About Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College serves the rugged communities of Colorado's high country with practical programs that match the region's lifestyle. The school enrolls 2,821 students across multiple campuses, with its main presence in the remote mountain town of Glenwood Springs. Students come here for outdoor recreation management, sustainability studies, and skilled trades that prepare them for work in resort communities and mountain industries. About 78% of students are Colorado residents who often stay local after graduation.
The financial picture reflects the school's community college roots and mission. Students pay an average net price of $6,342 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $2,700. Graduates typically earn $44,127 ten years after starting, while carrying median debt of only $9,000. Monthly loan payments average $95, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training. The 96% employment rate shows employers value the hands-on skills students develop.
The low graduation rates tell a different story about student goals. Only 26% finish a four-year degree within four years, and 26% complete within six years. Many students transfer to other schools or leave for immediate employment opportunities in Colorado's booming outdoor recreation economy. The small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio provide personalized attention for those who stay.
The financial picture reflects the school's community college roots and mission. Students pay an average net price of $6,342 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $2,700. Graduates typically earn $44,127 ten years after starting, while carrying median debt of only $9,000. Monthly loan payments average $95, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training. The 96% employment rate shows employers value the hands-on skills students develop.
The low graduation rates tell a different story about student goals. Only 26% finish a four-year degree within four years, and 26% complete within six years. Many students transfer to other schools or leave for immediate employment opportunities in Colorado's booming outdoor recreation economy. The small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio provide personalized attention for those who stay.
Academics & Faculty
Colorado Mountain College serves as a community college specializing in outdoor recreation, sustainability, and skilled trades programs that reflect Colorado's mountain economy. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship for students pursuing everything from ski area operations to renewable energy technology. However, the 26.45% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce before completing degrees. The college's strength lies in hands-on training programs like wilderness leadership and sustainable building practices. With 62.39% female enrollment, the school attracts students seeking practical skills in environmental fields. Faculty often bring real-world experience from Colorado's outdoor industry and green energy sectors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 23.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.9%
- Retention Rate
- 56.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,127
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,673 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $52,607 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,456 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $34,298 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Sustainability Studies. | Bachelor | $27,295 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,739 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $22,917 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $16,169 |
Campus Life
Colorado Mountain College sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where winters demand serious snow gear and summers call for hiking boots. With housing for only 755 students and total enrollment of 2,821, most students commute from nearby mountain towns rather than live on campus. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit classroom environments where professors know your name.
Glenwood Springs offers natural hot springs and strong skiing within minutes of campus, though you're still two hours from Denver's urban amenities. Students spend weekends on the slopes, hiking fourteeners, or soaking in the famous hot springs that put this town on the map. The campus serves as a launching pad for Colorado's outdoor recreation industry, with 37.6% male and 62.4% female students often pursuing degrees in sustainability and trades. With 78.3% of students coming from in-state, the community feels authentically Coloradan. The small athletic program fields just 2 varsity sports with 12 total athletes, reflecting the school's focus on academics over athletics.
Glenwood Springs offers natural hot springs and strong skiing within minutes of campus, though you're still two hours from Denver's urban amenities. Students spend weekends on the slopes, hiking fourteeners, or soaking in the famous hot springs that put this town on the map. The campus serves as a launching pad for Colorado's outdoor recreation industry, with 37.6% male and 62.4% female students often pursuing degrees in sustainability and trades. With 78.3% of students coming from in-state, the community feels authentically Coloradan. The small athletic program fields just 2 varsity sports with 12 total athletes, reflecting the school's focus on academics over athletics.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 755 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1967
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–36°F
- July Avg
- 53°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 15.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.9"
Student Demographics
Colorado Mountain College draws students seeking affordable education in Colorado's mountain region. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 2,821 students, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's healthcare and human services programs. About 78% come from in-state, showing the school's deep roots in local mountain communities. Hispanic students represent one-third of enrollment, making this one of Colorado's more diverse community colleges. The college serves working-class families well, with only 13% receiving Pell Grants but maintaining low costs that keep most students debt-free after graduation.
- Men
- 37.6%
- Women
- 62.4%
- White
- 57.7%
- Black
- 1.1%
- Hispanic
- 33.4%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 78.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.4%
Location
Glenwood Springs sits in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, about 160 miles west of Denver. The town of 10,000 people is famous for its natural hot springs and serves as a gateway to Aspen and Vail ski resorts. With 2,821 students spread across multiple campuses, Colorado Mountain College draws from rural mountain communities where outdoor recreation drives the economy. The region offers strong skiing, hiking, and fishing just minutes from campus. About 78% of students come from in-state, many from small mountain towns seeking career training. The remote setting means limited nightlife but unlimited access to wilderness areas that define Colorado's outdoor lifestyle. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Colorado Mountain College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601-0233
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,127
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,575
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Colorado Mountain College?
Colorado Mountain College maintains an open admission policy as a community college, with a 56.41% retention rate for first-year students. The school serves Colorado's mountain communities with accessible education, drawing 78.33% of its students from in-state.
How much does Colorado Mountain College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,342 annually, with in-state tuition at just $2,700. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,280 net price, making it one of the most affordable college options in Colorado.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Colorado Mountain College?
The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,821 enrolled students. This small class environment supports hands-on learning in outdoor recreation, sustainability, and trades programs that the mountain college is known for.
What are the graduation outcomes at Colorado Mountain College?
The college has a 26.45% four-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median of $44,127 ten years after enrollment. With a 96.0% employment rate and typical monthly loan payments of just $95, graduates enter the workforce with minimal debt burden.
Where do students live at Colorado Mountain College?
The campus houses 755 students with room and board costing $12,120 annually. The remote mountain setting in Glenwood Springs attracts outdoor enthusiasts, with women making up 62.39% of the student body.
Does Colorado Mountain College offer athletic programs?
The Eagles compete in NAIA athletics with just 2 varsity sports and 12 total athletes. The college offers no athletic scholarships, focusing instead on academic programs that prepare students for careers in Colorado's outdoor recreation industry.
