Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

Western State College of Colorado Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Western State College of Colorado reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Western State College of Colorado. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Western State College of Colorado reviews, or contribute your own Western State College of Colorado review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Jacquelyn from Grand Rapids, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The teachers from Western State are voted the best of the state of Colorado. The teacher to student ratio is 20:1. Since the school and class sizes are small, you receive a lot of one-on-one action and the teachers make sure you know the material before moving on. I have learned so much that I bipassed in high school. The teachers teach subjects in a way that in interesting and attention grabbing. You will never get bored and will be excited to go to class the next time.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere, the students, the teacher, the campus; what's not to love about Western. Everything here in Gunnison is amazing. The people, both classmates and towns people, are incredibly friendly and laid back. It is a great environment to attend school. It's easy to study here and find things to do. You'll never get bored and will make plenty of friends. I came here not knowing anyone, and made friends in a heart beat. Everyone is so open and will welcome you right into the Gunnison community. The school itself is also amazing. The building are very nice and we just had our new Student Center open, and it's a great place to go and just hang out. We even got a new movie theater in it.
    Bang for the buck

    Western State is definitely great for your money, whether in state or out of state. Since I am an out of state resident, it is costly, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. The learning experience and everything else is amazing and there is no way anyone would complain about wasting money.
    Tips for prospective students

    Aim high and just be excited. This college will be everything you will want in a school and more. Make sure to branch out of your comfort zone and meet friends the first day. It is very easy to meet people here and make friends. Also, attend orientation, because you will meet many of your future friends there. Study hard and there will still be free time. Also, get involved with volunteer opportunities and clubs. That is a great way to get to know people and help you feel better about yourself.
    Great for these types of students

    There is many many outdoor activities to get inolved with. Bring friends and go kiaking or for a hike or anything outside. You'll never get bored.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Sarah from Colorado Springs, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The teachers here are great. Since the class sizes are smaller, there is more of a personal touch. Professors care if you do well and make sure that you have the best chance to succeed. There is also a great opportunity for undergraduate work that larger colleges don't provide. So if there is something you want to study in depth, it can happen.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the smaller college feel and the personal attention that I get. People are really friendly and, eventually, it seems like you know everyone. I have made friends with some of my teachers and see them skiing and biking. The scenery is great and I get to go outside in most of my classes. The science classes (and others, but I am a biology major) are very hands on because there is an example of almost everything just off campus.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition for in state students is great! It is much better than going to a huge university and paying a ridiculous amount. I am living in an on campus apartment this year and it is only a little more expensive than the dorms. The housing is all being redone and so is really nice for what you are paying. The only thing that was expensive for me was the mandatory meal plan for first years. I don't eat a lot of food, so it was a waste. For others it is perfect, but it is good food and all you can eat and comes with money to spend at the cafe. Overall, for instate students it is one of the cheaper options in the state.
    Tips for prospective students

    This is a small town- making your own fun is part of the challenge, but there are so many things to do outside (skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, etc.)
    It is also important to go to class because the professors do care and will see you around town later, or on the slopes
    Great for these types of students

    outdoorsy and willing to get involved
    like the smaller college and town

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Beverly from Estes Park, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am in the Elementary Education program and thus far it has been amazing. They have a set up schedule of what you have to take and it's just a little bit of everything. Your senior year is an entire year of student teaching to which you can pick to go anywhere in the world. The education program here was highly raved about and I have not been disappointed. I also love the small class sizes that Western has. TA's are rarely used and so if you have a question you can go directly to the professors who are incredibly friendly and open with you.
    Am enjoying being here

    I have grown up in a small town and so am used to tiny Gunnison. It is an extremely friendly community and you can walk or bike to everything in town. You might even see your professors at the supermarket. The Gunnison Basin is also gorgeous. Lots to do outside whether is camping, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, or having a bonfire at Hartman's. There is also a ski resort about 45 minutes away. The laves in the fall are amazing along with the breath taking sunsets over the mountains. I also had an amazing time in my dorm and made very close friends that will continue on through the years.
    Bang for the buck

    Western isn't cheap but of course college isn't. It is, however, one of the cheaper schools in Colorado. And it is definitely worth the money because you have such an amazing time.
    Tips for prospective students

    Everyone is always saying to leave your doors open the first year in the dorms to meet new people, and it's absolutely true. I made some of the best friends I've ever had on my floor and I couldn't have if my door wasn't open. Going to college is a nervous thing to do but you just have to keep in mind that everyone is in the same boat. It's not like moving to a new high school where everyone already has their own friends since kindergarten. No one around you has been to college before so everyone is open to new friends and new bonds.
    Great for these types of students

    Western is great for people who like to be out of the mess of big cities. It is so peaceful and amazing out there. Also it gets VERY cold! So if you hate that then choose somewhere else. But there is also plenty of indoors places that will warm you up and in is easy to avoid the cold.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Jacob from Yoder, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I love the classes I am taking this year. Everything is always interesting. The teachers always explain everything they are teaching. They have great teaching methods and great personalities. You can always relate to the teachers on a personal level and they are pretty much always available to help you whenever you need it.
    Am enjoying being here

    If you are looking for adventure, you couldn't find a better place. The town is like one big close-knit community. There are two ski areas within an hour from here. Great views of the mountains that are all around us. Especially when they are covered with snow! The campus is really small, about a five minute walk to get to any class. There are about 2,700 kids and you get to know most of them, which I really like.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a great college and is very inexpensive too. It is really worth it. Great views, great adventure, great people. Enough said.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you love adventure, this is for you. Think about what you want to do in the future as well. Apply early in your senior year to many colleges. Also, apply for scholarships. You can never apply for too many. They really do help alot.
    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing
    Adventurous
    Skier/Snowboarder
    Wanting to learn
    Appreciates being cold

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Kathryn from Castle Rock, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    western state is an outdoor laboratory with outstanding opportunities for field experience, connections, and internships. western is the most hospitable college with people who genuinely want to know you and build a friendship. western state challenges you academically and helps you create a bright and successful future.
    Tips for prospective students

    say hello to everyone you pass by because friendships and connections are important in life. work hard from the beginning because graduate school cares how well you do in school and your first job out of college will care too.
    Academic Rigor

    if you take challenging classes then you will get challenged and if you take easy classes then you will get easy classes. attending class is extremely important for success in the class because most professors give pop quizzes or give you hints for the test in class. a's are earned with studying, class attendance, and study groups.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are where most of my friends have been made and it really helps you build a sense of community in an unfamiliar place. many activities go on in dorms to help keep busy and when you need help studying, the people in your dorm building are usually the ones to go to. they try to assign people with related majors on the same floor.
    Food and Dining

    dorm food gets old, but sodexo is very good about taking suggestions and applying them to their menu. the staff is extremely friendly and cater to your needs. sometimes the meat is dry and sometimes the pizza gets accidentally burnt, but you can always count on an effort to make it better next time.
    What to do for fun

    western state is made for anyone who likes the outdoors because in gunnison you can hike, bike, ski, climb, raft, sled, fish, kayak, etc. if outdoors isn't your thing then they always have movie nights, game nights, workshops, guest speakers, comedians, etc. if none of that suits your fancy then i'm sure someone is just as bored as you and you can hang out with them.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    wear flip flops on a powder day. cliff diving. paint your stomach or chest and attend a basketball game, wrestling match, or football game. cardboard sledding on the grass. go to the lighting of a giant christmas tree in town.
    Great for these types of students

    outdoor lovers and environmentally friendly people.
    Clubs and Activities

    sga, sustainability coalition, amigos, lead, ski club, track, wrestling, swimming, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, program counciling, and much more!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Sara from Broomfield, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Super outdoorsy, tons of fun stuff to do, lots of opportunities to get involved, small class sizes, interaction with professors, encouragement to achieve.
    Tips for prospective students

