Academic Comparison between DU and Western Colorado University

University of Denver and Western Colorado University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. DU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Denver, CO and Western Colorado University is a four-year, public school located in Gunnison, CO.

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.

  • DU is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Colorado University is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • DU has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,340) than Western Colorado University ($23,683).
  • It is harder to admit to DU than Western Colorado University.
  • DU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,320) than Western Colorado University (1,100).
  • DU has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Western Colorado University (25).
  • DU has more students with 13,734 students while Western Colorado University has 3,548 students.
  • DU has a lower number of students per faculty with 8 to 1 while Western Colorado University's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • DU has more full-time faculties with 742 faculties while Western Colorado University has 136 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Denvervs.Western Colorado University
Denver, ColoradoLocationGunnison, Colorado
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
$59,3402024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,083
Out-Of-State$23,683
91%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$31,610Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,835
71.19 %Acceptance Rates97.47 %
10.66 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.22 %
1,320SAT Score1,100
30ACT Score25
77 %Graduation Rate46 %
-Transfer-out Rate17 %
88 %Retention Rate77 %
13,734Student Population3,548
742Number of Faculties136
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare