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2019 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in ColoradoAbout this List

Explore the hardest colleges to get into ranking based on acceptance rates and SAT/ACT test scores using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Compare the most selective colleges with the lowest acceptance rates and highest SAT/ACT test scores. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. United States Air Force Academy

    • 4 Year
    • USAFA, CO
    • 249
    #1 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Freshman: The United States Air Force Academy is not for everyone. It's for those who like a challenge, who like to push their selves, those who constantly strive for greatness and most importantly desire to serve their country. The well-rounded program here has and undoubtedly will produce leaders of character motivated to serve the USA by means of the USAF.
    Read 249 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 12% Acceptance Rate
    • — Net Price
    • 1210-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Colorado College

    • 4 Year
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • 728
    #2 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Alum: CC is an excellent place to study and challenge yourself! We're intellectual, physically active, passionate and mostly left of center ... but we're welcoming to everybody. The administration is great and so are the profs. I had one bad experience with a Psychology professor, but other than that, it's been awesome! I also studied Music while at CC and was really impressed with this program and all it offers. The Music Dept is definitely strong and a hidden gem!
    Read 728 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,528 Net Price
    • 1220-1430 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Colorado School of Mines

    • 4 Year
    • Golden, CO
    • 827
    #3 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Niche User: I am currently taking a few courses with Colorado School of Mines and Red Rocks Community College, and must say that the staff, environment, and class structure is amazing! Courses go in-depth, however, teachers are always there for you if you need any help or questions with the information. Homework is also manageable with a part-time career, and the class-size is also balanced perfectly! Thanks!
    Read 827 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,472 Net Price
    • 1310-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Colorado State University

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Collins, CO
    • 3,708

    Alum: For the most part, I love CSU. Most of the professors are really supportive, intersting, and caring. Parking and financial aid are an absolute joke. It's outrageous I have to pay 600 more a year to park my car and you aren't even guaranteed a spot! Financial aid told me "I need to wake up and realize I can't afford to go to school." If it weren't for the amazing professors and student community and beautiful campus, parking and financial aid would ruin CSU.
    Read 3,708 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,191 Net Price
    • 1100-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Denver

    • 4 Year
    • Denver, CO
    • 1,889
    #4 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Freshman: The extra opportunities at DU are fantastic! Not to mention the personable size, phenomenally balanced and experienced professors, and stellar location, the Honors Program and Pioneer Leadership Program add extra communities and "niches," if you will, in the school. I'm a freshman this year, and my expectations were exceeded because of these great programs! I'm so excited for what's to come in these next four years. DU has something for everyone, and responds SO well to self activism.
    Read 1,889 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Academics
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,163 Net Price
    • 1160-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Regis University

    • 4 Year
    • Denver, CO
    • 1,015
    #5 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Junior: Overall, I like Regis a lot. I am very involved (RA, Program planner at student activities) and am a really good student. The academics should be more challenging for it to be considered an intellectually stimulating experience. But then again, I find that's a hard experience to come by these days. Regis caters to student interests, so campus life is fun,and it's a good welcoming community. I like the Jesuit background. Even if you are not Jesuit the atmosphere is very welcoming to diverse beliefs. Food is great (bon appetit) and the campus is getting modernized, while maintaining much of it's Catholic architecture. I recommend this school, but like most things in life, your ROI depends on how much you continually invest.
    Read 1,015 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Academics
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,615 Net Price
    • 1070-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Colorado - Denver

    • 4 Year
    • Denver, CO
    • 1,607
    #6 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Junior: Professors are very passionate about teaching and advisors are very knowledgeable! Academics are great, but very work intensive. Tuition costs for out-of-state is way too high though.
    Read 1,607 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Academics
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,586 Net Price
    • 1060-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of Colorado - Boulder

    • 4 Year
    • Boulder, CO
    • 2,683
    #7 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Freshman: The University's campus is really huge and rated one of the best college cities. The environment is really well and open, everyone is nice and helpful on campus.
    Living in the dorms varies, it ultimately depends on where you live. Such as housing on another sit that belongs to campus, or on the main campus. There are also RAPS in dormitories which allow you to take classes in your dorm hall!
    Overall the experience in Boulder Colorado is an amazing experience, being surrounded by mountains, lots of fun things to do in Colorado!
    Read 2,683 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Academics
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,323 Net Price
    • 1150-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Metropolitan State University of Denver

    • 4 Year
    • Denver, CO
    • 2,721
    #8 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Junior: There is a lot to love about Metro! First off I love that it is easily accessible by public transportation. Taking the RTD lightrail downtown Denver is so quick and easy. Not to mention it drops you off right on campus! I also love that Metro is centrally located downtown. If you have time off in between classes there are so many places to visit in downtown Denver that you can walk to take the lightrail to. Next, all the professors that I have had at Metro have been amazing rolemodels. The class sizes are smaller compared to most universities so you feel that you can really get to know your professors. Last, the campus is amazing. It has a lot of diversity and it is clean!
    Read 2,721 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Academics
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,175 Net Price
    • 900-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Adams State University

