Colorado Mesa University
About Colorado Mesa University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Colorado Mesa University is a public university in Grand Junction, Colorado, on the Western Slope. It offers programs in business, nursing, outdoor recreation, and the sciences, with easy access to skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Founded
1925
Location
Grand Junction, Colorado
Students
8,455
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
82%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
40.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,927
Out-of-state: $25,124
Avg Net Price
$15,103
After financial aid
SAT Average
1055
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$45,823
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$30
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Colorado Mesa University accepts the majority of applicants at 82%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1055/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
40.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.8%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
45%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
60.3%
$/Student
$10.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 78.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,927
In-State
$25,124
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,209
Books & Supplies
$1,800
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,046
After Financial Aid
$15,103
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,792
Receive Grants
28.1%
Take Loans
30.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $24,046/yr for in-state students, including $12,209 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,103. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $25,124.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Colorado Mesa University fund their education.
While in School
28.1%
Get Grants
Free money
30.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$44,794
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$233/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 30.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Colorado Mesa University.
Gender
54.5%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,143
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
312
Graduates
39.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
15.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (55% women, 46% men). 39.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
8,143
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Baccalaureate
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Colorado Mesa University fields 14 varsity teams with 996 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Rocky Mountain
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
996
12% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
591
Men
405
Women
10
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Colorado Mesa Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,823
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$46K
201 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$70K
146 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$31K
123 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$33K
82 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$38K
75 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
70 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Colorado Mesa University
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado Mesa University?▾
How much does Colorado Mesa University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Colorado Mesa University?▾
How much do Colorado Mesa University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.