University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Western Colorado University
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university in Colorado Springs, CO. Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, CO. University of Colorado Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants and Western Colorado University about 100%, making University of Colorado Colorado Springs the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,788 a year at University of Colorado Colorado Springs after aid, and about $16,425 at Western Colorado University. About 51% of students graduate at Western Colorado University, compared with 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Ten years after enrolling, University of Colorado Colorado Springs alumni earn a median of about $54,659, against $46,833 for Western Colorado University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Gunnison, CO
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,697
1,586
Acceptance rate
97%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1220
1163–1353
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
22–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,788
$16,425
Full cost / yr
$24,595
$25,736
In-state tuition
$10,149
$11,318
Out-of-state tuition
$24,336
$24,434
Application fee
$50
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,065
$11,490
$30k - $48k
$11,642
$10,868
$48k - $75k
$12,104
$13,908
$75k - $110k
$18,388
$16,928
Over $110k
$22,142
$21,396
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
51%
Freshman retention
68%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,766
$40,037
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,659
$46,833
Median debt at graduation
$20,000
$20,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
12%
First-generation students
31%
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 University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University harder to get into?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs is harder to get into. It admits about 97% 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, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,788 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 University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Western Colorado University?
- Before aid, University of Colorado Colorado Springs costs about $24,595 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, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University?
- Western Colorado University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,490 there, against about $12,065 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs is the larger of the two, with about 8,697 undergraduates against 1,586 at Western Colorado University.
- Does University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Colorado University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 46% at University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
- Do graduates of University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University earn more?
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,659 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,833 for Western Colorado University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Western Colorado University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Colorado 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.
- What SAT scores do University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Western Colorado University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1220 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and 1163–1353 at Western Colorado University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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