    • 4 Year
    • Alamosa, CO
    • 541
    #9 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Alum: I met so many incredible people at Adams State. I had the opportunity to form wonderful relationships with my professors and peers alike. As a huge sport's fan, I would have loved to have seen a larger excitement around the athletics, although National Champs in track and cross-country are an amazing accomplishment!
    Read 541 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Academics
    • 99% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,989 Net Price
    • 880-1080 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Colorado State University

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Collins, CO
    • 3,708
    #10 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Alum: For the most part, I love CSU. Most of the professors are really supportive, intersting, and caring. Parking and financial aid are an absolute joke. It's outrageous I have to pay 600 more a year to park my car and you aren't even guaranteed a spot! Financial aid told me "I need to wake up and realize I can't afford to go to school." If it weren't for the amazing professors and student community and beautiful campus, parking and financial aid would ruin CSU.
    Read 3,708 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Academics
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,191 Net Price
    • 1100-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Colorado Mesa University

    • 4 Year
    • Grand Junction, CO
    • 1,130

    Freshman: Colorado Mesa University is an outstanding college. The moment you step on campus you fall in love with your surroundings. The different shaped buildings put a fun spin on the campus. All of the dorm halls are updated and comfortable to live in. Any location on campus is a perfect location to live in. There is a plentiful amount of food services available to the students. Everything from a spinoff Chipotle to an Einstein Bros Bagels. The food in the dining hall is average and could be improved. The menu is not changed out as often as it should be, and no one wants to eat a different version of the same meal 5 nights in a row. If this was improved Colorado Mesa University would have excellent class courses, teachers, and food quality.
    Read 1,130 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Academics
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,309 Net Price
    • 960-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Northern Colorado

    • 4 Year
    • Greeley, CO
    • 2,059

    Freshman: My name is Lauren Espinoza and it is my first year at the University of Northern Colorado and so far it has been blissful! Coming into college is a big step up, which can be stressful, scary and exciting all at once. UNC, does an extraordinary job at welcoming incoming students. From exposing you to all activities, clubs, etc. that are provided to filling you with important information necessary to help you transition. I enjoy very much how I feel like I am at home at UNC. Everyone, is very helpful, joyful, energetic and funny. I know that I can count on anybody around campus even though I may not know them. There is a variety of places for one to eat, find resources and places to study and do homework. All races, ethnicities, and cultures are presented throughout the country, allowing us to share and experience from one another.Definitely, a perfect match for me and would not want to change a thing.
    Read 2,059 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Academics
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,003 Net Price
    • 1000-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

    • 4 Year
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • 1,724

    Freshman: The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs is a great school to attend. It is a very green school and sustainability is very important here. The classes aren't very large so the professors will get to know you personally. The rec center is phenomenal. There are always activities going on during the week and weekends on campus. There is also a club for everyone! Because of this, everybody has a place that they can feel comfortable and fit in. The people are also amazing. You make new friends all the time and it is a safe, fun environment.
    Read 1,724 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Academics
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,427 Net Price
    • 1040-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Fort Lewis College

    • 4 Year
    • Durango, CO
    • 1,039

    Freshman: Fort Lewis College is amazing. This wasn’t my first choice of college, it was my second but overall I’m really loving it. The campus is great, academics/professors are very understanding also helpful, student life is the best I’ve experienced and I love the scenery so much. You get to have a full-college experience and have so many opportunities in & outside of campus. 100% recommended!
    Read 1,039 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Academics
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,208 Net Price
    • 1020-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Johnson & Wales University - Denver

    • 4 Year
    • Denver, CO
    • 414

    Freshman: I loved the mini culture I was able to obtain at JWU! Minus the fact that it is a smaller campus so the social aspect lacks a little bit there is always something going on within the student life. The academia always is watching out for the success of the students and I found myself excelling as a student there.
    Read 414 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,202 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Western Colorado University

    • 4 Year
    • Gunnison, CO
    • 354

    Freshman: Western is Colorado's best kept secret. Even though Gunnison is a small town, it has so much potential for growth and has a true small town feel- where everyone smiles and says hello no matter where you go. Classes are engaging and challenging and professors are personable and helpful. There isn't anywhere else I would rather be honestly!
    Read 354 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Academics
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,790 Net Price
    • 910-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Colorado State University - Pueblo

