Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO · Public · Certificate degrees · City
Overall Grade
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About Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University (CMU or Mesa) is a public university in Grand Junction, Colorado, United States. Originally established in 1925 as Grand Junction Junior College, the school was renamed to Mesa College in 1940. The college began offering bachelor's degrees in 1974, and in 1988, changed its name to Mesa State College to reflect its growing educational programs. In 2011, the school officially attained university status and adopted its current name. CMU's main campus sits on 141 acres (57 ha) in central Grand Junction. CMU's branch campuses include CMU Tech in northwestern Grand Junction and a CMU regional campus in Montrose, about 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Grand Junction. The university offers over 100 undergraduate programs and 11 postgraduate programs across 14 academic departments. Colorado Mesa University enrolled 9,788 students in fall 2025, making it the largest university in western Colorado, as well as the largest university in the state outside of the Front Range Urban Corridor. Colorado Mesa's athletic teams, known as the Mavericks, compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Mavericks have won 70 RMAC regular
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82%
Acceptance
$15,103
Net price
8,143
Enrollment
41%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
82%
Acceptance rate
1,055
SAT average
23
ACT midpoint
Bars show the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students.
Cost & Financial Aid
$15,103
Average net price
$9,927
In-state tuition
$25,124
Out-of-state tuition
$12,209
Room & board
$1,800
Books & supplies
$24,046
Total cost of attendance
28%
Students receiving Pell grants
31%
Students with federal loans
$22,000
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$45,823
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$39,223
Median earnings (6 yrs)
41%
Graduation rate
79%
Retention rate
71%
Earn more than a HS grad
$10,538
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
8,143
Total enrollment
15%
Part-time
22
Avg. age at entry
39%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
Colorado Mesa University FAQ
Is Colorado Mesa University a public or private school?
Colorado Mesa University is a public institution located in Grand Junction, CO.
What is the acceptance rate at Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado Mesa University has an acceptance rate of 82%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does Colorado Mesa University cost?
The average annual net price at Colorado Mesa University is $15,103 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $9,927 in-state and $25,124 out-of-state.
What is the graduation rate at Colorado Mesa University?
About 41% of students at Colorado Mesa University complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do Colorado Mesa University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Colorado Mesa University students earn a median of $45,823 per year.
What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Colorado Mesa University?
Admitted students at Colorado Mesa University have an average SAT score of 1,055 and an ACT midpoint of 23. Requirements vary, so check the school's admissions office for the latest.
How many students attend Colorado Mesa University?
Colorado Mesa University enrolls about 8,143 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Always dreamin · CC BY-SA 4.0. Additional images are representative.
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