Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado

Hardest to Get Into

23 results

United States Air Force Academy
4 Year
USAF Academy, CO
256 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 256 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
11% Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
1230-1410 SAT Range
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Colorado College
4 Year
Colorado Springs, CO
755 reviews
#2 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado
Junior: I have had a great experience at Colorado College pursuing a major in Molecular Biology with a minor in Human Biology and Kinesiology. The block plan; however, does not work for everyone. I will admit that it is difficult to learn all of the material you need to succeed in only three and a half weeks. Yet, if you prioritize your studies and focus on time management, you will do well. Having class on a typical 9-12 schedule allows me to have more time to do many of the activities that I enjoy including intramural sports, ceramics, and working in the athletic training room. I would definitely recommend checking this school out!
Read 755 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Academics
15% Acceptance Rate
$28,390 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Colorado School of Mines
4 Year
Golden, CO
882 reviews
#3 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado
Sophomore: What I love most about CSM is its prestige. If you want to major in STEM this is the place to go. I have had great experiences with the professors and the community in general at Mines. In only two years Mines has not only molded me for the professional world, but for life as well.
At this school, it's okay and even cool to be a nerd. Being surrounded by brilliant people has helped me become who I really am. Not only is the academic side amazing but so is the recreational and the athletics side.
Our athletics are A1 and are extremely fun to take a study break and watch. The athletes on campus are also smart, just like you, so they aren't like jocks.
The location of the school is great, within walking distance from downtown Golden which is amazing!
Have no complaints besides the homework!
Read 882 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Academics
49% Acceptance Rate
$25,767 Net Price
1290-1450 SAT Range
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University of Denver
4 Year
Denver, CO
1,944 reviews
#4 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado
Freshman: I love being a student at DU. The campus is gorgeous, the people are so kind, and the variety of classes offered is incredible. I've always been really involved in extracurricular activities, and DU encourages students to get involved on campus. It's common for someone to be taking 12-16 credit hours of classes and be involved in more than one campus activity or have a job! I fell in love with DU in about the first minute I was on campus for a tour. There truly is something for everyone on DU's campus. You like sports? Students get free tickets to all sporting events (except hockey) and $5 tickets to hockey. Greek life? Join it, it's awesome. Student government? Run for election in the Senate. Dungeons and Dragons? Yep, DU has that too. Like to sing? Join an acapella group. If you like it, chances are DU's got it. Overall, DU's an amazing school.
Read 1,944 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A
Academics
56% Acceptance Rate
$34,337 Net Price
1170-1370 SAT Range
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Regis University
4 Year
Denver, CO
1,070 reviews
#5 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 1,070 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B
Academics
60% Acceptance Rate
$26,273 Net Price
1050-1230 SAT Range
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University of Colorado Denver
4 Year
Denver, CO
1,703 reviews
#6 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado
Sophomore: I have been coming to the Auraria campus since I was in middle school and in the Pre-Collegiate program. The experience of inclusivity and active engagement is really great, but I also love the flexibility for nontraditional students like myself! It's a commuter school within the hustle and bustle of Downtown Denver and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.
Read 1,703 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Academics
64% Acceptance Rate
$14,477 Net Price
1020-1210 SAT Range
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University of Colorado - Boulder
4 Year
Boulder, CO
2,847 reviews
#7 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado
Alum: CU has tons of clubs to join as well. Don't let this opportunity pass you by as membership, consistency and commitment are viewed favorably on scholarship and job apps. Dorms are dining halls are comfortable and spacious. I was lucky enough to live in Williams Village. While life on campus is near perfect, life off campus is just as great! Plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance, shopping and limitless outdoor activities to choose from. Boulder is not only a hub of great food, drink and education, but is an oasis from big city life in Denver, nestled beneath the flatirons with access to countless hiking biking, skiing, natural and geological observation spots. CU Boulder provides opportunity for growth and development in one of the most beautiful, well-educated, healthiest and happiest cities in America. My advice is to make the most of all opportunities on campus in the forms of clubs and activities and to take advantage of free printing and food when you can find it!
Read 2,847 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Academics
82% Acceptance Rate
$21,466 Net Price
1150-1360 SAT Range
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Metropolitan State University of Denver
4 Year
Denver, CO
2,851 reviews
#8 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado
