Overview
Colorado Springs, CO 
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From CC
Founded in 1874, Colorado College is a selective liberal arts college located in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West at the foot of Pikes Peak (Tava Mountain) in Colorado Springs. Colorado College provides rigorous and experiential learning opportunities through a unique academic schedule: the Block Plan. Dividing the year into eight three-and-a-half week blocks, during which students take one course at a time, our innovative Block Plan provides students with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in subject matter through a wide array of learning experiences.
CC is proud to meet 100% of your family’s eligibility for need-based financial aid. We invest over $50 million in financial aid annually.
Events & Resources
Open House Opportunities
Colorado Colleges offers a funded campus visit program, Experience Colorado College (ECC). This is a selective fully funded travel grant for prospective high school seniors to attend an open house in October. Flights, meals, and accommodations are covers while students have the opportunity to get a better sense of what CC has to offer and
engage with students, faculty, and staff in Colorado Springs!
DATE: October 12, 2024
Virtual Information Sessions
Twice a month, admission representatives host an hour-long presentation for prospective students on Zoom. We provide an overview of how the Block Plan works and what makes CC such a special place.
Small Group Chats and Interviews
Connect with current CC students online during informal small group chats and virtual interviews. Come with questions and get a real sense of what it is like to take one class at a time at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Our QuestBridge Partnership
Since 2013, Colorado College has partnered with QuestBridge, a non-profit organization that matches high-achieving, underserved students with opportunities in higher education. We participate in the National College Match process and enroll at least 10 QuestBridge applicants each year — some through match and others through our own admission processes.
Liberal Arts
City
100% Need
QuestBridge
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From CC
Life is full of challenges. Navigating financial aid at Colorado College doesn’t need to be one of them.
Here are three things to know about our commitment to making CC affordable.
1. We meet 100% of full demonstrated need.
Our goal is to make CC affordable to all admitted students who apply for assistance on time. We review every financial aid application individually.
2. This is a partnership. We view financial aid as a collaborative effort between students, parents, and the College. Help us help you! We offer advice on budgeting, parent loans, and other financial options for all families, and welcome students and parents to schedule an appointment.
3. Colorado College may be more affordable than you think.
Many families afford CC through a combination of grants, modest loans, student work, and family resources. We recommend beginning with our Net Price Calculator for a custom estimate of your potential costs and aid.
Scholarships Overview
From CC
Colorado College focuses much of its budget on meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Therefore, we offer a limited number of merit scholarships. Every year, CC accepts academically accomplished applicants who encompass a wide variety of interests, talents and backgrounds. All students admitted to CC have demonstrated their academic excellence.
All merit scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admission. Because of limited funding for merit-based aid, very few admitted students are awarded these scholarships.
$91,154
$62,262
$28,892
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$91,154for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Colorado College is $91,154. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Colorado College would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Colorado College Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Colorado College need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA), as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Colorado College is 001347 and the CSS Profile Code is 4072.
It should be noted that while the FAFSA is free, the CSS Profile does require an application fee. However, students can qualify for a CSS Profile application fee waiver if the cost will present a financial hardship for the students’ family.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Colorado scholarships
Colorado College QuestBridge Scholarships
Colorado College is a member of QuestBridge, which is a prestigious scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Students who are “matched” to Colorado College through QuestBridge receive a four year, full ride scholarship to the school. If you are interested in learning more about QuestBridge, you can check out our QuestBridge Scholarship guide.
Colorado College’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Colorado College has committed to meeting 100% of applicants’ financial needs. They determine your financial need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and will ensure that your financial aid package covers any costs you cannot pay.
Pell Grants at Colorado College
17% of students at Colorado College receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Colorado College.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Colorado College students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Colorado College Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Colorado College or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/admission/financialaid/
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 719-389-6651
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From CC
Every year, Colorado College enrolls an academically accomplished student body that encompasses a wide variety of interests, talents, and backgrounds. Our holistic evaluation process considers your academic work, writing, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, your unique talents and personal qualities, and testing – if you choose to submit test scores.
Colorado College is distinctive among highly selective colleges in that we choose to support a non-binding Early Action program as well as a binding Early Decision program, giving students greater flexibility to choose the option that is right for them. At the same time, this has resulted in a large increase in early applicants and a larger percentage of our class enrolling from an early round.
16%
Coalition Colleges
Colorado College is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Colorado College via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Colorado College charge an application fee?
Good news! Colorado College does not charge application fees, so you can apply for free. If you think there is any chance you’d like to attend Colorado College, consider sending in an application since it will not cost you anything.
Is Colorado College test-optional?
Colorado College is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
Early Action
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Colorado College?
Students must apply by January 15 to enroll at Colorado College during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Colorado College students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 1.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of January 15.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Colorado College, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Colorado College?
Applying to Colorado College with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Should I apply Early Action at Colorado College?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
10:1
Graduation Rate
86%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Social Sciences
28%
28% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
18%
18% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
8%
8% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
6%
6% of graduates
Physical Sciences
6%
6% of graduates
Psychology
6%
6% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
4%
4% of graduates
History
4%
4% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
3%
3% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
2%
2% of graduates
Mathematics
2%
2% of graduates
Education
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
2,174
Pell Grant 14%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 2%
Undergrad Students Over 25 0%
Percent Male / Female 45% / 55%
Ethnic Diversity at Colorado College
67% White
11% Hispanic
7% Multiracial
6% International / Non-Citizen
5% Asian / Pacific Islander
3% Black
1% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From CC
Colorado College empowers students to forge exceptional paths after graduation. Our innovative Block Plan fosters critical thinking and adaptability – skills that translate directly to career success. CC alumni consistently report high job satisfaction and strong earnings potential across diverse fields.
Recent graduates have secured positions at leading companies like Google, McKinsey, and National Geographic. Others have founded successful startups or pursued advanced degrees at prestigious institutions including Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford.
Our alumni network spans the globe, creating a powerful support system for current students and recent graduates. CC grads are making their mark as entrepreneurs, policymakers, scientists, artists, and more. They credit their liberal arts education for instilling intellectual curiosity, effective communication skills, and the ability to approach complex problems from multiple angles.
Colorado College’s commitment to experiential learning, undergraduate research, and global perspectives prepares students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Whether launching innovative ventures, advancing scientific breakthroughs, or driving social change, CC alumni are equipped to make a meaningful impact.
Discover how a Colorado College education can set the stage for your future success. Join a community of creative thinkers and bold leaders shaping the world of tomorrow.
Graduate Income
$65,222
Median Debt $18,257
Debt 10 years after graduation $194
Graduation Rate 86%
What is the graduation rate at Colorado College?
86% of students who start at Colorado College end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 28% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Colorado College go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Colorado College, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $65,222. This is $14,831 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Colorado College take out in loans?
Graduates of Colorado College have to take out a median of $18,257 in federal student loans. This is $4,757 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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Colorado College
