About University of Colorado Colorado Springs
UCCS builds on its connection to Colorado Springs' military and aerospace center to offer strong engineering, business, and health sciences programs. The university enrolls 8,870 students in a large city setting that includes nearby Pikes Peak and multiple military installations. With an 84.77% acceptance rate, UCCS welcomes a broad range of students while maintaining academic standards through its research university mission. The school particularly excels in programs that serve the region's defense contractors and technology companies.
Students pay an average net price of $16,431 after financial aid, making UCCS relatively affordable for a full university. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,659 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,000. Monthly loan payments average just $212, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates. The 95.4% employment rate suggests strong job market connections in Colorado Springs and beyond.
UCCS maintains a close-knit feel despite its size, with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and 67.12% retention rate. The Mountain Lions compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 357 total athletes. The student body draws heavily from Colorado, with 86.59% in-state enrollment, creating a community atmosphere where many students stay connected to local industries after graduation.
Students pay an average net price of $16,431 after financial aid, making UCCS relatively affordable for a full university. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,659 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,000. Monthly loan payments average just $212, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most graduates. The 95.4% employment rate suggests strong job market connections in Colorado Springs and beyond.
UCCS maintains a close-knit feel despite its size, with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and 67.12% retention rate. The Mountain Lions compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 357 total athletes. The student body draws heavily from Colorado, with 86.59% in-state enrollment, creating a community atmosphere where many students stay connected to local industries after graduation.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs operates as a full public research university with particular strength in engineering, business, and health sciences programs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 43.91% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees. UCCS has built strong connections to Colorado Springs' military and aerospace industries, creating internship and job opportunities for students in these fields. The university serves a largely local student base, with 86.59% coming from Colorado. Students benefit from research opportunities typically found at larger universities while maintaining a more intimate campus environment than flagship state schools.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.3%
- Retention Rate
- 67.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,659
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,358 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,015 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,240 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,441 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $56,544 |
| Sociology. | Master | $47,260 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,048 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $44,170 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $42,682 |
Campus Life
UCCS sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains with Pikes Peak towering over campus at 14,115 feet. Colorado Springs brings 300 days of sunshine annually, but winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow is common from November through March. Only about 19% of the 8,870 students live in the residence halls, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many students drive to campus.
The university draws heavily from Colorado's military community, with nearby Peterson Air Force Base and Fort Carson influencing campus culture. Students often head to downtown Colorado Springs on weekends, just 10 minutes away, or take advantage of strong hiking and skiing within an hour's drive. The Mountain Lions compete in 10 Division II sports, though athletics don't dominate social life like at larger universities. With 86.59% of students coming from in-state, many maintain connections to home communities. The engineering and business programs attract students who appreciate the practical, career-focused environment that mirrors Colorado Springs' aerospace and defense industry presence.
The university draws heavily from Colorado's military community, with nearby Peterson Air Force Base and Fort Carson influencing campus culture. Students often head to downtown Colorado Springs on weekends, just 10 minutes away, or take advantage of strong hiking and skiing within an hour's drive. The Mountain Lions compete in 10 Division II sports, though athletics don't dominate social life like at larger universities. With 86.59% of students coming from in-state, many maintain connections to home communities. The engineering and business programs attract students who appreciate the practical, career-focused environment that mirrors Colorado Springs' aerospace and defense industry presence.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,719 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 11 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–42°F
- July Avg
- 55°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 17.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 55.2"
Student Demographics
UCCS draws primarily from Colorado, with 87% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition that attracts local families. The student body is 60% white with significant Hispanic representation at 21%, mirroring Colorado Springs' diverse population. Men and women attend in nearly equal numbers, typical for a full university offering both technical programs like engineering and broader liberal arts degrees. About one-quarter receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class Colorado families seeking quality education close to home.
- Men
- 48.3%
- Women
- 51.7%
- White
- 59.6%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 20.5%
- Asian
- 3.8%
- In-State Students
- 86.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.3%
Location
Colorado Springs sits 70 miles south of Denver, making UCCS easily accessible to Colorado's largest metropolitan area. The city of 478,000 people sits at 6,035 feet elevation in the shadow of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. Colorado Springs hosts five military installations, including the Air Force Academy and NORAD, creating a strong defense and aerospace industry presence that benefits UCCS students. The area offers strong outdoor recreation with hiking, skiing, and mountain biking minutes from campus. With 86.59% of students coming from in-state, UCCS draws heavily from Colorado residents seeking quality education near the mountains. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare UCCS with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,659
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,557
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Colorado Colorado Springs?
UCCS accepts 84.77% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1115, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of Colorado students while maintaining academic standards.
How much does University of Colorado Colorado Springs cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,431 after aid, with in-state tuition at $9,712. The school keeps costs manageable for Colorado families, with 26.25% of students receiving Pell Grants and graduates carrying a median debt of $20,000.
What academic programs is University of Colorado Colorado Springs known for?
UCCS excels in engineering, business, and health sciences with strong connections to Colorado Springs' military and aerospace industries. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio supports hands-on learning in these technical fields that drive the local economy.
What are the graduation rates at University of Colorado Colorado Springs?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 45.30%, with a four-year rate of 43.91%. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,659 after ten years, reflecting the value of UCCS degrees in Colorado's growing tech and defense sectors.
Where do University of Colorado Colorado Springs students live on campus?
Housing capacity serves 1,719 students out of the total enrollment of 8,870. Most students commute from the Colorado Springs area, with 86.59% coming from in-state and the campus maintaining a close connection to the local community.
Does University of Colorado Colorado Springs have strong military connections?
UCCS sits in a city dominated by military installations including the Air Force Academy, NORAD, and Fort Carson. The university's engineering and cybersecurity programs directly serve these defense communities, with many graduates finding careers in aerospace and military contracting.
