Overview
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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
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.
The Butler Center
Named in honor of Colorado College's earliest African American alumni, the Butler Center is committed to the cultivation of an antiracist campus through education, advocacy, and celebration.
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.
$93,340
$64,448
$28,892
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$93,340The sticker price at Colorado College is $93,340. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and 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
To apply for financial aid at Colorado College you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile.
The FAFSA and CSS Profile use financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the forms even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Colorado College is 001347 and the CSS Profile Code is 4072.
The FAFSA is completely free, while the CSS Profile charges a fee for each college you send it to. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA or the CSS Profile, check out these resources:
What percent of students at Colorado College receive merit-based financial aid?
49% of students at Colorado College receive merit-based financial aid. Students with test scores and/or GPAs near the top of the admitted range are more likely to qualify for this type of aid.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Colorado scholarshipsColorado 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 meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
Pell Grants at Colorado College
17% of students at Colorado College receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Colorado College. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
How do outside scholarships affect your financial aid package at Colorado College?
In most cases, private or outside scholarships may not reduce the financial aid award. One exception is if the amount of the outside scholarship causes the total aid award to exceed the amount of Federal Aid eligibility. In this case we must reduce the amount of aid so the total does not exceed the limits according to Federal regulations. When this occurs, we will reduce the self-help (loan or work-study) by the amount of the outside scholarship.
Colorado College Financial Aid Resources
For more information about financial aid at Colorado College, or for questions that are specific to your financial 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
What is the financial aid policy for transfer students at Colorado College?
For those transfer applicants who apply for financial aid during the admission process and are admitted, CC will meet their full eligibility for need-based financial aid.
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.
19%
Do I qualify for an application fee waiver at Colorado College?
There is no application fee to apply to Colorado College.
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 applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test 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.
What is the transfer acceptance rate at Colorado College?
The transfer acceptance rate at Colorado College is 32%.
What is the transfer application deadline at Colorado College?
March 1
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
10:1
Graduation Rate
84%
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 84%
What is the graduation rate at Colorado College?
84% of students who start at Colorado College finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 26% 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?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Colorado College is $65,222. This is $14,831 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Colorado College who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Colorado College take out in loans?
Graduates of Colorado College 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, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s 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