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2022 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

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  1. United States Air Force Academy

    • 4 Year
    • USAF ACADEMY, CO
    • 268 reviews
    #1 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Alum: What an amazing experience I do not want to repeat! Just like many experiences in the military, the time at the Academy is one of the most fun and unique experiences you never want to have again. From the application process, USAFA (among the other service academies) is set apart from a regular public university. Requiring congressional nominations to high SAT/ACT requirements, above-average GPA is a must, physical fitness, and leadership and community involvement are highly emphasized. ...The academics at USAFA is not only the top tier, but the faculty is of the highest caliber. Most classes have less than 20 cadets, allowing instructors/professors to devote a significant amount of attention to each student, they are exceptional in terms of availability and assistance. The Air Force Academy cadets and professors are heavily involved with research, heavily involved with AF partners across different industries in space and aerospace systems amongst others. ...Truly top tier!Read 268 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • — Net Price
    • 1230-1440 SAT Range
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  2. Colorado College

    • 4 Year
    • COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
    • 776 reviews
    #2 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Freshman: CC is a great college to study undergraduate program. The campus is really beautiful with green grass everywhere. Only by looking at the beauty of buildings and environments here can release your stress. At CC, we work hard, play hard. Professors are helpful; class is challenging with lots of assignments but at the same time they are really interesting too. Block Plan is a great curriculum where we only need to focus on one subject. At weekend and block break, we have amazing parties, go climbing CO Springs' spectacular mountains and go downtown. CC staff are very nice and willing to support students. CC is also very resourceful and generous with students through big financial aid package!...Read 776 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Academics
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,303 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  3. Colorado School of Mines

    • 4 Year
    • GOLDEN, CO
    • 919 reviews
    #3 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Sophomore: Mines is a great school! Golden is beautiful and you are always surrounded by mountains. The school is very tough, so be ready to work! Everyone there is very supportive and encouraging though, because everyone is in it together. Overall, I am very glad that I chose this school and I think it will immensely prepare me for the workforce...Read 919 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Academics
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,856 Net Price
    • 1160-1460 SAT Range
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  4. University of Denver

    • 4 Year
    • DENVER, CO
    • 1,997 reviews
    #4 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Alum: Oh man, I’m disheartened to see so many negative reviews! Granted, I graduated a few years before COVID so didn’t have to deal with online learning.My four years at DU were the best years of my life. I agree with others that many students are white, rich, and privileged; I came from a very urban, very diverse neighborhood and though at times I really felt the divide between me and my richer friends, it didn’t stop me from having a good time. At least when I attended in 2012, as a social sciences student, everyone in my classes was super chill. ...I had a great experience with the Criminology department. Loved all my classes and professors.Campus is stunning. Thoughthe undergrad population is small, I never felt like campus itself was small.As for nightlife, I got away with four years of college never having a fake ID. We went to the Stad senior year, but otherwise, house parties were the way to go. By junior year, downtown Denver was a quick light rail or Uber ride away...Read 1,997 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Academics
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,263 Net Price
    • 1170-1350 SAT Range
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  5. Metropolitan State University of Denver

    • 4 Year
    • DENVER, CO
    • 2,946 reviews
    #5 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Senior: MSU Denver is a great, affordable full university. I'm an undergrad, but I've heard great things about their full graduate school, too. It has a great reputation locally and it seems to be growing regionally and in various industries, expecially aviation and aerospace. Professors and instructors care about your success and many of them are incredibly well-connected. It's a commuter college and it's very diverse and inclusive, so you may not have the archetypical college experience, but it will be a great experience if you make the most of it. Food trucks even stop by the King Center every week!...Read 2,946 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Academics
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,067 Net Price
    • 890-1110 SAT Range
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  6. University of Colorado Denver

    • 4 Year
    • DENVER, CO
    • 1,765 reviews
    #6 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Junior: I've loved all of my time at CU Denver! Despite running into some less than compassionate instructors, I've felt the most supported in my time at CU Denver than I have in any other college experience. I love it so much that I'm considering jumping right into a master's program after I graduate next fall...Read 1,765 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Academics
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,865 Net Price
    • 1000-1220 SAT Range
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  7. Regis University

    • 4 Year
    • DENVER, CO
    • 1,100 reviews
    #7 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Sophomore: I love my university. I am going into my second year at Regis University, and I couldn't be more excited about it. I am in the honors program and am a double major, in neuroscience and art, and have found continuous support from my professor to juggle everything that I want to do. The campus is beautiful, and it is easy to learn in such a great environment. I was valedictorian of my high school and was worried college wouldn't challenge me. I have found that not true, as I am learning things I ever dreamed I would and the programs are such a high quality and intensity that I truly am intellectually stimulated. I love my campus, and the only thing to make it better would be if they had a neuroscience grad school so I could stay longer!...Read 1,100 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Academics
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,565 Net Price
    • 1030-1240 SAT Range
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  8. University of Colorado - Boulder

    • 4 Year
    • BOULDER, CO
    • 2,930 reviews
    #8 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

    Alum: Like any place, CU has its upsides and downsides, but quite frankly the campus is large enough to find some incredible people and the professors do an absolutely amazing job teaching their respective subjects. Within the first couple weeks at the university I was able to join a student led parkour group on-campus which were my first steps in the hobby. Not only that, but I've met some truly passionate and engaging professors who were amazing at conveying their material. The professors really care about their students and I still correspond with a couple of them on occasion. The cherry on top is that the campus is beautiful! If you have a bike you can everywhere you need to be no time! The campus also have academic programs in the residence halls that lets students take otherwise large classes (200+ students) in groups of 20-30 student. Its a great school and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a well rounded college experience...Read 2,930 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Academics
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,077 Net Price
    • 1140-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  9. Colorado State University

    • 4 Year
    • FORT COLLINS, CO
    • 4,016 reviews

    Senior: Overall, I have greatly enjoyed my time at Colorado State! There is an incredible community of supportive people and excellent opportunities, especially within the Warner College of Natural Resources. I have grown so much as a person here, and experienced so many great opportunities, although you definitely get out what you put in. There is such a wide array of groups to become involved in, and there are so many interesting and niche classes you have the opportunity to take. The vast majority of my professors have been passionate, knowledgeable, and understanding. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't absolutely feel satisfied in their choice to attend CSU. Additionally, the Ft. Collins area is very welcoming to students, and you will never be bored between the great nightlife and beautiful options for outdoor activities...Read 4,016 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Academics
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,793 Net Price
    • 1070-1290 SAT Range
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  12. Colorado Mesa University

    • 4 Year
    • GRAND JUNCTION, CO
    • 1,246 reviews

    Alum: I loved the small classroom environment, and my professors were fantastic! My professors were accommodating and precise during their lectures. The classes were small enough that you learn everyone's names, but the discussions were diverse. I became so close with my fellow students that we would hang out. The political science club provided a chance to visit the state capital and hear about legislation within the state. The size of the classes allowed you to make a connection with the professors. My relationship with these educators still stands today three years after I had graduated from school! I loved my experience!...Read 1,246 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Academics
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,788 Net Price
    • 930-1170 SAT Range
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  13. Western Colorado University

    • 4 Year
    • GUNNISON, CO
    • 375 reviews

    Sophomore: When looking into colleges my senior year of high school, Western stood out to me because of its small class sizes and areas of study to choose from. This campus was also rather small, this was important to me so I could stand out a bit more and grow as an individual and also hear my peers. To my professors I was not just another student, they would know my name and who I am as an individual...Read 375 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Academics
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,328 Net Price
    • 1000-1200 SAT Range
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  14. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

    • 4 Year
    • COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
    • 1,865 reviews

    Sophomore: UCCS has excellent professors who are very open-minded and ready to help their students with whatever problems or questions that may arise. It is a bit difficult to get involved socially, being that it is a commuter school but there are various opportunities to connect if you dig a little more! Overall, I could not have asked for a better experience at a college, especially during Covid-19. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my bachelor’s and potentially my master’s degree at UCCS...Read 1,865 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Academics
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,221 Net Price
    • 1020-1230 SAT Range
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  15. University of Northern Colorado

    • 4 Year
    • GREELEY, CO
    • 2,202 reviews

    Freshman: The campus is absolutely beautiful, especially in the mornings. Professors here are really understanding and are really fun as-well. Classes are going to be difficult, of-course but it's fun learning. There are so many activities for students to do! Anywhere and anytime there are always fun activities being planned and help. For example one of the sororities help a taco stand and I felt like I was back home eating my street tacos with my Horchata! I really love the atmosphere and it's not too far or close from home!...Read 2,202 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Academics
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,965 Net Price
    • 970-1200 SAT Range
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  16. Fort Lewis College

    • 4 Year
    • DURANGO, CO
    • 1,135 reviews

    Senior: I'm so happy I chose FLC! The community is diverse and accepting, the campus is beautiful, the classes are manageable, and the faculty and staff are amazing. It's really like a family here on campus. My department has supported me in both academic and personal areas, and I've gown very close with several faculty members. ...Throughout my degree the administration has helped me construct my schedule so that I can graduate with a double-major on time, and has made sure I've always had what I needed. I'm proud to soon be a Fort Lewis graduate and I'll miss it for sure...Read 1,135 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Academics
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,204 Net Price
    • 980-1200 SAT Range
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  17. Colorado State University - Pueblo