Sophomore: I love the diverse community that make up the student body on campus! There are so many people from different towns, states, and even countries! On top of this, each person sports a myriad of interests, classes, and work experience. Students are very ambitious at this campus, which allows you to surround yourself with people who strive to be the very best at whatever they apply themselves to. Ultimately this pushes you to challenge what you know, defend what you believe in, and in the end, make you a better person.
Read 2,851 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
59% Acceptance Rate
$15,248 Net Price
900-1110 SAT Range
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Colorado State University
4 Year
Fort Collins, CO
3,897 reviews
#9 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado
Sophomore: Colorado State is such a welcoming, diverse and beautiful campus. The second you walk on campus, it is easy to see that people are happy and healthy here. There are beautiful views all from campus, and it is overall really green. Additionally, as one of our motto's is "Rams Take Care of Rams", the community is extremely supportive and helpful. We are all in this together, and as a student here, you truly do feel the support of staff, students and professors all around campus. Additionally, Fort Collins is such a gorgeous and safe place to live, and you can always find things to do around town!
Read 3,897 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Academics
84% Acceptance Rate
$17,914 Net Price
1070-1280 SAT Range
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Colorado Mesa University
4 Year
Grand Junction, CO
1,205 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 1,205 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
81% Acceptance Rate
$14,403 Net Price
940-1050 SAT Range
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Fort Lewis College
4 Year
Durango, CO
1,088 reviews
Freshman: Though I am still currently attending Fort Lewis College, my experiences so far could not be more memorable. While managing both academics and athletics at the college level, Fort Lewis provides numerous resources to make this possible. The faculty and administrators go out of their way to assist you on your pathway to success. I am overall very pleased with my decision of choosing Fort Lewis College to continue my academic and athletic career. Fort Lewis offers a very welcoming atmosphere for students all around the world, and I feel proud to be a Skyhawk! Truly, Fort Lewis College has given me a great college experience, and I can't wait to continue another three years at this institution that I call home.
Read 1,088 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
91% Acceptance Rate
$18,522 Net Price
1010-1200 SAT Range
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Western Colorado University
4 Year
Gunnison, CO
364 reviews
Junior: Gunnison is a great place to be. I love the small town and the small school. Classes are small and the professors really care about each of there students. Western is a great school for those who love to be outside. They have everything. You can hike, bike, camp, ski, snowshoe, paddle board, rock climb to name a few. The ski resort is close and has a free bus going up every hour. Its great to be able to ski on a school day and still have time to get school work done.
Read 364 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
89% Acceptance Rate
$17,230 Net Price
1000-1170 SAT Range
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University of Northern Colorado
4 Year
Greeley, CO
2,144 reviews
Freshman: From the very first semester I observed how great the professors are in this school. My Biology and Chemistry professors were there to help after class hours and if they made a mistake, they were willing to change it. Fitting in was one of my biggest concerns entering UNC. However, on one of the very first days of college there was a huge event where campus activities, clubs, and sports were showcased. That was a great help to me since I didn't know how to get involved. I became part of Challenge, a Christian organization on campus, and it has been a huge blessing! These people helped me fit in and inspired me to love others.
Read 2,144 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
91% Acceptance Rate
$14,641 Net Price
990-1190 SAT Range
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University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
4 Year
Colorado Springs, CO
1,820 reviews
Freshman: As a current UCCS freshman pursuing a business degree, my personal experience at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs thus far has been wonderful!
Going into college, I was concerned about making new friends and fitting into a more academically-centered environment, but both of those worries turned out to be unnecessary. Through a startup class, I found a group of four other people who I now consistently hang out with on campus, and everyone else I've met has been welcoming and friendly. My stress over whether or not I was academically inclined enough to survive college also disappeared quite quickly, as I've managed to do well in all of my classes. All of my teachers know me by first name and have been willing to work with me.
I'm so glad that I chose to attend UCCS, as I've learned that it presents a ton of opportunities that I'm excited to continue taking advantage of.
Read 1,820 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
91% Acceptance Rate
$15,645 Net Price
1010-1210 SAT Range
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Colorado State University - Pueblo
4 Year
Pueblo, CO
982 reviews
Sophomore: I love CSUP! I have had very good experiences with everyone that I have come in contact with. The classes are a great size to where your professors will know you, but they do offer some bigger classes if that is more your style! They are also remodeling or have remodeled a lot of campus where it is new and looks amazing!
Read 982 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
95% Acceptance Rate
$12,243 Net Price
920-1120 SAT Range
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Adams State University
4 Year
Alamosa, CO
565 reviews
