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Colleges / Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate92%

Western Colorado University Tuition Information

In 2022, tuition for full-time students at Western Colorado University was $10,976 a year for in-state students and $27,052 a year for out-of-state students.

Usually, college tuition goes up about 3% every year.

Remember, the advertized cost of tuition does not always give you enough information to determine the actual cost of attending any given college. Many students find the actual cost of college is way less than the total tuition after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts kick in. Plus, student loans can make theprice of collegemore manageable until you're done with college.

International students can expect to pay 27,052 per year for tuition at Western Colorado University.

Western Colorado University meets 93% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student at Western Colorado University is around $13,032 a year.

Students in the class of 2023 who had taken out student loans graduated with an average of $24,760 of debt.

Western Colorado University: In-state vs. Out-of-State Tuition

Western Colorado University is a public, state institution, which means it offers a reduced tuition rate of $10,976 for in-state students who attend full-time.Non-Colorado residents can expect to pay 27,052 per year for tuition.

Public schools receive funds from the state to help them cover costs. These institutions offer a lower cost of attendance for those who qualify as Colorado residents.

Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state status can cut the cost of college tuition. Be sure to check your state's eligibility criteria for as an in-state resident. Every state has its own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. The most common requirement is that students must have lived in the state for a full year before starting school. There may be other criteria too, depending on where you live.

Explore other Colorado colleges

Is Western Colorado University's Tuition Different for International Students?

Western Colorado University has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at Western Colorado University can expect to pay around $27,052 per year, before any scholarships or financial aid.

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but may be eligible for private or school-specific aid and scholarships. International students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for the following types of financial support at Western Colorado University:

•Western Colorado University-specific scholarships

International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships.


Western Colorado University Housing Expenses, Fees, and More


Tuition is not the only cost of attending college; there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at Western Colorado University.

House and Food Costs at Western Colorado University

Room and board at Western Colorado University is $13,131 a year. This number covers the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, and a dining plan that allows you to eat in the Western Colorado University's on-campus cafeterias and dining facilities. Students who do not live on-campus but still want to use the dining facilities can choose to be on a meal plan. The cost of board-only is $10,485.

Board costs may vary depending on how many meals are included in the plan you choose.

How Much Do Books Cost at Western Colorado University?

First-year students are sometimes surprised by how much books and supplies cost–and not in a good way. The real cost of books depends on the courses you take and the materials required. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy books from students who have already taken the course.

Yearly Fees

Most schools also have fees to offsets cost associated with maintaining facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.

There may be other costs associated with participating in certain activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or participating in sports or other extracurriculars. Most colleges offer ways so that those with demonstrated need to get help covering these costs.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation costs at Western Colorado University

The cost of getting around in college can really vary. Will you take a subway, car or an airplane to get to school? Is on-campus parking free, or will you need to budget for parking? Is the campus walkable? Do you plan to bring a car or will you need to use public transportation? All of these factors can drastically impact your transportation budget. At Western Colorado University, freshman are allowed to park on campus.

Where are a college is located can also have a big effect on your transportation budget. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the flip side, getting around in an urban area might be pricey, but cities may offer more trains, busses or affordable flights to actually get to school. Western Colorado Universityis in a rural area in Colorado.

Other Costs

When budgeting for college, don’t forget to factor in the cost of things like movies, takeouts, furniture or appliances for your dorm or housing, and essentials like laundry detergent, toothpaste and toilet paper.


The Full Cost of Attending Western Colorado University


Now, let’s look at the breakdown of all expenses, to get a better estimate of what is really costs to go to Western Colorado University.

Total Cost of Western Colorado University

What will the cost of attending Western Colorado University be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition $10,976
Out-of-State Tuition $27,052
Room and Board $13,131
Board Only $4,194
Other expenses $1,611

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.


Western Colorado University Financial Aid


In 2023, 906 of the 3,120 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. Western Colorado University meets 93% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $13,032 a year. Around 59% of Western Colorado University undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. Western Colorado University graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $24,760 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans $21,260
Private Loans $28,266
Most Common Loans for Western Colorado University Students
Federal Loans 57%
Private loans 8%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on Western Colorado University financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at Western Colorado University

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, Western Colorado University awarded 906 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $9 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $3.53 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

Western Colorado University Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for Western Colorado University students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at Western Colorado University was $13,032 in 2023. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of Western Colorado University seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
In-State, On-Campus $1,675
Net In-state, Off-campus $5,770
Out-of-State, On-Campus $30,783

What will attending Western Colorado University really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families make more informed decisions about the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the Western Colorado University's net cost calculator on their website.

Western Colorado University Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Western Colorado University does not have guaranteed tuition.

Western Colorado University offers an Installment Payment Plan, which allows students to pay tuition in a series of smaller chunks instead of one lump sum.

Western Colorado University Tuition Waivers

Schools sometimes waiver tuition for certain groups, to offset the cost of attending. Some colleges offer tuition waivers for employees and their family members, underrepresented students, or military students. Even with a tuition waiver, students are usually responsible for housing, meal plans, and other expenses.

Western Colorado University has some full or partial tuition waivers available for: - Employees or Children of Employees

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

Western Colorado University's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

For more information about Western Colorado University's endowment, check with the school directly.


Learn More About Western Colorado University


Choose one of the options below to find out more about about Western Colorado University:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Admissions

Visit the College Confidential forums to join the conversation about Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$26,128

In State

$42,204

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$10,976
$27,052
Fees
$2,021
$2,021
Housing
$13,131
$13,131
Books
Unknown
Unknown

Western Colorado University Financial Aid

Students Who Receive Need-Based Aid

57%

Average Financial Aid Package

$13,631

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

3,551

Campus Setting

Rural

Acceptance Rate

92%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$12,997

Out-of-State

$29,073

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Continuous processing
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