About Adams State University
Adams State University sits in Colorado's San Luis Valley, where 1,239 students pursue degrees against a backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks. The school has built its reputation around teacher education and outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of the high-altitude setting. With a 99.18% acceptance rate, Adams State welcomes nearly every applicant who applies. The university draws students who want small classes and personal attention in one of America's most remote college towns.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $14,173 after aid, which is reasonable for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $44,372 ten years after graduation, creating potential challenges for loan repayment. The typical graduate carries $19,500 in debt with monthly payments of $207. Only 45.98% of borrowers stay current on their loans.
Adams State fields 20 varsity sports with 673 athletes competing in Division II. The Grizzlies distribute $2.38 million in athletic scholarships across their teams. The student body is diverse, with 37.05% Hispanic students and 36.16% white students. However, the 31.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees despite the supportive 14:1 student-faculty ratio.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $14,173 after aid, which is reasonable for a four-year degree. However, graduates earn a median of $44,372 ten years after graduation, creating potential challenges for loan repayment. The typical graduate carries $19,500 in debt with monthly payments of $207. Only 45.98% of borrowers stay current on their loans.
Adams State fields 20 varsity sports with 673 athletes competing in Division II. The Grizzlies distribute $2.38 million in athletic scholarships across their teams. The student body is diverse, with 37.05% Hispanic students and 36.16% white students. However, the 31.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees despite the supportive 14:1 student-faculty ratio.
Academics & Faculty
Adams State University operates as a small public university known for its strong teacher education programs and outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado's San Luis Valley. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and professors know students personally. However, the 31.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. The university has built a reputation for education and human performance programs, preparing teachers for rural Colorado schools. Many students choose Adams State for its affordable approach to higher education, with 34.99% receiving Pell Grants. The campus serves students who want personalized attention but may need extra support to reach graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 44.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.6%
- Retention Rate
- 55.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,372
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,260 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,861 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,126 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $34,603 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,019 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,019 |
Campus Life
Adams State sits in Colorado's San Luis Valley at 7,500 feet elevation, where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow blankets the campus from November through March. The nearest major city, Denver, lies 230 miles away across mountain passes. With housing capacity for 950 students and total enrollment of 1,239, about 77% of students can live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community.
The remote mountain setting shapes weekend life around outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and fishing in nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park. Students bundle up for football games supporting the Grizzlies, who compete in NCAA Division II with 673 total athletes across 20 varsity sports. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, but the isolation can feel limiting. With 37% Hispanic enrollment, Adams State serves as a Hispanic-serving institution, bringing cultural diversity to the small mountain town of Alamosa. Students either embrace the outdoor lifestyle and close community or transfer elsewhere seeking more urban amenities.
The remote mountain setting shapes weekend life around outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and fishing in nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park. Students bundle up for football games supporting the Grizzlies, who compete in NCAA Division II with 673 total athletes across 20 varsity sports. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, but the isolation can feel limiting. With 37% Hispanic enrollment, Adams State serves as a Hispanic-serving institution, bringing cultural diversity to the small mountain town of Alamosa. Students either embrace the outdoor lifestyle and close community or transfer elsewhere seeking more urban amenities.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 950 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1921
Campus Safety (2023)
43 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 0°–35°F
- July Avg
- 47°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 7.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 30.0"
Student Demographics
Adams State draws students from across Colorado and beyond, with 39% coming from out-of-state despite being a small public university. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic students making up over a third of enrollment and reflecting the demographics of the San Luis Valley. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation and lower-income families. Men slightly outnumber women at 55%, likely influenced by strong athletics programs that award $2.4 million in scholarships across 20 varsity sports.
- Men
- 54.6%
- Women
- 45.4%
- White
- 36.2%
- Black
- 8.2%
- Hispanic
- 37.1%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 61.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.0%
Location
Adams State University sits in Alamosa, Colorado, roughly 230 miles southwest of Denver in the San Luis Valley. The campus serves a town of about 9,000 people surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This high-altitude setting at 7,500 feet offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. The valley's agricultural landscape and small-town atmosphere create an isolated college experience. With 61.49% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Colorado's rural communities. The nearest city of significant size is Colorado Springs, about three hours away. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Adams State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Alamosa, Colorado 81101
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,372
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,135
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Adams State University?
Adams State University accepts 99.18% of applicants, making it one of the most accessible universities in Colorado. The average SAT score is 1020, with students typically scoring between 910 and 1130.
How much does Adams State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,173 per year for all students. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,130 on average, while the sticker price for in-state tuition is $9,776.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Adams State University?
Adams State maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,239 total students enrolled. The small mountain university emphasizes close relationships between professors and students in its intimate academic environment.
What are the graduation rates at Adams State University?
Only 31.60% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 29.66%. The retention rate stands at 55.48%, reflecting challenges many students face at this remote Colorado institution.
Where is Adams State University located?
Adams State sits in Alamosa, Colorado, in the remote San Luis Valley surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The town-remote setting provides access to outdoor recreation but limits urban amenities and internship opportunities.
Does Adams State University have strong athletics programs?
The Grizzlies compete in NCAA Division II with 20 varsity sports and 673 total athletes. The university awards $2,383,339 in athletic scholarships, making sports a significant pathway for students to afford college.
