Acceptance Rate
100%
“A practical, career-focused education awaits at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, tailored for driven, non-traditional learners.”
Colorado Springs, CO
Location
Nestled in the scenic city of Colorado Springs, Colorado Technical University (CTU) emerged in 1965 with a mission to provide accessible, career-oriented education, primarily for adult learners and military personnel. Originally founded as a technical training school, it has evolved into a private, for-profit institution offering a range of degrees, with a strong emphasis on flexibility through online and hybrid formats. CTU’s personality is pragmatic and no-nonsense, attracting students who prioritize job-ready skills over a traditional college experience, often balancing studies with work or family responsibilities.
If you’re a self-motivated individual seeking a direct path to a career—perhaps as a working adult, veteran, or someone returning to education—you’ll find CTU’s structure welcoming with its open admissions policy and year-round enrollment options. The campus itself is functional rather than sprawling or picturesque, reflecting the school’s focus on efficiency over aesthetics. However, this practicality comes with tradeoffs: the for-profit model and high enrollment numbers can mean less personalized attention, and the surrounding Colorado Springs area, while beautiful with views of Pikes Peak, may feel disconnected from the campus’s commuter-heavy, less residential vibe.
Colorado Springs offers a stunning backdrop with outdoor opportunities like hiking and skiing nearby, but CTU’s student body often engages more with virtual classrooms than the local scene. The city’s lower cost of living compared to Denver is a plus, though housing and transportation can still be a challenge for students on tight budgets. This is a place for those who are laser-focused on outcomes, not campus traditions or a classic college atmosphere.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Degree Levels Offered
At Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, the academic focus is squarely on career preparation, with programs designed to get you into the workforce quickly in fields like business, information technology, healthcare, and criminal justice. You can expect a curriculum that emphasizes practical skills over theoretical exploration, often delivered through online platforms or evening classes to accommodate busy schedules. Notable offerings include degrees in cybersecurity and nursing, areas where CTU has built a reputation for meeting industry demands with hands-on training.
Classroom experiences here lean toward efficiency—think straightforward instruction rather than deep seminar-style debates. Faculty often bring real-world experience, which can be a major asset if you’re looking to translate learning directly into a job. On the downside, the large enrollment and online-heavy format might limit close mentorship or peer collaboration, and some programs may feel more like a checklist than an intellectual journey. If you thrive on structure and clear career goals, this approach works; if you crave a more exploratory or research-driven education, you might feel constrained.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
28,246 undergrad • 3,584 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
White
28%
Black / African American
21%
Hispanic / Latino
<1%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
50%
Campus Life
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at CTU-Colorado Springs isn’t the typical college scene filled with dorm parties or packed football games; instead, it’s a quieter, more utilitarian environment shaped by a student body of working adults and distance learners. You’ll find most of your peers logging into classes online or attending evening sessions, with social connections often built through virtual forums rather than on-campus events. The lack of a strong residential community means you won’t get that classic campus buzz, but for many, the trade-off is worth it for the flexibility to study on their own terms.
Traditions here are minimal, with the focus more on individual milestones like completing a degree than collective celebrations. The surrounding Colorado Springs area offers plenty to do—think exploring Garden of the Gods or grabbing a coffee downtown—but you’ll need to seek out these experiences yourself, as the campus doesn’t heavily integrate with the city’s culture. Winters can be cold and snowy, which might affect commuting students, and the cost of living, while reasonable for Colorado, still requires careful budgeting for those without steady income.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Athletics
Athletic Association
NAIA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$17,285
$30K – $48K
$17,878
$48K – $75K
$18,964
$75K – $110K
$22,093
$110K+
$22,702
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
51%
4 Years Graduation Rate
19%
6 Years Graduation Rate
23%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$37,180
51% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs and return in the fall. 19% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 23% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
19%
4-5 years
4%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
76%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private (For-Profit)
Tuition
$12,036
Acceptance
100%
Undergrads
28,246
4-Year Grad Rate
19%
Colorado Springs, CO 80907-3812