    • 4 Year
    • PUEBLO, CO
    • 1,009 reviews

    Sophomore: I love my school. I do think that sometimes there are issues with teachers, but that is going to happen at any school. I also think the academic advisor situation can be a bit problematic. I am a sophomore and have already had three different advisors, which can be confusing when registering for classes. Other than that, Colorado State University-Pueblo is a wonderful school. There are so many amazing opportunities for every person on campus. The school overall is so inclusive and progressive, and it makes me so proud to be a student there. The President of the school is so supportive and so reassuring, especially in times like we are right now. Colorado State University-Pueblo is a wonderful school and I have absolutely loved my time there...Read 1,009 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Academics
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,797 Net Price
    • 940-1130 SAT Range
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  18. Colorado State University - Global

    • 4 Year (Online)
    • 236 reviews

    Alum: My experience with CSU Global was almost perfect. Transferred there from traditional brick and mortar university, after receiving my associates from a community college. The only snag was the transition with the implementation of the new AICPA standards for the CPA designation. Really everyone was kind of fumbling with that transition, so I do not fault them for a few months of not being positive what qualified for what. The professors mostly care that you learn what will most impact you in your accounting career. The policies worked well for me, a working adult that was also a single Mom. I highly recommend it, so much so that 5 of my co-workers have followed in my steps successfully!...Read 236 Reviews

    • unavailable
      Overall Niche Grade
    • unavailable
      Academics
    • 99% Acceptance Rate
    • — Net Price
    • 950-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  19. Adams State University

    • 4 Year
    • ALAMOSA, CO
    • 580 reviews

    Freshman: I really enjoy Adams State University. I have been a concurrent student at this university for about two years now. I am super excited to attend there full time this next fall. I relish in the beautiful views of the mountains that I get to partake in all around. I find it enjoyable that the mountains are a great get away and only take a few minutes to get to. I also appreciate the tight knit community and the friendliness of everyone here. I am excited to partake in my next adventure in such a unique place!...Read 580 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 99% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,383 Net Price
    • 890-1090 SAT Range
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  22. Colorado Christian University

    • 4 Year
    • LAKEWOOD, CO
    • 1,279 reviews

    Junior: Adjusting to the mazes of on-line technical dynamics befuddled me. However, the first two weeks at had a pleasant start. With a kind counselor’s gentle helpfulness and a patient instructor my grades soared. CCU breaks the courses into Seminars. My degree plan has five-week Seminars for the next year. ...My 1/2/22 class will have challenging assignments, including interaction with fellow students through the DISCUSSION component. CCU online course is delightfully unlike others I have taken. For the person who wants to learn precision in writing papers while expanding their thinking processes and at the same time learn to apply Biblical content to living and learning, I recommend Colorado Christian College...The cost, well. A difference of $10 per credit hour exists between CCU tuition to University of Texas at Tyler. Therefore, I spend MUCH time hunting for scholarships.Read 1,279 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B minus
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,476 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
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  23. Colorado Technical University

    • 4 Year
    • COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
    • 1,404 reviews

    Freshman: Colorado Technical College was perfect for me because their flexibility with on line classes along with the very helpful staff and fellow classmates, there is really no way I could fail. The staff is amazing and with me being a older student at age 40,I was worried that I waited to long to start pursuing my passion and it would be likely that navigating school on line would be very difficult. I was very wrong The transition was easy and the staff was very knowledgeable at showing me ways to navigate my dashboard. This has proven to be the best choice I could've made thus far. I have no doubt that with all the support here at CTU ,at home and also such amazing flexibility with the classes that I can continue moving forward and advance in my career. My dreams will soon become, My Reality! Thank You CTU stuff and peers both for believing I can succeed and Thank You for standing by my side to help guide me through this Amazing Journey, Everyone here at CTU really wants to see me succeed...Read 1,404 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,260 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  24. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • LAKEWOOD, CO
    • 224 reviews

    Sophomore: I love the education I am receiving at RMCAD! I wish the tuition wasn't so high, though. It is difficult to afford to live and work while managing a full time education, as the courses are incredibly fast paced, which is good, but sometimes it is a little too fast to fully take in the new information...Read 224 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,942 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  25. Red Rocks Community College

