Colorado Mesa University: 81.8% Acceptance Rate

81.8%Acceptance

$9,712Tuition

7,604Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,823Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University serves 7,604 students in Grand Junction, a small city surrounded by Colorado's red rock country and outdoor recreation opportunities. The school specializes in business, health sciences, and outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of western Colorado's natural setting. Students can study everything from nursing and physical therapy to adventure tourism and geology, with many programs connecting directly to regional industries and the area's tourism economy.

The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. Students pay an average net price of $15,331 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $45,823 ten years after leaving school. Students typically leave with $22,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $233. The 97.1% employment rate shows graduates find work, though the 41.50% six-year graduation rate means many students take longer to finish or leave without degrees.

The Mavericks compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports with 802 total athletes, creating a strong athletic culture on campus. About 85% of students come from Colorado, giving the school a local feel where many students already know the area's outdoor opportunities. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for reasonable class sizes, while the semester system gives students a traditional college schedule.

Academics & Faculty

Colorado Mesa University offers a broad range of programs with particular strength in business, health sciences, and outdoor recreation that take advantage of western Colorado's setting. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay reasonably small, though you'll still find yourself in some larger lectures. With a 41.50% six-year graduation rate, the school works better for students who come in focused and ready to stick with their major. The university is known for practical programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation, with an employment rate of 97.1%. Popular majors include nursing, business administration, and kinesiology, all designed to get graduates working in Colorado's growing economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 57.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 40.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.5%
Retention Rate: 75.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,823
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Construction Engineering Technologies.	Bachelor	$63,997
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$60,746
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,485
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$58,673
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$54,644
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$47,260
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$47,260
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$47,260
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$46,087
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,798

View all 129 programs →

Campus Life

Colorado Mesa sits in Grand Junction, a city of about 65,000 people surrounded by desert mesas and the Colorado River. You're three hours from Denver but close enough to strong hiking, mountain biking, and skiing that many students bring their gear to campus. The high desert climate means 300 days of sunshine per year, but winter temperatures drop to the 20s, so you'll need both a heavy coat and plenty of sunscreen.

With housing capacity for 2,679 students and total enrollment of 7,604, about 35% of students live on campus. The Mavericks compete in 22 Division II sports with 802 total athletes, making athletics a big part of campus culture. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities since you're literally surrounded by some of Colorado's best recreation areas. Students head to the Colorado National Monument for hiking or drive an hour to ski at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely know your professors personally, and the small-city setting creates a tight community where running into classmates downtown is common.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 2,679 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1925

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Fondling	6	5	0
Stalking	7	2	0
Burglary	3	2	0
Domestic Violence	2	2	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0
Rape	1	1	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–39°F
July Avg: 66°–94°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.4"
Annual Snowfall: 17.7"

Student Demographics

Colorado Mesa draws students who want to stay close to home, with 85% coming from Colorado. The student body of 7,604 is split fairly evenly between men and women, reflecting the school's mix of business, health sciences, and outdoor recreation programs that appeal to both groups. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families who value affordable education. The strong local presence creates a tight-knit community where students often know each other from high school or share connections to western Colorado's outdoor lifestyle.

Men: 46.5%
Women: 53.5%
White: 64.9%
Black: 1.6%
Hispanic: 21.0%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 85.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.4%

Location

Grand Junction sits in western Colorado near the Utah border, about 250 miles from Denver. This city of 65,000 people serves as the largest community on Colorado's Western Slope, surrounded by desert mesas and the Colorado River. The area offers easy access to both Colorado National Monument and the nearby Rocky Mountains, making it popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Grand Junction feels more like a small western city than a typical college town, with energy and agriculture driving the local economy alongside the university. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Colorado Mesa University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Grand Junction, Colorado 81501-3122

Academic Classroom Building, Mesa State College

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,823
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,835
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $233/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Colorado Mesa University?

Colorado Mesa University accepts 81.76% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1055. The university welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and focuses on providing accessible higher education in western Colorado.

How much does Colorado Mesa University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,331 annually, with costs varying by family income from $11,547 for low-income families to $20,288 for high earners. The university keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at $9,712 and graduates typically carry $22,000 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Colorado Mesa University?

Colorado Mesa maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its comprehensive programs in business, health sciences, and outdoor recreation. The university serves 7,604 students with a focus on practical, career-oriented education in western Colorado.

What are the graduation rates at Colorado Mesa University?

Colorado Mesa University has a 41.50% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median of $45,823 ten years after enrollment. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation, with a strong employment rate of 97.1% for graduates.

Where is Colorado Mesa University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Grand Junction, Colorado, a small city in the western part of the state known for outdoor recreation opportunities. Campus housing accommodates 2,679 students, and 75.18% of first-year students return for their sophomore year.

Does Colorado Mesa University have strong athletics programs?

Colorado Mesa fields 22 varsity sports teams competing at the NCAA Division II level in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Mavericks support 802 student-athletes with $3.66 million in athletic scholarships, reflecting the university's commitment to both academics and athletics.