    • 4 Year
    • Pueblo, CO
    • 936

    Freshman: I have met so many people and made a lot of new friends, including my roommate. These people weren't just people I sat next to in class, they come from so many different backgrounds, but we all shared the same ambitions. Each of my instructors try to get to know their students in not only a learning stance, but personally too. On that note I enjoyed each class of mine, and they all consisted of a decent amount of learners who for the most part, were all there to earn a higher education. Two things that I would like changed is the amount of attention that is needed between the Advisors and Financial Aid. They both are major aspects to my learning, but I found that they both don’t know anything about each other so there was a lot of back and forth between offices I had to do. But all together I have had some great experiences from CSU-P that I would never change, and I am happy to say I go to Colorado State University- Pueblo!
    Read 936 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Academics
    • 95% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,988 Net Price
    • 930-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Colorado Christian University

    • 4 Year
    • Lakewood, CO
    • 1,135

    Senior: Could use improvement in the organization department, otherwise solid Christian based education! I found plenty of surprises after being accepted into my program. It was difficult to navigate the technological side of things, such as the platform they use for online schooling called BlackBoard. Somewhat unprofessional communication between instructors and adult students. Delayed and incomplete information also proved to be an issue. Overall, acceptable, though I may have chosen a different school if I had known about the issues ahead of time.
    Read 1,135 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Academics
    • 94% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,198 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Phoenix - Colorado

    • 4 Year
    • Lone Tree, CO
    • 219

    College Freshman: As an online university, I expected to be treated poorly. I ended up being treated like they had known me for years! It was a pleasant experience going through admissions and financial aid.
    Read 219 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,695 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Red Rocks Community College

    • 4 Year
    • Lakewood, CO
    • 681

    Junior: Red Rocks is an amazing community for the student who may not know exactly what they want to go into for a major, and just want to acquire an associates. The advisors are knowledgable, understanding, and are always willing to just sit and talk you through a problem. Then comes the tutoring, its absolutely amazing! The tutors are amazing explaining subjects to you and helping you out. But as with any college, you have to put in the effort to go to the tutors if you're struggling.

    The college experience is good, i always said that is isn't big enough to feel lost in the crowd, but just big enough as to always meet new people.
    Read 681 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $6,426 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Lakewood, CO
    • 188

    Freshman: I enjoy this school a lot so far. The faculty genuinely care about my learning and they don't want to see anyone left behind not knowing anything. Even in the online program the teachers are in touch with students and give specific feedback for how to improve. I just took a super-tough class about perspective drawing, and got all A's because the teacher explained the topics super well and answered all my questions.

    Also, the online format is surprisingly good for interacting with classmates. There are weekly discussions, which if you participate to your full capacity, will give you a strong sense of camaraderie with your classmates.

    As with any school, you reap from RMCAD what you sow in RMCAD. I've been giving all my passion and energy and drive to each assignment and improved my art skills so much already. If you're serious about a career in arts, but you need a flexible schedule and affordable tuition, RMCAD's online program is what you need!
    Read 188 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,349 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs

    • 4 Year
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • 1,201

    Junior: What I love about Colorado Technical University is the entire online experience! I was a nervous wreck before applying to this university. However after a rather long deliberation I decided to give them a call. And to my surprise, I have been here for three years now and I am still here today! What I would like to see changed (hopefully soon) is more financial resources provided for the minority students. I really feel like there should be more available, especially for the student whom are excelling in school. I, for one would be completely devastated should I not be able to complete my bachelor’s degree here at CTU due to a shortage on cash.
    Read 1,201 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,888 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Colorado Mountain College

    • 4 Year
    • Glenwood Springs, CO
    • 287

    Niche User: Smaller classes provide the opportunity for students to interact and communicate with professors and receive more hands-on educational experiences. The new Learning Materials Program is fantastic! This program allows students to receive their course texts and materials through a library-like lending system that ships books to the students at an affordable cost per credit. This college is very supportive of the environment and sustainability studies as well as the arts. All campus locations are settled within beautiful Colorado areas and the tuition is incredible!
    Read 287 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $7,229 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Pueblo Community College

    • 4 Year
    • Pueblo, CO
    • 388

    Freshman: Pueblo Community College has regular classes as well as hybrid classes. The instructors are diverse, interesting, and helpful. The class sizes at the Fremont Campus are small, ranging from 15 to 30 people, which I find very convenient. This allows students to have more personal relationships with professors. Together, both campuses have an array of useful and very helpful facilities including libraries and their free-access databases of information. The campus is also fun and frequently gives out shirts or serves free pizza for fun. I haven't met another student that doesn't enjoy their experience at PCC.
    Read 388 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,235 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Community College of Denver

    • 4 Year
    • Denver, CO
    • 881

    Freshman: This is a nice school. Most of the teachers are very caring since it's a more intimate environment, but it feels like they need to have more knowledgeable people in their front offices. When I first enrolled, there was an issue with my residency, stating I was an out of state resident even though I have always lived in Colorado. They gave me the complete runaround with different people telling me different things which was frustrating. Otherwise, the school itself is nice, huge campus, and I've been getting a nice education. I'd recommend it if you're like me and didn't know what you wanted to do and you want to explore that further.
    Read 881 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $8,962 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?