Academic Comparison between CU Boulder and Colorado Mesa

University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado Mesa University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Colorado

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • CU Boulder has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,970) than Colorado Mesa ($25,124).
  • It is harder to admit to CU Boulder than Colorado Mesa.
  • CU Boulder has a higher submitted SAT score (1,340) than Colorado Mesa (1,050).
  • CU Boulder has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Colorado Mesa (21).
  • CU Boulder has more students with 38,799 students while Colorado Mesa has 9,785 students.
  • Colorado Mesa has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while CU Boulder's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • CU Boulder has more full-time faculties with 1,616 faculties while Colorado Mesa has 342 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Colorado Bouldervs.Colorado Mesa University
Boulder, ColoradoLocationGrand Junction, Colorado
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$15,214
Out-Of-State$42,970
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,927
Out-Of-State$25,124
49%% Receiving Financial Aid67%
$12,072Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,096
78.08 %Acceptance Rates82.03 %
14.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)23.07 %
1,340SAT Score1,050
31ACT Score21
74 %Graduation Rate41 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate9 %
90 %Retention Rate79 %
38,799Student Population9,785
1,616Number of Faculties342
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare