About Colorado College
The sticker price hits $67,932, but most families pay far less after aid. The average net price drops to $31,678, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,732. Graduates earn a median of $65,222 ten years out, while carrying only $18,257 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $194, making this one of the more manageable debt loads among selective private colleges.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students well, crucial for the Block Plan's intensive format. About 76% of students come from out of state, creating a geographically diverse campus. The 94.76% retention rate suggests students adapt well to the unique academic calendar, even though it requires serious commitment to each three-week course block.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 86.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.0%
- Retention Rate
- 94.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,222
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,482 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
The Block Plan shapes everything about daily life. Students take just one intensive course for three and a half weeks, then get a four-day "block break" before starting the next class. This creates an unusual rhythm where everyone focuses on the same subject together, then uses break time for outdoor adventures in the Rockies. With 94.76% of students returning each year, the academic intensity clearly works. Weekends often involve hiking Pikes Peak, skiing nearby slopes, or exploring downtown Colorado Springs. The small size means you'll recognize faces across campus, while the 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,766 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1874
Campus Safety (2023)
33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–45°F
- July Avg
- 58°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 15.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 32.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.7%
- Women
- 57.3%
- White
- 67.6%
- Black
- 2.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.3%
- Asian
- 5.0%
- In-State Students
- 24.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.8%
Location
- Address
- Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,222
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,071
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 88.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $194/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,257
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado College?
Colorado College accepts 16.30% of applicants, making it highly selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1260 and 1480 on the SAT. This selectivity reflects the college's reputation as a strong liberal arts institution known for its modern Block Plan.
How much does Colorado College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Colorado College is $31,678, lower than the full cost of attendance of $84,400. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of only $9,732 per year. The college provides substantial financial aid with average institutional grants of $46,160.
What is the Block Plan at Colorado College?
Colorado College operates on the unique Block Plan where students take one intensive course at a time for three and a half weeks. This system allows for deep immersion in subjects and enables field trips and hands-on learning experiences. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio supports this intensive academic approach.
How do Colorado College graduates perform in the job market?
Colorado College graduates have a 94.6% employment rate and earn a median salary of $65,222 ten years after graduation. The college maintains an 86% six-year graduation rate, demonstrating strong academic support. Alumni include notable figures like Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nobel Prize economist James Heckman.
Where is Colorado College located and what is campus life like?
Colorado College sits in Colorado Springs, a large city at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The campus houses 1,766 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community of 2,139 total students. With 17 varsity sports teams and 373 student athletes competing in NCAA Division III, the Tigers maintain an active campus culture.
Is Colorado College diverse in its student body?
Colorado College's student body is 67.55% white, with 11.27% Hispanic, 5% Asian, and 2.57% Black students. Women make up 57.32% of enrollment while men represent 42.68%. About 24% of students come from Colorado, drawing most of its student body from across the nation.
