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Colorado Christian University vs Western Colorado University

Colorado Christian University is a private university in Lakewood, CO, and Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, CO. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Western Colorado University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,425 a year against $29,500 at Colorado Christian University. About 60% of students graduate at Colorado Christian University, compared with 51% at Western Colorado University. Ten years after enrolling, Colorado Christian University alumni earn a median of about $50,416, against $46,833 for Western Colorado University.

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO · Private

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lakewood, CO
Gunnison, CO
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,549
1,586
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1163–1353
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
22–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,500
$16,425
Full cost / yr
$54,242
$25,736
In-state tuition
$41,342
$11,318
Out-of-state tuition
$41,342
$24,434
Application fee
$30
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,010
$11,490
$30k - $48k
$24,819
$10,868
$48k - $75k
$27,203
$13,908
$75k - $110k
$26,257
$16,928
Over $110k
$33,274
$21,396
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
51%
Freshman retention
84%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,623
$40,037
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,416
$46,833
Median debt at graduation
$28,312
$20,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
12%
First-generation students
45%
25%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Feb 1
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado Christian University or Western Colorado University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colorado Christian University or Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,425 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,500 at Colorado Christian 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 Colorado Christian University and Western Colorado University?
Before aid, Western Colorado University costs about $25,736 a year and Colorado Christian University about $54,242. 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, Colorado Christian University or Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,490 there, against about $26,010 at Colorado Christian University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colorado Christian University or Western Colorado University?
Colorado Christian University is the larger of the two, with about 5,549 undergraduates against 1,586 at Western Colorado University.
Does Colorado Christian University or Western Colorado University have a better graduation rate?
Colorado Christian University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 51% at Western Colorado University.
Do graduates of Colorado Christian University or Western Colorado University earn more?
Colorado Christian University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,416 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,833 for Western Colorado University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado Christian University and Western Colorado University require SAT or ACT scores?
Colorado Christian 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.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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