Academic Comparison between CU Boulder and Western Colorado University

University of Colorado Boulder and Western Colorado University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Colorado

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • CU Boulder has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,943) than Western Colorado University ($23,683).
  • It is harder to admit to CU Boulder than Western Colorado University.
  • CU Boulder has a higher submitted SAT score (1,330) than Western Colorado University (1,100).
  • CU Boulder has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Western Colorado University (25).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 39,585 students while Western Colorado University has 3,548 students.
  • Western Colorado University has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • CU Boulder has more full-time faculties with 1,711 faculties while Western Colorado University has 136 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Colorado Bouldervs.Western Colorado University
Boulder, ColoradoLocationGunnison, Colorado
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$15,556
Out-Of-State$41,943
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,083
Out-Of-State$23,683
56%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$11,017Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,835
83.28 %Acceptance Rates97.47 %
16.16 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.22 %
1,330SAT Score1,100
31ACT Score25
74 %Graduation Rate46 %
15 %Transfer-out Rate17 %
88 %Retention Rate77 %
39,585Student Population3,548
1,711Number of Faculties136
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare