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Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs vs Western Colorado University

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs is a private for-profit university in Colorado Springs, 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 $16,745 at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. About 51% of students graduate at Western Colorado University, compared with 18% at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. Ten years after enrolling, Western Colorado University alumni earn a median of about $46,833, against $37,180 for Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · Private (for-profit)

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Public
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Gunnison, CO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
28,086
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
$16,745
$16,425
Full cost / yr
$23,744
$25,736
In-state tuition
$12,750
$11,318
Out-of-state tuition
$12,750
$24,434
Application fee
Not reported
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,474
$11,490
$30k - $48k
$16,990
$10,868
$48k - $75k
$18,404
$13,908
$75k - $110k
$22,215
$16,928
Over $110k
$22,394
$21,396
Outcomes
Graduation rate
18%
51%
Freshman retention
51%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$30,406
$40,037
Median earnings (10 yr)
$37,180
$46,833
Median debt at graduation
$29,832
$20,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
62%
12%
First-generation students
55%
25%
International students
0%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs 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 Technical University-Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,425 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,745 at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. 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 Technical University-Colorado Springs and Western Colorado University?
Before aid, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs costs about $23,744 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, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,490 there, against about $16,474 at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University?
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs is the larger of the two, with about 28,086 undergraduates against 1,586 at Western Colorado University.
Does Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University have a better graduation rate?
Western Colorado University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 18% at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs.
Do graduates of Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs 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 $37,180 for Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs and Western Colorado University require SAT or ACT scores?
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs 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

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