Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Western Colorado University at a Glance
Western Colorado University is a public university in Gunnison, Colorado, United States. It enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate students and 450 graduate students, with about 28 percent coming from out of state. Western offers more than 110 undergraduate areas of study and 8 graduate programs, many of which are available through accelerated degree pathways.
1901
125 years old
3,568
3,148 undergrad · 420 grad
179
350 acres
Identity
Is Western Colorado University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Western Colorado University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,833 — 13% below average — while paying $16,425/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 100% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Western Colorado University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Western Colorado University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #42 of 79 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #42 | Western Colorado University | 36 | $16,425 | $46,833 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Western Colorado University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in CO.
Best Programs at Western Colorado University
The highest-earning program at Western Colorado University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $33,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies at $21,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Western Colorado University earns $33,600, while a Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate earns $21,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $21,500 in median debt vs. $20,462 for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,425/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,600 | $33,600 | $21,500 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $32,000 | $32,000 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,100 | $27,100 | $25,000 |
| Sociology | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $24,800 | $24,800 | $22,649 |
| Biology, General | $24,800 | $24,800 | $22,000 |
| Psychology, General | $24,700 | $24,700 | $23,125 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $21,600 | $21,600 | $20,462 |
Similar Colleges in CO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Gunnison, CO
- Student Body
- 1,586 students
- Admission Rate
- 100%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,425
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,833
- Median Student Debt
- $20,250