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Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public

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81.4%
Acceptance
1060
SAT
$32,787
Sticker Price
$15,061
Net Price*
$45,823
Earnings
5.6 yrs
Payback
10,631
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Colorado Mesa University's acceptance rate?

Up 0.7 percentage points since 2018

With a 81.4% acceptance rate, Colorado Mesa University is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Colorado Mesa University?

Colorado Mesa University received 10,631 applications in 2023, up 48% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 21% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Colorado Mesa University?

Business Administration, Management and Operations leads as the most popular major at Colorado Mesa University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Colorado Mesa University?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 27% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 29% from $25,435 to $32,787.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Colorado Mesa University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Construction Engineering Technologies earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $63,997 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Construction Engineering Techn... $63,997
$6,765 $155,297
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $60,746
$6,765 $155,297
Mechanical Engineering Related... $47,260
$6,765 $155,297
Computer and Information Scien... $47,260
$6,765 $155,297
Allied Health Diagnostic, Inte... $47,260
$6,765 $155,297
Accounting and Related Service... $46,087
$6,765 $155,297
Business Administration, Manag... $42,682
$6,765 $155,297
Mathematics $41,565
$6,765 $155,297
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Colorado Mesa University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 10,631 8,653 81.4% 20.9%
2022 9,810 8,021 81.8% 21.8%
2021 8,082 6,485 80.2% 28.6%
2020 8,796 6,636 75.4% 29.7%
2019 8,845 6,917 78.2% 29.9%
2018 7,163 5,782 80.7% 35.4%
2017 6,982 5,702 81.7% 33.0%
2016 7,152 5,918 82.8% 33.9%
2015 6,670 5,540 83.1% 38.3%

Is Colorado Mesa University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Colorado Mesa University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,823
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$8,600 $45,823 median $73,500

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $8,600 while the top 10% earn $73,500. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$39,223
Median Debt
$22,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
41.5%

How much does Colorado Mesa University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Colorado Mesa University is approximately $32,787 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$7,787
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,720
Fees
$899
Room & Board
$11,168
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,787

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $11,547
$30-48k income $11,755
$48-75k income $15,061
$75-110k income $18,182
$110k+ income $20,288

Which majors pay the most?

  • Construction Engineering Technologies $63,997
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $60,746
  • Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $47,260
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General $47,260
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $47,260

Who attends Colorado Mesa University?

Colorado Mesa University enrolls 8,995 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 53% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 8,995
Retention Rate 75%
International 1%
Women 53%
Race/Ethnicity
White 66%
Hispanic 21%
Black 2%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

68% of students receive some form of financial aid at Colorado Mesa University. About 27% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 68%
Avg: $8,195 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 27%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 33%
Avg: $5,883
School's Own Grants 52%
Avg: $4,783 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Colorado Mesa University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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