Overview
Colorado College is a highly selective private four-year institution in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The school accepts 16.3% of applicants and enrolls 2,139 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 16.3%
- Average SAT
- 1,370
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,260–1,480
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 2,139
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Colorado College's Block Plan structure means your application needs to show how you handle intensity and focus. Each course lasts three and a half weeks, with students taking only one class at a time. Your essays should demonstrate your ability to dive deep into subjects and manage concentrated learning periods.
The admissions committee wants to see intellectual risk-taking and interdisciplinary thinking. Don't position yourself as someone who already has everything figured out. Instead, show how you connect different fields of study and how you'd use the Block Plan's flexibility to explore unexpected combinations of subjects.
Reference specific aspects of CC's culture in your application: the outdoor recreation opportunities in Colorado Springs, Block Breaks that allow for intensive field work or internships, or how the small class sizes build close professor relationships. Mention particular courses or professors if you've done your research.
Don't write generic essays about liberal arts education or small college benefits. Every applicant knows CC is small and in Colorado. Focus instead on how the Block Plan's structure aligns with your learning style or academic goals. Explain why taking organic chemistry or art history for three weeks straight appeals to you specifically.
The school uses the Common Application with a supplemental essay asking why you want to attend CC. This supplement carries significant weight, so avoid repeating information from other parts of your application. Use it to show genuine understanding of how CC's academic calendar would benefit your specific educational path.
Colorado College offers Early Decision, which can provide an advantage for committed applicants. The school fills a substantial portion of each class through ED, so apply early if CC is your clear first choice.
Your recommendation letters should come from teachers who can speak to your ability to handle intensive, focused work. A teacher who supervised an independent study or saw you tackle challenging material over a short timeframe would be ideal. Don't just submit letters from teachers in your strongest subjects.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $31,678/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $67,932
- Students Receiving Aid
- 14%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,222/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 94.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado College require standardized test scores for admission?
Colorado College is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What is Colorado College's early decision deadline?
Colorado College offers Early Decision I with a November 15 deadline and Early Decision II with a January 15 deadline. Both are binding admission plans.
Can you transfer to Colorado College mid-year?
Colorado College accepts transfer students for fall semester only. Spring transfers are not available due to the school's block plan academic calendar.
What makes Colorado College's academic schedule different from other schools?
Colorado College operates on a block plan where students take one intensive course at a time for three and a half weeks. This allows for field trips, research projects, and study abroad opportunities built into coursework.