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University of Colorado Boulder vs Colorado Mesa University

University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, CO, and Colorado Mesa University is a public university in Grand Junction, CO. University of Colorado Boulder is the more selective of the two, admitting about 78% 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 $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder. About 75% of students graduate at University of Colorado Boulder, compared with 41% at Colorado Mesa University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn a median of about $69,738, against $45,823 for Colorado Mesa University.

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University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boulder, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
31,939
8,143
Acceptance rate
78%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.32–3.82
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1430
930–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,346
$15,103
Full cost / yr
$37,684
$24,046
In-state tuition
$15,666
$9,927
Out-of-state tuition
$44,918
$25,124
Application fee
$65
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,231
$10,792
$30k - $48k
$14,381
$11,920
$48k - $75k
$18,828
$14,692
$75k - $110k
$26,915
$16,945
Over $110k
$34,818
$20,606
Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
41%
Freshman retention
90%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,939
$39,223
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,738
$45,823
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$22,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
28%
First-generation students
20%
39%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
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 University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado Mesa University harder to get into?
University of Colorado Boulder is harder to get into. It admits about 78% 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, University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado Mesa University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,103 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,346 at University of Colorado Boulder. 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 University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado Mesa University?
Before aid, Colorado Mesa University costs about $24,046 a year and University of Colorado Boulder about $37,684. 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, University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado Mesa University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,792 there, against about $14,231 at University of Colorado Boulder. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado Mesa University?
University of Colorado Boulder is the larger of the two, with about 31,939 undergraduates against 8,143 at Colorado Mesa University.
Does University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado Mesa University have a better graduation rate?
University of Colorado Boulder has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 41% at Colorado Mesa University.
Do graduates of University of Colorado Boulder or Colorado Mesa University earn more?
University of Colorado Boulder alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,738 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,823 for Colorado Mesa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado Mesa University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Colorado Boulder 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 University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado Mesa University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1430 at University of Colorado Boulder 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school