Adams State University vs. CU Denver

Comparable Facts

Compare Adams State University in Alamosa, CO with University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is larger than Adams State University based on total student enrollment (23,124 students vs. 2,901 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Adams State University is located in Alamosa, CO (Remote Town setting); University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is in Denver, CO (Large City setting).
• Adams State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Adams State University 14:1; University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus 17:1.

Adams State University vs. CU Denver Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Adams State University or CU Denver? 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 CU Denver ($13,340 vs. $14,831).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Adams State University are 36.4% lower than at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ($9,820 vs. $15,442).
• University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Adams State University (about $559 more per year; $10,383.00 vs. $9,824.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.9% higher at CU Denver than at Adams State University (about $7,447 more per year; $29,391.00 vs. $21,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Adams State University than at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (91% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Adams State University students is 13.2% larger than aid received by University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus students ($10,747 vs. $9,496).

Adams State University vs. CU Denver Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Adams State University or CU Denver? 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 CU Denver and Adams State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (1100) is 80 points higher than at Adams State University (1020).
• Incoming CU Denver students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at Adams State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 910/1130; University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Adams State University 15/26; University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus 23/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Adams State University - Not reported; CU Denver - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CU Denver Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CU Denver students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Adams State University (3.2).

Adams State University vs. CU Denver Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Adams State University and CU Denver? 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).

• University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Adams State University's (23%).
• Graduates from University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus earn a median of about $30,100 more per year than Adams State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,200 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus graduates have a $101 lower median loan debt than Adams State University graduates ($21,190 vs. $21,291).
• Among borrowers, CU Denver graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Adams State University graduates ($219 vs. $220).
• More CU Denver graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Adams State University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.