About Pikes Peak State College
Students pay an average net price of $9,682 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable higher education options in Colorado. Graduates earn a median of $40,796 ten years after starting school. The math works in students' favor with typical debt loads of just $9,000 and monthly loan payments averaging $95. The employment rate hits 87.6%, though the graduation rates tell a different story.
The student body reflects Colorado Springs' growing diversity, with 25% Hispanic enrollment and women making up 59% of students. Only 4% receive institutional grants averaging $7,762. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than traditional colleges. Students root for the Aardvarks in athletics, though the academic focus remains on practical training rather than campus traditions.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 94.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 23.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,796
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $40,896 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,829 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $33,459 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,569 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,202 |
Campus Life
With 9,307 students spread across a commuter-focused campus, most Aardvarks live off-campus and juggle work with classes. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important since this is primarily a stepping-stone school for students planning to transfer. Weekends often involve hiking the nearby trails or catching cheap movies downtown. The diverse student body reflects Colorado Springs' military presence, with 25.1% Hispanic enrollment adding cultural richness to campus life. Don't expect traditional college parties, this is a place where students grab coffee between classes and form study groups that actually study. The median debt of just $9,000 reflects the school's role as an affordable pathway to a four-year degree.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1968
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 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
- 40.9%
- Women
- 59.1%
- White
- 52.3%
- Black
- 8.3%
- Hispanic
- 25.1%
- Asian
- 3.4%
- In-State Students
- 98.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.8%
Location
- Address
- Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906-5498
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,796
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,288
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 38.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pikes Peak State College?
Pikes Peak State College operates as a community college with open enrollment policies, meaning students can generally enroll without traditional admissions requirements. The school serves 9,307 students and draws almost exclusively from Colorado, with 98.70% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Pikes Peak State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,682 annually at Pikes Peak State College. In-state tuition starts at just $4,302, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Colorado Springs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pikes Peak State College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1 at Pikes Peak State College. As a community college focused on career training and transfer preparation, the school emphasizes practical education and workforce development programs.
What are the graduation rates at Pikes Peak State College?
Pikes Peak State College has a 23% six-year graduation rate and a 23% four-year graduation rate. These rates reflect the community college model where many students transfer to four-year institutions or complete certificate programs rather than pursuing degrees to completion.
Where is Pikes Peak State College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in Colorado Springs, a large suburban setting in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1968, the school serves a diverse student body that is 59% women and includes significant Hispanic enrollment at 25.10%.
Does Pikes Peak State College have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates achieve an 87.6% employment rate, with median earnings of $40,796 ten years after enrollment. The school's focus on career-oriented programs helps students enter the workforce quickly, though median debt stays low at just $9,000.
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