Skip to content

Naropa University vs Western Colorado University

Naropa University is a private university in Boulder, 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 $29,179 at Naropa University. About 51% of students graduate at Western Colorado University, compared with 42% at Naropa University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Colorado University alumni earn a median of about $46,833, against $28,720 for Naropa University.

Naropa University

Boulder, CO · Private

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Boulder, CO
Gunnison, CO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
339
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
$29,179
$16,425
Full cost / yr
$53,397
$25,736
In-state tuition
$36,620
$11,318
Out-of-state tuition
$36,620
$24,434
Application fee
$25
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,457
$11,490
$30k - $48k
$33,397
$10,868
$48k - $75k
$21,817
$13,908
$75k - $110k
$45,897
$16,928
Over $110k
$46,397
$21,396
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
51%
Freshman retention
54%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$21,841
$40,037
Median earnings (10 yr)
$28,720
$46,833
Median debt at graduation
$24,712
$20,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
51%
12%
First-generation students
19%
25%
International students
2%
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 Naropa 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, Naropa 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 $29,179 at Naropa 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 Naropa University and Western Colorado University?
Before aid, Western Colorado University costs about $25,736 a year and Naropa University about $53,397. 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, Naropa University or Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,490 there, against about $21,457 at Naropa University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Naropa University or Western Colorado University?
Western Colorado University is the larger of the two, with about 1,586 undergraduates against 339 at Naropa University.
Does Naropa University or Western Colorado University have a better graduation rate?
Western Colorado University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 42% at Naropa University.
Do graduates of Naropa 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 $28,720 for Naropa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Naropa University and Western Colorado University require SAT or ACT scores?
Naropa 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school