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$39,266Tuition
5,363Students
55%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$50,416Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Undenominational

About Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University shapes students through a conservative evangelical lens while serving 5,363 students in suburban Denver. The school has built its reputation on integrating faith with academics across liberal arts disciplines. Students come from across the country, with only 30% hailing from Colorado, creating a diverse geographic mix in Lakewood's large suburban setting.

The financial picture tells a complex story about value and accessibility. Students pay an average net price of $25,458 after aid, well below the $39,266 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $50,416 ten years out, which helps justify the $28,312 median debt load with monthly payments around $300. The 93% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though the 49% loan repayment rate indicates some graduates struggle with debt management.

The student body skews heavily female at 70%, reflecting trends in Christian higher education. With an 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small for personal attention. The 55% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages, suggesting students face academic or financial challenges completing their degrees. Division II athletics include 11 varsity sports with 231 athletes competing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Academics & Faculty

Colorado Christian University builds its academic program around biblical worldview integration across all disciplines. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship that's central to the Christian liberal arts model. Students engage with conservative evangelical perspectives in everything from business to education programs. The 55% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing faith-based learning with practical career preparation. CCU emphasizes programs in business, education, and ministry that prepare graduates for leadership roles in Christian organizations. Faculty integrate Scripture with academic content rather than treating faith as separate from learning. The university's approach attracts students seeking explicitly Christian higher education rather than secular alternatives.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
19.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
58.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
55.3%
Retention Rate
78.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,416
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $66,541
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $63,005
Human Resources Management and Services. Bachelor $55,512
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $46,673
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Bachelor $41,937
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $41,193
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $40,945
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $40,461
Bible/Biblical Studies. Bachelor $36,141
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $30,771

View all 83 programs →

Campus Life

Colorado Christian University sits in suburban Lakewood, just 15 minutes from downtown Denver. The campus houses 1,152 students in dormitories, though with 5,363 total enrollment, most students commute or live off-campus. Colorado's 300+ days of sunshine mean you'll need both winter coats for snowy months and sunscreen for high-altitude UV exposure.

Women make up 70% of the student body, creating a female-dominated campus culture. Chapel attendance is mandatory, and the evangelical Christian atmosphere shapes daily routines and social expectations. Students often head to nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre or explore Denver's hiking trails on weekends. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, reinforcing the close-knit community feel. Campus traditions center around faith-based activities and service projects. With 231 student-athletes competing in 11 Division II sports, Cougars games provide weekend entertainment. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance, while Denver's cultural attractions remain easily accessible by car.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
1,152 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1914

Campus Safety (2023)

15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 0 3 3
Burglary 0 0 3 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–44°F
July Avg
59°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
17.5"
Annual Snowfall
58.0"

Student Demographics

Most students come from out-of-state, drawn by CCU's evangelical Christian mission and conservative values. The student body is 70% female, reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that traditionally attract women. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class Christian families seeking affordable faith-based education. The diverse racial composition includes significant Black and Hispanic enrollment, unusual for evangelical institutions. Students typically choose CCU for its biblical worldview integration rather than academic prestige, creating a tight-knit community united by shared faith commitments.
Men
30.0%
Women
70.0%
White
61.4%
Black
14.7%
Hispanic
15.0%
Asian
1.3%
In-State Students
30.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
32.9%

Location

Colorado Christian University sits in Lakewood, a Denver suburb just 10 miles west of downtown. The campus draws students from across the country, with 69.71% coming from out-of-state. Lakewood offers easy access to both urban amenities and Colorado's famous outdoor recreation. The Rocky Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for campus life. Students can reach downtown Denver's cultural attractions, internships, and job opportunities in under 30 minutes. The area combines suburban safety with mountain adventure opportunities that appeal to the university's active student body. The location supports both the school's Christian mission and Colorado's outdoor lifestyle. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Colorado Christian University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lakewood, Colorado 80226
Leprino Hall
Leprino Hall
Anschutz Student Center
Anschutz Student Center

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$50,416
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,660
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,600
Loan Repayment Rate
48.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$300/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,312

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Colorado Christian University?

Women make up 70% of the 5,363-student body, reflecting the university's strong education and nursing programs. The campus draws students nationwide with only 30% coming from Colorado. The student body is 61% white, 15% Hispanic, and 15% Black.

How much does Colorado Christian University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,458 after aid, less than the $52,628 sticker price. Families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $21,073. Graduates leave with a median debt of $28,312 and monthly loan payments of $300.

What are the academic outcomes at Colorado Christian University?

The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and 79% first-year retention rate. About 58% of students graduate within four years, while 55% complete their degrees within six years. The school emphasizes Christian worldview integration across all academic disciplines.

What do graduates of Colorado Christian University typically earn?

Alumni earn a median salary of $50,416 ten years after graduation with a 93% employment rate. The university prepares students for careers in education, business, and ministry fields. Nearly half of borrowers successfully repay their federal loans on schedule.

Where is Colorado Christian University's campus located?

The campus sits in Lakewood, a large Denver suburb with easy access to both urban amenities and Rocky Mountain recreation. Housing accommodates 1,152 students at $12,362 annually for room and board. The suburban setting provides a quieter environment while maintaining city connections.

Does Colorado Christian University have strong athletic programs?

The Cougars compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference across 11 varsity sports. The university awards $1.76 million in athletic scholarships to 231 student-athletes. Athletics emphasize character development alongside competitive excellence in the Christian tradition.