Overview of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz), established in 2006, is a premier public research university located in Aurora, Colorado, USA. As the academic health sciences campus of the University of Colorado system, its roots trace back to the founding of the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1883. CU Anschutz is recognized as one of the largest academic health centers in the Rocky Mountain region. With more than 4,500 students and 4,500 faculty and researchers, it operates six professional health schools on a single, state-of-the-art campus. The institution is renowned for integrating research, education, and clinical care.
Academic Strengths and Structure
CU Anschutz excels in health sciences, encompassing medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, public health, and allied health professions. The campus emphasizes an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, fostering translational research that bridges laboratory discoveries with patient care. Signature programs include oncology, pediatrics, bioinformatics, immunology, and neurosciences. The institution boasts more than $654 million in annual research funding and consistently ranks among the top academic health centers in the United States according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. CU Anschutz partners with leading hospitals, including UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado, and participates in major national and international research consortia, extending its academic reputation and impact.
Student Life and Community
Campus life at CU Anschutz is vibrant and inclusive, with over 50 student organizations ranging from academic societies to cultural, social, and volunteer groups. The campus hosts frequent seminars, wellness activities, and interprofessional collaboration workshops that support both professional and personal development. Student well-being is prioritized through dedicated support services, mental health resources, and career guidance. Diversity and inclusivity are core values, attracting students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 countries. Housing options include modern on-campus and nearby off-campus residences. Extracurricular opportunities in athletics, recreation, and the arts help foster a strong, supportive campus community.
Mission, Vision, and Values
CU Anschutz’s mission is to advance health and well-being through innovative education, cutting-edge research, and patient-centered clinical care with a strong commitment to health equity, diversity, and global engagement. The university strives to create a future defined by excellence, compassion, and transformative impact.