    The atmosphere is awesome. If you're looking for a small school but with still a fair amount of options it's a great place. Lots of outdoors stuff so if you don't like nature you most likely shouldn't come here. Beautiful location but it is kind of in the middle of nowhere, closest major town is 1 hour away so just be aware that you will be in a small town setting. Everything is super close and it almost feels like you're on a different planet. Awesome school.
    Academic Rigor

    They push you but not to the point where you're crying over homework or staying up till 4 am doing it unless you slack off.
    Dorm Life

    A lot of fun if you have the right roommates or live in the suite-style ones. I got lucky but they're also very easy going with switches so it's easy to get moved if things aren't working out.
    Food and Dining

    It's good but very repetitive, you end up eating the same stuff a lot.
    What to do for fun

    Everything outdoors you can imagine! Biking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, climbing, swimming, boating, skiing, snowboarding the list could go on
    Bang for the buck

    Very cheap tuition for both in state and out of state and you're getting a great education in a small classroom setting versus being in a huge 500 person lecture hall were you can slip to the back, you're professors know you by name.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Everything is untraditional, it's amazing. Crested Butte is really close and every fall they have this pagan festival called Vinotok, it's interesting to say the least. Check it out online.
    Great for these types of students

    Outdoorsy people, I can't say it enough. People who are chill and want to have fun but still stay focused on academics. Everyone is very easy going and friendly.
    Clubs and Activities

    Haven't joined any yet but lots of opportunities!
    Greek Life

    There is none.
    Campus Safety

    Very safe town in general! Amazingly low crime rate. The type of place where you aren't worried to leave your car windows down or leave your car unlocked.

  • Joshua from Gunnison, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Western State College offers opportunities that most other colleges can not offer. The school is not just simply a school, but an opportunity to explore the wilderness while still attending school. Not many schools offer a river, mountains, and a lake all with in ten minutes from campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come prepared to make friends and have fun. Not everyone can stand Western but that's what makes it so entertaining because only the people that are here want to be here.
    What to do for fun

    There is two ski resorts which are a half hour each from campus. The largest reservoir in Colorado is ten minutes from campus. There is a water park only five minutes from campus.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    We have the largest collegiate monument in the United States.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.
    Clubs and Activities

    We offer soccer and baseball as well as rugby. Our baseball team is ranked nationally in club baseball.

  • Frankie from Colorado Springs, CO (Now from Gunnison, CO)

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    When I came to Western, I originally just wanted to get my degree and move on. Now I couldn't imagine being anywhere else; I've fallen in love with Gunnison. It's an amazing place with amazing people in the middle of very beautiful mountains.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're looking at Western, expect a cold winter. I know several people that came and left because it was cold. As much as I love the school, it gets cold here, so you need to be able to handle it.
    Academic Rigor

    Most classes at Western are rigorous, but the professors are always willing to take time to help you with anything you are having problems with. It's a very open and friendly environment and the small class sizes add to the feel.
    Dorm Life

    As with any dorm, there are those loud neighbors, but the Resident Advisers handle it well and are very friendly- I hang out with at least 3 on a regular basis! They also help with things outside the dorms (school, directing you places that can help, etc.). Also, if anything is broken or needs work, it never takes too long to get fixed.
    Food and Dining

    To be honest, I've heard a lot of complaining about the food at Rare Air, but I think it's good. The staff are always friendly and most get to know you by your first name.
    What to do for fun

    There are a TON of things to do. There's a club for just about everything, or if there isn't, you can start your own. Hartman's rocks, Blue Mesa, various rivers, Monarch, Crested Butte-- all at the tip of your fingers. If you love the outdoors, you'll fall in love with this place instantly.
    Bang for the buck

    Western is cheap, especially if you're in-state. Plus you get more for your money than other colleges I've heard about.
    Campus Safety

    Since it's a small campus in a small town, you don't really have much to worry about. There might be an incident or two, but for the most part, it's a very safe place to be. Many students leave everything unlocked- car, house, bike- and nothing ever happens.

Powered By Cappex.com