Colorado College
The Vibe Check
Colorado College has a uniquely intense, immersive academic rhythm driven by its signature Block Plan, where students dive deep into a single course for 3.5 weeks before moving to the next. The campus buzzes with intellectual curiosity and a love for the outdoors, creating a community that is both academically driven and adventurous. It feels like a tight-knit liberal arts college where every student is known and challenged.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The Block Plan fosters exceptional teaching quality, with small classes and close faculty mentorship that lead to high student engagement. Research opportunities are abundant and often interdisciplinary, leveraging the unique natural environment of the Rocky Mountains for studies in biology, environmental science, and geology. The college excels in the humanities and social sciences, encouraging students to integrate creative and analytical thinking.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Colorado Springs
Students take full advantage of Colorado Springs' outdoor paradise, with frequent hiking, rock climbing, and skiing trips in the nearby Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. The city offers a vibrant downtown with local breweries, coffee shops, and arts districts, while the campus itself hosts numerous events, speakers, and performances. The community is active and engaged, blending a college-town feel with the amenities of a midsize city.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($65,222):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a safe, upscale neighborhood of Colorado Springs, with low crime rates and a strong campus security presence. The surrounding area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained public spaces, though students should always exercise standard urban precautions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unique Block Plan allows for deep, immersive learning in one subject at a time.
- ✓ Exceptional faculty accessibility and small class sizes foster strong mentorship.
- ✓ Unbeatable location for outdoor enthusiasts with immediate access to mountains and trails.
- ✓ High retention and graduation rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support.
Cons
- ✗ The Block Plan's intensity may not suit all learning styles and requires strong time management.
- ✗ High tuition cost, even with aid, can be a financial burden.
- ✗ Colorado Springs is less cosmopolitan than Denver, which may limit some internship opportunities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado College is renowned for its innovative Block Plan curriculum, where students take one course at a time for 3.5 weeks, allowing for intense, immersive learning. It is also known for its strong programs in environmental science, geology, and the humanities, leveraging its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The college emphasizes close faculty-student collaboration and experiential education.
Yes, Colorado College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 20.03%. The middle 50% SAT range is typically between 1370-1500, and admitted students have strong academic records. The holistic admissions process values intellectual curiosity, engagement, and fit with the Block Plan.
Campus life is vibrant and closely-knit, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and outdoor adventure. Students are highly engaged in academics, sports, and clubs, and the Block Plan creates a dynamic rhythm with intense study periods followed by breaks. The location in Colorado Springs offers easy access to hiking, climbing, and skiing, shaping an active, wellness-focused community.
For many students, the high cost is justified by the exceptional educational experience, strong graduation rate (86.1%), and median earnings of $65,222 after 10 years. The personalized attention from faculty and robust alumni network enhance career outcomes. However, prospective students should carefully evaluate financial aid packages and consider the net price relative to their career goals.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,396
- In-State Tuition $67,932
- Zip Code 80903
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $31,678, the cost is significant but often offset by robust merit and need-based aid packages. The 10-year median earnings of $65,222 and a high graduation rate suggest a strong return on investment for graduates who leverage the college's strong alumni network and career resources. However, the high sticker price requires careful financial planning, especially for families without significant aid eligibility.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.