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 565 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
C
Academics
99% Acceptance Rate
$13,314 Net Price
870-1080 SAT Range
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Colorado Christian University
4 Year
Lakewood, CO
1,232 reviews
Freshman: Colorado Christian is an amazing college to continue your education and to grow with the Heavenly Father, they will protect and take care of you. They want all their students to be involved and included. They will check up on you and do there very best to accommodate you! They make it easy to apply for scholarships, applications, classes ect. Something I truly love about Colorado Christian is they pray safety, confidence, focus , good grades , good relationships, over all there students and their students pray for the class at the beining of each class, Colorado Christian is United. Dorm life is beyond awesome , they want every single student to be comfortable and ready to have a great academic year so they have all students in apartment like dorms to get the best rest and best community for there students.
Read 1,232 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Academics
100% Acceptance Rate
$25,031 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs
4 Year
Colorado Springs, CO
1,291 reviews
Senior: From initial application through every aspect of a two or four year degree, they are so helpful. All classes needed are online and the double time classes are set up for successful degree completion in half the time. I wish I could get my master’s online here also!
Read 1,291 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
C
Academics
100% Acceptance Rate
$15,478 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design
4 Year
Lakewood, CO
202 reviews
Freshman: So far I'm really enjoying my time as an online Illustration major at RMCAD! The teachers are very helpful at helping configure certain techniques and setting a very structured online class that's easy to follow! The classes are somewhat time consuming but if you are willing to work and learn a lot. The teachers I've had are also very good at corresponding with me and the financial aid office is also very helpful! If you are able to get financial aid the online route is the cheapest and also a high quality education!
Read 202 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Academics
100% Acceptance Rate
$22,975 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Red Rocks Community College
4 Year
Lakewood, CO
713 reviews
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 713 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
C
Academics
100% Acceptance Rate
$8,493 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Colorado Mountain College
4 Year
Glenwood Springs, CO
313 reviews
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 313 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
C
Academics
100% Acceptance Rate
$5,818 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Pueblo Community College
4 Year
Pueblo, CO
429 reviews
Junior: They are very warm and open to talking to students to see how they can support them. The campus tries to get student involved even though it is a community college and many students have full time jobs. When it comes to classes they are for the most part small and the teacher is easy to contact and able to get one on one help. Students are very open to helping one another and the college promotes student services .If you are struggling there are several ways they make one on one help possible with other staff as well. The campus also has success coaches that are able to meet with you upon request or if your grades begin to fall. They will help you come up with a plan to help bring up your grades and will help monitor the progress. If you are struggling with issues at home that may be effecting your education they also will help students find local resources. This can range from child care, to food help as well. This college is also great for helping students plan after graduation.
Read 429 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
C-
Academics
100% Acceptance Rate
$11,934 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Community College of Denver
4 Year
Denver, CO
921 reviews
Freshman: My experience at the Community College of Denver by far has been very great. All the professors I've had have been really amazing and helpful with whatever you need help with. The more you communicate with your professor, the more it will benefit and help you out. I like that my classes are fairly easy, understandable and interesting! Definitely a great community college for anyone that doesn't know what exactly they want to major in. Advisors help out a lot on what classes to take, financial aid help, and simply just helping out with your mental health when it is needed. The college also has writing, math and reading labs for anyone that needs it. They have tutoring from students themselves. It is a great college with amazing help from the professors, advisors and students.
Read 921 Reviews
C
Overall Niche Grade
C-
Academics
100% Acceptance Rate
$6,736 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Richmond, VA
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2020 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in ColoradoAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

United States Air Force Academy

Colorado College

Colorado School of Mines

University of Denver

Regis University

University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado - Boulder

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Colorado State University

Colorado Mesa University

Fort Lewis College

Western Colorado University

University of Northern Colorado

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

Colorado State University - Pueblo

Adams State University

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs

Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design

Red Rocks Community College

Colorado Mountain College

Pueblo Community College

Community College of Denver

ECPI University - Richmond South, VA