Western Colorado University
A small public university in Gunnison
Western Colorado University, located just a few blocks from downtown Gunnison, is an anchor for higher education in the Gunnison Valley. It’s also one of Gunnison County’s biggest employers. 3,548 students attend Western Colorado University, which is often shortened to “Western.” This public university was founded in 1901.
So why would a student choose to attend Western? Small classes give Western students personalized, hands-on education. Plus, students live within reach of all the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Some students are attracted to Western’s unique academic programs, including the Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering partnership with CU Boulder.
Watch the video below to learn what it’s like to be a student at Western.
Academics at Western Colorado University
The 3,000 students at Western Colorado University gain a combination of traditional liberal arts curricula and immersive practical experience. Western offers more than 100 areas of academic study in both undergraduate and graduate programs. New additions to Western’s offerings include the Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering and Blister Labs.
Some areas of study at Western, including the outdoor industry MBA program, lean into the valley’s proximity to public lands and outdoor recreation. Western’s proximity to epic skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort makes it the best school for skiers and snowboarders in some eyes, and the Mountain Sports program allows students to compete in their favorite outdoor sports while getting their degree.
Things to do for Western Colorado University students
Colorado outdoor activities abound in the Gunnison Valley. Gunnison County’s location within two million acres of public lands gives Western students easy access to mountain biking, hiking, boating, fishing and hunting in summer. Winter brings light, powdery snow and the opportunity for world-class downhill skiing and cross-country skiing.
The city of Gunnison is home to about 7,000 people. Located at an altitude of 7,703 feet, Gunnison is surrounded by a wilderness area, BLM and National Forest land. The Signal Peak trail system is next door to Western’s campus, and trails at Hartman Rocks are just a few minutes from town. Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Gunnison River are also close by.
Thirty miles north via free bus or car, Crested Butte is home to a world-class ski area and a Nordic skiing center. The spring thaw opens up a vast network of high-elevation backcountry biking and hiking trails.
Western Colorado University Community Resources
Events, Gym and Extended Studies
Faculty, staff and student groups bring visiting speakers, filmmakers, poets, scientists and politicians to campus. That’s on top of concerts and movie screenings. Many of the events are free and open to the public. Some classes, including first aid, are open to the public. Learn more on Western’s community classes page.
The university’s Mountaineer Field House is also available for community use. The facility includes an indoor track, cardio and weight room, an aquatics center, spin studio, climbing wall and more.
Western Colorado University and business in the valley
Browse the articles below to learn how Western fits into the Gunnison Valley’s economy.
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When should a company form a board of directors?
Deciding when to form a board of directors for your company may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The ICELab interviewed Micheal Dill from Holland & Hart to […] -
Logan Pehota and Cal Hill Shred Crested Butte
Looking for Colorado ski videos? This one from Crested Butte will certainly scratch your itch. Watch veteran pro skier Logan Pehota and newcomer Cal Hill huck cliffs and throw backflips […] -
Underexposed: Gunnison, CO
Underexposed is a self-filmed and produced series by Pivot Cycles athlete Brice Shirbach dedicated to showcasing trail advocacy and stewardship while exploring a variety of trails in places that may […] -
AI Expands Business Capabilities
AI is taking the world by storm and introducing a whole new way to do business. Companies are using AI business integration to improve their operations, products and services in […] -
“Doo” Colorado Right Campaign Aims to Solve State’s Increasing Poop Problem
Free PACT Lite Outdoor bathroom kits distributed starting Memorial Day Weekend will make backcountry bathroom practices easier while keeping human waste from polluting waters and public lands Gunnison, […] -
Meet the 2023 Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator Participants
The 2023 Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator had over 40 applicants. Ten finalists were chosen from those applicants and then Moosejaw customers voted for their four favorites. The winners are Fernweh Food […]
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