Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Western Colorado University

Colorado Springs, CO · Gunnison, CO · Source: IPEDS federal database

University of Colorado Colorado SpringsWestern Colorado University
Acceptance Rate96.6%97.5%
In-State Tuition$9,712$11,083
Out-of-State Tuition$20,492$23,683
Average Net Price$16,816$17,709
Graduation Rate45.0%51.0%

GradFax Analysis

Both are competitive to get into. University of Colorado Colorado Springs accepts 96.6% of applicants; Western Colorado University accepts 97.5%. Tuition is close: $9,712 at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, $11,083 at Western Colorado University. University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates 45% of students in 6 years. Western Colorado University graduates 51%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of Colorado Colorado Springs profileWestern Colorado University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University?

University of Colorado Colorado Springs. It accepts 96.6% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is University of Colorado Colorado Springs or Western Colorado University more affordable?

University of Colorado Colorado Springs, on average. After aid, students pay $16,816/year versus $17,709/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Western Colorado University: 51% of students finish in 6 years. University of Colorado Colorado Springs is at 45%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs vs Western Colorado University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax