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Colorado College vs Colorado Mesa University

Colorado College is a private college in Colorado Springs, CO, and Colorado Mesa University is a public university in Grand Junction, CO. Colorado College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 18% of applicants against 82% at Colorado Mesa University. Colorado Mesa University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,103 a year against $33,375 at Colorado College. About 87% of students graduate at Colorado College, compared with 41% at Colorado Mesa University. Ten years after enrolling, Colorado College alumni earn a median of about $65,222, against $45,823 for Colorado Mesa University.

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Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO · Private

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,014
8,143
Acceptance rate
18%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–4
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1230–1460
930–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,375
$15,103
Full cost / yr
$86,921
$24,046
In-state tuition
$70,734
$9,927
Out-of-state tuition
$70,734
$25,124
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,217
$10,792
$30k - $48k
$15,477
$11,920
$48k - $75k
$12,568
$14,692
$75k - $110k
$24,129
$16,945
Over $110k
$44,141
$20,606
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
41%
Freshman retention
94%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,611
$39,223
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,222
$45,823
Median debt at graduation
$18,257
$22,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
28%
First-generation students
18%
39%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado College or Colorado Mesa University harder to get into?
Colorado College is harder to get into. It admits about 18% of applicants, compared with 82% at Colorado Mesa University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colorado College or Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado Mesa University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,103 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,375 at Colorado College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colorado College and Colorado Mesa University?
Before aid, Colorado Mesa University costs about $24,046 a year and Colorado College about $86,921. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colorado College or Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,217 there, against about $10,792 at Colorado Mesa University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colorado College or Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado Mesa University is the larger of the two, with about 8,143 undergraduates against 2,014 at Colorado College.
Does Colorado College or Colorado Mesa University have a better graduation rate?
Colorado College has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 41% at Colorado Mesa University.
Do graduates of Colorado College or Colorado Mesa University earn more?
Colorado College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,222 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,823 for Colorado Mesa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colorado College and Colorado Mesa University require SAT or ACT scores?
Colorado College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Colorado Mesa University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Colorado College and Colorado Mesa University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1230–1460 at Colorado College and 930–1160 at Colorado Mesa University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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