Colorado Springs, CO · Admissions

Colorado College

Acceptance Rate & How to Get In

Colorado College has a 18% acceptance rate, making it highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. Admitted students score around 1240–1440 on the SAT. Here is what the numbers say it takes to get in.

18%
Acceptance rate
1240–1440
SAT (mid 50%)
29–33
ACT (mid 50%)
Test-optional
Testing

How hard is it to get into Colorado College?

With a 18% acceptance rate, Colorado College is highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 1,979 undergraduates (urban setting) in Colorado Springs, CO. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

  • SAT: admitted students land around 1240–1440 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
  • ACT: the middle 50% is about 29–33.
  • GPA: admitted students average around 3.95. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
  • Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
  • Essays: at Colorado College's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $73,038 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Environmental Studies · Organismal Biology & Ecology · Economics · Political Science

See the Common App personal-statement guide

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Colorado College admissions FAQ

What is Colorado College's acceptance rate?
Colorado College's acceptance rate is 18%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Colorado College?
Admitted students typically score about 1240–1440 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 29–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is Colorado College test-optional?
Colorado College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Colorado College’s official admissions site.