Western Colorado University vs. University of Minnesota-Duluth

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO with University of Minnesota Duluth in Duluth, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Minnesota Duluth is larger than Western Colorado University based on total student enrollment (9,253 students vs. 3,568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, CO (Remote Town setting); University of Minnesota Duluth is in Duluth, MN (Small City setting).
• Western Colorado University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Duluth is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Colorado University 17:1; University of Minnesota Duluth 16:1.

Western Colorado University vs. University of Minnesota-Duluth Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Colorado University or University of Minnesota-Duluth? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Colorado University than University of Minnesota-Duluth ($17,711 vs. $20,128).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Colorado University are 3.2% lower than at University of Minnesota Duluth ($10,760 vs. $11,110).
• University of Minnesota Duluth is 29.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Colorado University (about $3,292 more per year; $14,610.00 vs. $11,318.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.4% higher at Western Colorado University than at University of Minnesota Duluth (about $4,304 more per year; $24,434.00 vs. $20,130.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Minnesota Duluth than at Western Colorado University (95% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Colorado University students is 17.2% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Duluth students ($8,425 vs. $7,186).

Western Colorado University vs. University of Minnesota-Duluth Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Colorado University or University of Minnesota-Duluth? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Minnesota-Duluth and Western Colorado University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Duluth (1270) is 10 points higher than at Western Colorado University (1260).
• Incoming University of Minnesota-Duluth students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Western Colorado University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 1163/1353; University of Minnesota Duluth 1180/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Colorado University 22/26; University of Minnesota Duluth 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Colorado University - Test optional; University of Minnesota-Duluth - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Minnesota-Duluth Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Minnesota-Duluth students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Western Colorado University (3.42).
• Western Colorado University has a higher acceptance rate (99.7%) than University of Minnesota-Duluth (88.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Western Colorado University vs. 22.5% at University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Western Colorado University vs. University of Minnesota-Duluth Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Colorado University and University of Minnesota-Duluth? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Minnesota Duluth's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Western Colorado University's (39%).
• Graduates from University of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Western Colorado University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $40,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Colorado University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western Colorado University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 61%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.