Adams State University vs. Colorado Mesa

Comparable Facts

Compare Adams State University in Alamosa, CO with Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado Mesa University is larger than Adams State University based on total student enrollment (9,785 students vs. 2,901 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adams State University is located in Alamosa, CO (Remote Town setting); Colorado Mesa University is in Grand Junction, CO (Small City setting).
• Adams State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Colorado Mesa University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adams State University 14:1; Colorado Mesa University 18:1.

Adams State University vs. Colorado Mesa Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adams State University or Colorado Mesa? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Adams State University than Colorado Mesa ($13,340 vs. $15,590).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Adams State University are 19.6% lower than at Colorado Mesa University ($9,820 vs. $12,209).
• Colorado Mesa University is 1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adams State University (about $103 more per year; $9,927.00 vs. $9,824.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.5% higher at Colorado Mesa than at Adams State University (about $3,180 more per year; $25,124.00 vs. $21,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adams State University than at Colorado Mesa University (91% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adams State University students is 29.7% larger than aid received by Colorado Mesa University students ($10,747 vs. $8,285).

Adams State University vs. Colorado Mesa Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adams State University or Colorado Mesa? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Colorado Mesa and Adams State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado Mesa University (1050) is 30 points higher than at Adams State University (1020).
• Incoming Colorado Mesa students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Adams State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 910/1130; Colorado Mesa University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 15/26; Colorado Mesa University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adams State University - Not reported; Colorado Mesa - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Colorado Mesa students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Adams State University (3.2).

Adams State University vs. Colorado Mesa Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adams State University and Colorado Mesa? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Colorado Mesa University's six-year graduation rate (25%) is higher than Adams State University's (23%).
• Graduates from Colorado Mesa University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Adams State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Adams State University graduates have a $459 lower median loan debt than Colorado Mesa graduates ($21,291 vs. $21,750).
• Among borrowers, Adams State University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colorado Mesa graduates ($220 vs. $224).
• More Colorado Mesa graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adams State University students, three years after graduation. (48% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.