    • 4 Year
    • LAKEWOOD, CO
    • 746 reviews

    Graduate Student: Professors are caring, and they are genuinely passionate about what they do. Always make sure their students are learning and go above and beyond to make sure every student succeeds. There are plenty of opportunities, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. If you are scared of going higher education or arent sure if you want to pursue higher education, Red Rocks is the place to go. Classes are small, and you feel comfortable because professors understand that many students have to work. With the pandemic, professors tried their best to keep classes exciting and easy, but you still learned the content...Read 746 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,784 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  26. Front Range Community College

    • 4 Year
    • WESTMINSTER, CO
    • 1,489 reviews

    Senior: I am part of the Early College Program through Front Range Community College. This program allows you to earn your associate's degree while completing your high school diploma. Additionally, through my school this program is cost free! I am incredibly thankful to have had this opportunity. I have been able to jump ahead 3 years in my academic career. I am also graduating with honors and going to the University of Colorado Denver to get my Bachelors degree in Biochemistry. The only negative thing I could think about regarding this school is the low level of diversity. I am part of the LGBTQ+ and Disabled communities. While in attendance I felt almost out of place. Other than this one small downside, this school is amazing. I am so incredibly excited about what my future may hold. My success is largely due to this amazing school...Read 1,489 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,345 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  29. Arapahoe Community College

    • 4 Year
    • LITTLETON, CO
    • 702 reviews

    Sophomore: ACC is a standout amongst all community colleges for its impressive size, affordable tuition, and highly experienced faculty, some of whom teach classes at major universities like CSU and UCCS, meaning that you obtain a five-star education at a fraction of the cost. ACC is highly progressive on racial and gender issues, striving to make students of all backgrounds feel welcomed. Oftentimes, though, their emphasis on this becomes an agenda, not positive values, sometimes putting students from minorities on the spot or disrupting classes and events to bring up politics and issues that most of the students don't want to talk about, and most assuredly not pay for. All in all, though, ACC is a fantastic school with some fantastic professors, and is well worth the low low tuition!...Read 702 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C minus
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,435 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  30. Pikes Peak Community College

    • 4 Year
    • COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
    • 1,528 reviews

    Sophomore: PPCC is an amazing college. I feel heard and supported here. If there is ever an issue, the student success team and my advisor help me out tremendously with finding an action plan. Most of my professors are kind, understanding, and really push me to be a better student. There are so many resources that PPCC gives to us students, from counseling to financial aid. The love I have for this school is immeasurable!...Read 1,528 Reviews

    • C minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C minus
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,164 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
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  31. Colorado Mountain College

    • 4 Year
    • GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO
    • 325 reviews

    Freshman: CMC is a fantastic school for those who arent sure of they want to commit to a 4-year university, it shows what to expect from college-level work and how to adjust from highschool. Not to mention that the tuition is extremely cheap and they make it easy for nearly anyone to afford classes!...Read 325 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Academics
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $5,975 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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    Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder

    • 2 Year
    • BOULDER, CO
    • 85 reviews

    Freshman: There’s not enough room to tell everything I love about Escoffier. If you want to learn from the best, this is the place. The staff from admissions to the Chefs are so wonderful. They really do want you to succeed. It’s not uncommon for me to be chatting with my instructor at 2am for help with my assignments. Best decision I could’ve ever made FOR ME. I’m learning SO MUCH! I’m gonna be as good or better than any chef on TV!...Read 85 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $8,311 Net Price
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    Norfolk State University

    • 4 Year
    • NORFOLK, VA
    • 1,472 reviews

    Junior: Behold the Green and Gold! Norfolk State University is a 4 year historically Black college that is known for its immaculate STEM and athletic programs. It has a very rich and diverse culture within its student body campus. This school is located in the Norfolk/ Hampton Roads area and is the highlight of Norfolk's education system. As a student at Norfolk State, you can always expect to be doing something on campus. The Spartan tradition offers daily activities during the day that are inclusive for all types of students. This type of learning environment offers hands-on and top of the line resources such as the new Writing Center and the Spartan Sucess center. The main goal for the students of Norfolk State is to create professional individuals to become leaders in the world. Therefore, If you are looking for a school with diversity, culture, and tradition; then, Norfolk State is for you!...Read 1,472 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,645 Net Price
    • 860-1040 SAT Range
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    Southern Virginia University

    • 4 Year
    • BUENA VISTA, VA
    • 373 reviews

    Alum: This school changed the entire trajectory of my life. The small classes were perfect for my learning style, and I felt that my professors genuinely cared about my growth and progress. I developed as a whole person—spiritually, intellectually, athletically, and it changed the way I understood the world around me. Being exposed to so many subjects and ideas helped me discover what I wanted to do professionally and prepared me to be successful in graduate school. I also met my beautiful wife! I couldn't have asked for a better college experience...Read 373 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 98% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,816 Net Price
    • 960-1200 SAT Range
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