Full cost / yr
$24,352
$25,736
In-state tuition
$9,824
$11,318
Out-of-state tuition
$21,944
$24,434
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,947
$11,490
$30k - $48k
$10,392
$10,868
$48k - $75k
$11,921
$13,908
$75k - $110k
$15,787
$16,928
Over $110k
$20,274
$21,396
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
51%
Freshman retention
51%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,338
$40,037
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,372
$46,833
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$20,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
12%
First-generation students
42%
25%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Adams State University or Western Colorado University harder to get into?
- Adams State University is harder to get into. It admits about 99% of applicants, compared with 100% at Western Colorado University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Adams State University or Western Colorado University?
- Adams State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,980 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,425 at Western Colorado University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Adams State University and Western Colorado University?
- Before aid, Adams State University costs about $24,352 a year and Western Colorado University about $25,736. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Adams State University or Western Colorado University?
- Adams State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,947 there, against about $11,490 at Western Colorado University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Adams State University or Western Colorado University?
- Western Colorado University is the larger of the two, with about 1,586 undergraduates against 1,250 at Adams State University.
- Does Adams State University or Western Colorado University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Colorado University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 36% at Adams State University.
- Do graduates of Adams State University or Western Colorado University earn more?
- Western Colorado University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $46,833 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,372 for Adams State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Adams State University and Western Colorado University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Adams State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Colorado University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Adams State University and Western Colorado University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 910–1130 at Adams State University and 1163–1353 at Western Colorado University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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