Academic Comparison between Western Colorado University and DU

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

  • Western Colorado University is a public and DU is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,100) than Western Colorado University (1,100).
  • DU has higher submitted ACT score (25) 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

Western Colorado Universityvs.University of Denver
Gunnison, ColoradoLocationDenver, Colorado
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,083
Out-Of-State$23,683
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,340
48%% Receiving Financial Aid91%
$9,835Average Amount of Financial Aid$31,610
97.47 %Acceptance Rates71.19 %
13.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)10.66 %
1,100SAT Score1,320
25ACT Score30
46 %Graduation Rate77 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate88 %
3,548Student Population13,734
136Number of Faculties742
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services