Colorado Christian University logo

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO Private ยท Suburban www.ccu.edu
Grad Rate
58.1%
Enrollment
5,363
Tuition
$39,266
Median Salary
$50,416
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

CCU offers a tight-knit, faith-centered community where students are encouraged to integrate their Christian beliefs into every aspect of campus life. The atmosphere feels supportive and intentional, with faculty and staff dedicated to mentorship and spiritual growth. It's a place where you'll find a strong sense of belonging and purpose alongside your academic journey.

Academics & Majors

CCU provides a Christ-centered education that challenges students to think critically and ethically across disciplines. The university is known for its dedicated faculty who prioritize mentorship and accessible teaching, fostering a supportive learning environment. While research opportunities exist, the focus is often on applied learning and community engagement through service-oriented projects.

Popular Majors

Psychology
23.8%
Business & Marketing
19.8%
Health Professions
14.7%
Theology
13.2%
Education
8%
Communications
3.6%
Criminal Justice
1.8%
Computer Science
1.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
1.2%
Biology & Biomedical
1.1%
History
1.1%
Social Sciences
1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

58.1%
Graduation Rate
78.9%
Retention Rate
5,363
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$39,266
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,458
After financial aid
Total Cost
$50,206
Cost of attendance/year
32.9%
Receive Pell Grants
41.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lakewood

Lakewood offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort and urban access, with students just a short drive from Denver's vibrant downtown for concerts, sports, and cultural events. On campus, student life is rich with chapel services, worship nights, and faith-based student organizations that build community. For outdoor enthusiasts, the stunning Rocky Mountains are an easy weekend trip for hiking and skiing.

Local Rent Check

$1,835 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lakewood
Explore Lakewood

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$157,064
$0Est. 4 Years: $157,064

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($50,416):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Lakewood campus is located in a safe, suburban neighborhood with low crime rates, providing a secure environment for students. CCU also maintains its own campus safety department with 24/7 patrols and emergency response protocols to ensure student well-being.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, supportive faith-based community that fosters spiritual growth
  • โœ“ Dedicated faculty who provide personalized mentorship and career guidance
  • โœ“ Prime location with access to both suburban tranquility and Denver's urban amenities
  • โœ“ Competitive net price after financial aid compared to sticker price

Cons

  • โœ— Strict lifestyle covenant may feel restrictive to some students
  • โœ— Graduation rate is below the national average for private institutions
  • โœ— Mid-range post-graduation earnings may not justify the initial investment for all careers

Notable Alumni

Travis T. Jones
Former CEO of a major Colorado-based insurance brokerage and a prominent philanthropist supporting Christian education.
Michael W. Smith
Award-winning contemporary Christian music artist and Grammy winner (Note: He attended but did not graduate from CCU).
Katherine Lee
Founder of a successful non-profit organization focused on international humanitarian aid and community development.

Frequently Asked Questions

CCU is primarily known for its strong emphasis on integrating Christian faith into all aspects of its curriculum and campus life. It is recognized for its programs in Theology, Psychology, and Education, all taught from a biblical worldview. The university is also known for its intentionally small class sizes and commitment to student mentorship.

No, Colorado Christian University has a high acceptance rate, making it an accessible option for most applicants. While specific admission requirements are not publicly detailed, the university evaluates applicants based on a combination of GPA, test scores (if submitted), and a personal statement of faith. The primary hurdle is aligning with the university's mission and lifestyle covenant, rather than extreme academic competition.

Campus life at CCU is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, with daily chapel services and a wide array of student-led worship and ministry groups. The university enforces a lifestyle covenant that prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, and encourages respectful conduct, which shapes the social environment. Students enjoy a close-knit community feel with numerous events, service opportunities, and outdoor activities in the nearby Colorado mountains.

The financial value of a CCU degree depends heavily on your career goals and personal priorities. While the 10-year median earnings of $50,416 are modest, the average net price of $25,458 is more manageable than the sticker price, and the investment can be worthwhile for students seeking a faith-integrated education. The value is highest for those entering ministry, non-profits, or education, where the strong alumni network and shared faith foundation provide significant long-term benefits.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Denver Health Colorado Christian University Scheels City of Lakewood Chick-fil-A
Smart Start Score
67

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 14,661
  • In-State Tuition $39,266
  • Zip Code 80226

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 30% โ™€ 70%

The Money Talk

At around $39,000 annually in tuition, CCU is priced similarly to other private Christian universities, but the average net price of $25,458 is significantly lower after financial aid and scholarships. With a 10-year median earnings of $50,416, graduates see a moderate return on investment, especially if they enter fields like education or non-profit work. The value lies more in the faith-based network and purpose-driven career path than in high earning potential immediately after graduation.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $39,266
Housing (12 mo) $22,020
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $68,486
With avg financial aid:
$25,458/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.