Acceptance Rate
97%
Avg. SAT
1220
75th percentile
“A public university with stunning Rocky Mountain views, blending outdoor adventure with accessible academics in Colorado Springs.”
Colorado Springs, CO
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) emerged in 1965 as a regional campus of the University of Colorado system, designed to serve the growing Pikes Peak region with affordable, quality education. Originally a small outpost with just a handful of buildings, it has expanded into a vibrant campus of over 12,000 students, balancing the intimacy of a smaller school with the resources of a larger public university system. Its location in Colorado Springs, a city known for its military bases like the Air Force Academy and its deep ties to outdoor recreation, shapes much of its identity—think trails, fresh air, and a community that values both discipline and exploration.
For students, UCCS often feels like a hidden treasure among Colorado’s more famous schools. You’ll thrive here if you’re independent, motivated, and drawn to a laid-back yet active lifestyle—someone who wants to hike or ski on weekends while still focusing on a practical degree. It’s less suited for those craving the intense hustle of a big urban campus or a highly competitive academic atmosphere, as the pace and vibe lean more relaxed with an acceptance rate that welcomes a broad range of applicants.
One tradeoff is the location’s relative isolation from a bustling college town scene—Colorado Springs offers natural beauty over nightlife, and public transportation isn’t as robust as in bigger cities, so having a car can be a plus. Winters can also be harsh with snow and cold snaps, though the 300 days of sunshine a year often balance it out. If you’re looking for a place where nature is your backyard and academics are approachable, UCCS could be your fit.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
At UCCS, academics strike a balance between practicality and innovation, with standout programs in nursing, business, and engineering drawing many students to its classrooms. The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences is particularly well-regarded, often praised for preparing graduates for high-demand healthcare roles through hands-on clinical experiences. You can expect a curriculum that emphasizes real-world application, whether you’re studying cybersecurity in the College of Engineering or diving into entrepreneurship through the business school’s partnerships with local startups.
Classroom dynamics vary—introductory courses might pack larger lecture halls, especially in popular majors, but upper-level classes often shrink to more personal settings where professors know your name. Research opportunities exist, especially in fields like sustainability and space studies, thanks to the university’s ties to nearby military and tech industries, though you might need to seek them out proactively. A potential challenge is that some specialized programs or resources can feel limited compared to larger research universities, so if you’re set on niche studies, you may need to advocate for yourself or look into the broader CU system for support.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
9,302 undergrad • 2,052 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
61%
Black / African American
5%
Hispanic / Latino
19%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
11%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Colorado Springs, CO
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UCCS mirrors its mountain setting—rugged, friendly, and infused with a love for the outdoors. You’ll find students bonding over hikes up Pikes Peak or weekend trips to Garden of the Gods, a stunning natural park just minutes away, and the university even offers outdoor recreation programs to help you explore. Traditions like the annual Mountain Lion Madness, a spirited welcome event with games and competitions, kick off the school year with energy, while smaller gatherings at the Roaring Fork Dining Hall often turn into impromptu study sessions or debates.
Socially, UCCS isn’t defined by a loud party scene; it’s more about low-key hangouts, club activities, and enjoying the scenery, which suits introverts and outdoor enthusiasts but might leave extroverts craving more action. Housing is a mix of modern residence halls and apartments, though availability can be tight, and many students opt to live off-campus in Colorado Springs, where the cost of living is moderate but rising. The weather—sunny yet prone to sudden snowstorms—means you’ll need to adapt, but the campus’s close-knit feel often helps ease the transition for newcomers.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
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
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
68%
4 Years Graduation Rate
32%
6 Years Graduation Rate
47%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$54,659
68% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and return in the fall. 32% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 47% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
32%
4-5 years
15%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
52%
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Colorado Springs, CO 80918