
14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3294, USA


Colorado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation verifies that the institution meets established standards of quality and integrity regarding its academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student services. For prospective students, this ensures that the college provides a credible education that is widely accepted by employers and other academic institutions.
Colorado College does not require applicants to have completed a high school diploma or an equivalent credential, but a secondary school academic record is mandatory for admission consideration. Letters of recommendation must be submitted, and while certain competency assessments and other test scores are suggested, standardized admission tests are not strictly required. The institution does not operate an open admission policy.
Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted by Colorado College; however, dual credit programs and college credit prior to enrollment are not recognized. No computer ownership or leasing arrangements are necessary for applicants.
The acceptance rate at Colorado College is quite selective, standing at approximately 20%, which places it in the bottom 5% nationally for admission rates. Approximately 7,500 individuals apply yearly, with around 1,500 admitted and just over 500 enrolling. Female applicants and enrollees slightly outnumber their male counterparts.
Regarding standardized test score submissions, about 29% of enrolled students submit SAT scores, while approximately 16% submit ACT scores. The distribution of ACT scores among enrolled students shows that 65% score below 36, 32% below 29, and 3% below 23, indicating a range of academic preparedness among admitted students.
Colorado College requires prospective students to pay an application fee as part of the admission process. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with evaluating applications and supporting the overall admissions infrastructure.
The college offers fee waivers for eligible applicants, acknowledging that financial constraints should not hinder access to higher education. Students who meet certain criteria may request a waiver to reduce or eliminate the application fee, ensuring that the admissions process remains accessible and equitable.
Applicants interested in securing a fee waiver are encouraged to review the specific eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documentation as part of their application package. This process emphasizes Colorado College's commitment to fostering diversity and supporting students from varying economic backgrounds.
Colorado College offers prospective students access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through an on-campus ROTC branch unit. This allows students to participate in military training and leadership development activities directly at the institution. Additionally, the college facilitates opportunities for enrollment in ROTC programs at cooperating host institutions, enabling students to pursue ROTC training even if certain branches are not available on campus. These options provide flexibility for individuals interested in combining their academic studies with military preparation.
Colorado College welcomes transfer students for enrollment in the fall and spring terms, offering opportunities to those seeking to continue their education there. The institution has a notably high level of selectivity, indicating that admission is very competitive. Transfer applicants should be aware that the college accepts transfer credits, allowing previously earned academic work to contribute toward their degree program. However, detailed policies regarding credit acceptance from standardized exams such as CLEP or DANTES are not provided. Prospective transfer students should prepare for a rigorous application process reflective of the college's overall difficulty to enter.
Colorado College offers a distinctive approach to study abroad through its Block Plan, which allows students to participate in intensive, short-term international programs. These programs are designed to provide immersive learning experiences by focusing on one course at a time for three-and-a-half weeks. The college supports various global study opportunities across multiple disciplines, encouraging students to engage deeply with cultural and academic environments abroad.
The study abroad options include faculty-led trips, which integrate classroom learning with real-world experiences in international settings. These trips often emphasize hands-on, experiential learning and can range from scientific research projects to humanities-based explorations. Additionally, Colorado College partners with several international institutions, enabling students to attend rigorous courses at universities worldwide while receiving full academic credit.
Students can expect a diverse array of destinations and program themes, reflecting the college's commitment to global education. The structure of the Block Plan facilitates flexible scheduling, allowing students to fit study abroad periods into their degree plans more easily compared to traditional semester-based institutions.
Percent of students submitting ACT scores
16%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
29%High school completions
High school diploma or equivalent is not requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring