by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Western worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Western is ranked #1,558 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within Colorado, it ranks #23 of 49 for value.
These Western majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | #30 of 42 |
| Athletic Training | #30 of 42 |
| Environmental Studies | #109 of 249 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | #183 of 371 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #183 of 371 |
| Speech Communication | #209 of 396 |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | #210 of 405 |
| Exercise Science | #211 of 547 |
| Fine Arts | #276 of 499 |
| Communication & Media Studies | #314 of 620 |
Below is the detailed Western value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Western Colorado University is ranked #20 out of #53 in Colorado for quality and #23 out of #49 for Colorado value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the Western financial aid page to be sure.
Western Colorado University is ranked #1,558 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Western Colorado University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Western costs about $16,994. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $67,975 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $25,905 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $16,425 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $16,994 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,975 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the Western net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
What Western costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Western degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $103,620 | — | — |
| All Students | $67,975 | #1,558 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $65,700 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $103,620 | — | — |
| All Students | $67,975 | #23 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $65,700 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Western shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $10,573 |
| $30K–$48K | $9,926 |
| $48K–$75K | $15,090 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,658 |
| Over $110K | $21,621 |
About 94% of Western undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $9,574 per year. Get more details on the Western financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the Western net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.