Western State Colorado
Mountain-rooted education. Real-world ready.
📍 Gunnison, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #838 in United States
Quick Facts about Western State Colorado
- Type: Public
- Students: 3,569
- International: 1%
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $18,960 – $22,446/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Intakes: January, August
About Western State Colorado
Academics
Western Colorado University provides over 110 undergraduate areas of study and 8 graduate programs, with classes averaging 17 students. Popular majors include Business Administration, Biology, Exercise & Sport Science, Environment & Sustainability, Recreation & Outdoor Education, and Psychology. The university emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for research and internships that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. Western also offers unique programs such as Petroleum Geology, Energy Management, and High Altitude Exercise Physiology.
International Students
Western Colorado University welcomes international students, recognizing the diverse perspectives they bring to the campus community. The International Student & Scholar Services office provides support to help international students navigate the university and life in Gunnison, assisting with everything from the application process and student visas to cultural integration. While specific diversity statistics for international students are low, with one source indicating approximately 1% of the student body being international, the university aims to create an inclusive environment. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities, as federal financial aid is not available to them. Most undergraduate programs are residential and meet F-1 visa requirements, but fully online programs do not.
Campus & Location
Gunnison, Colorado, offers a true mountain-town experience, surrounded by over two million acres of public land, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing. The campus itself features facilities like the Mountaineer Field House, which includes an indoor track, cardio and weight room, aquatics center, spin studio, and a climbing wall. The University Center serves as a hub for student life, housing the Multicultural Center and various student organizations. Gunnison is a close-knit community where students can feel at home, and a free bus service to Crested Butte makes exploring the wider valley convenient.
Career Outcomes
While specific employment rates directly after graduation for all programs are not readily available, Western Colorado University aims to equip students with strong professional experience through hands-on learning and internship opportunities. Graduates in Business Administration, Management, and Operations tend to have higher earning potential, with average annual salaries around $40,324. Other programs with strong financial outcomes include Geological and Earth Sciences, Natural Resources Conservation and Research, and Health and Physical Education/Fitness. The university's strong ties to the local community mean that area businesses benefit from a local hiring pool of skilled graduates, and the university itself is a significant employer in Gunnison County.
Information for International Students at Western State Colorado
Western State Colorado in Gunnison, United States welcomes international students, with 1% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 1% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$500/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Western State Colorado
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Western State Colorado:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 79
- Duolingo minimum: 105
- GPA minimum: 2
- Application fee: $30
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: Rolling Admissions
Programs at Western State Colorado (27 programs)
Western State Colorado offers 27 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (22)
- Environmental Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
This interdisciplinary program examines environmental issues from scientific, social, and policy perspectives, preparing students for careers in sustainability and conservation.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Conservationist, Park Ranger, Policy Analyst, Sustainability Coordinator - Exercise & Sport Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Focusing on human movement, physiology, and health, this program prepares students for careers in fitness, athletic training, and allied health professions.
Field: Kinesiology
Career outcomes: Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapy Assistant (pre-PT), Exercise Physiologist, Sports Coach - Accounting (BS) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in accounting, auditing, and financial management, covering topics like financial reporting, taxation, and business law.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst - Outdoor Education (BA) — 48 months · English
This program combines educational theory with practical outdoor skills, preparing students to lead and teach in wilderness settings and experiential learning environments.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Outdoor Educator, Adventure Guide, Park Ranger - Geology (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students study Earth's processes, materials, and history, gaining skills in fieldwork, mapping, and data analysis for careers in environmental science, mining, and research.
Field: Geology
Career outcomes: Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Hydrologist, Geophysicist, Mining Engineer - Creative Writing (BA) — 48 months · English
This program fosters the development of original literary works in various genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, through workshops and critical analysis.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist - Physics (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental laws of the universe, developing strong problem-solving and analytical skills applicable to research, engineering, and technology fields.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Educator - History (BA) — 48 months · English
Students analyze historical events, movements, and cultures, developing critical thinking, research, and interpretive skills.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator, Policy Analyst - Education (BA) — 48 months · English
Designed for aspiring educators, this program covers pedagogical theories, curriculum development, and classroom management, leading to teacher licensure.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Teacher, School Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant, Instructional Designer - Mathematics (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a rigorous education in mathematical theory, problem-solving, and applications, essential for various scientific and technical fields.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary, Data Analyst, Educator - Recreation & Outdoor Industry (BS) — 48 months · English
Students learn about the management, marketing, and operations of recreation and outdoor businesses, preparing for careers in adventure tourism and outdoor leadership.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Recreation Manager, Outdoor Program Coordinator, Adventure Tour Operator - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the theoretical foundations of computation and practical skills in software development, algorithms, and data structures.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Network Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst, Web Developer - Criminal Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing students for careers in public safety and legal fields.
Field: Criminal Justice
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Paralegal, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, FBI Agent - English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students engage with literature, critical theory, and various forms of writing, developing strong analytical and communication skills.
Field: English
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Educator, Communications Specialist - Music (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop musical proficiency through performance, theory, and history, preparing for careers in music education, performance, or composition.
Field: Music
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Composer, Sound Engineer, Music Therapist - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior, cognition, and emotion, gaining insights into mental processes and social interactions, applicable to various fields.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further education), Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist, Researcher, Educator - Chemistry (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
The Chemistry program provides a strong foundation in chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and problem-solving, essential for careers in science, industry, and medicine.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Pharmacist (pre-pharm), Materials Scientist, Educator - Business Administration (BA) — 48 months · English
This program offers a broad understanding of business functions, including management, marketing, and finance, preparing students for leadership roles in various industries.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Marketing Specialist, Financial Analyst, Entrepreneur, Human Resources Manager - Outdoor Recreation Industry Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
This program combines business principles with outdoor leadership and environmental ethics, preparing students for management roles in the outdoor recreation sector.
Field: Recreation Management
Career outcomes: Outdoor Guide, Park Manager, Adventure Tour Operator, Recreation Program Director, Retail Manager (Outdoor Gear) - Biology (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental principles of life sciences, including genetics, ecology, and physiology, preparing them for careers in research, healthcare, or environmental science.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Environmental Scientist, Healthcare Professional (pre-med), Educator - Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines social structures, cultural dynamics, and human interactions, fostering a critical understanding of society and its complexities.
Field: Sociology
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Urban Planner - Art (BA) — 48 months · English
This program provides a comprehensive education in visual arts, covering various mediums and techniques, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Field: Visual Arts
Career outcomes: Artist, Art Educator, Graphic Designer, Gallery Assistant, Illustrator
Master Programs (5)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English
This program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, preparing graduates for executive and management positions across diverse industries.
Field: Business Administration
Career outcomes: CEO, CFO, Marketing Director, Operations Manager, Consultant - Master of Environmental Management (MEM) — 24 months · English
This graduate program focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving, policy development, and sustainable resource management.
Field: Environmental Management
Career outcomes: Environmental Manager, Conservation Scientist, Policy Advisor, Sustainability Consultant, Non-profit Director - Master of Arts in Education (MA) — 24 months · English
Designed for current and aspiring educators, this program deepens pedagogical knowledge, leadership skills, and specialization in various educational areas.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Coach, Educational Consultant, Teacher Leader - Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFA) — 24 months · English
An intensive program for aspiring writers, focusing on the craft of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, with workshops and critical analysis.
Field: Creative Writing
Career outcomes: Author, Editor, Creative Writing Instructor, Journalist, Content Creator - Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This advanced program focuses on research and application in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport psychology, preparing students for specialized roles or doctoral studies.
Field: Kinesiology
Career outcomes: Exercise Physiologist, Sports Scientist, Athletic Trainer, Researcher, University Lecturer
Scholarships & Tuition at Western State Colorado
Annual tuition for international students: $18,960 – $22,446/year
✅ Western State Colorado offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Western State Colorado
- National Ranking: #838 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: Low
Campus & Facilities at Western State Colorado
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 17
- Housing cost: ~$500/month
Key Highlights
- Mountain-town experience, Gunnison, Colorado
- Over 110 undergraduate programs
- Small classes, personalized attention
- Experiential learning, real-world focus
- Unique programs: Petroleum, High Altitude
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- American Association of Professional Landmen
- National Association of Schools of Music
- Colorado Department of Education
- Colorado Commission on Higher Education
Notable Alumni
- David Graf
- Billy Kidd
- Jason Buck
- Shane Carwin
- Betsy Sodaro
Frequently Asked Questions about Western State Colorado
What is Western State Colorado?
Western State Colorado is a public university located in Gunnison, United States. It has approximately 3,569 students, with 1% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Western State Colorado?
Tuition fees at Western State Colorado for international students range from $18,960 – $22,446/year. Student housing costs approximately $500/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Western State Colorado?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 79. Duolingo minimum: 105. GPA minimum: 2. Application fee: $30. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: Rolling Admissions.
What language are courses taught in at Western State Colorado?
Courses at Western State Colorado are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Western State Colorado offer?
Western State Colorado offers 27 programs: 22 Bachelor's, 5 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Western State Colorado ranked?
#838 in United States.
Does Western State Colorado offer scholarships?
Yes, Western State Colorado offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Western State Colorado provide visa support?
Yes, Western State Colorado provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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