Colorado College vs. USAFA

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO with United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

United States Air Force Academy is larger than Colorado College based on total student enrollment (4,114 students vs. 2,056 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, CO (Large City setting); United States Air Force Academy is in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting).
• Colorado College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado College 9:1; United States Air Force Academy 7:1.

Colorado College vs. USAFA Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Colorado College and USAFA ($70,734.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Colorado College and United States Air Force Academy ($70,734.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colorado College than at United States Air Force Academy (56% vs. 0%).

Colorado College vs. USAFA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Colorado College or USAFA? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USAFA and Colorado College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Colorado College (1350) is 10 points higher than at USAFA (1340).
• Incoming Colorado College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 29 at USAFA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Colorado College 1230/1460; United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Colorado College 29/33; United States Air Force Academy 26/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado College - Test optional; USAFA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colorado College Jan 15, 2027; USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman Colorado College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.98) than students at USAFA (3.81).
• Colorado College has a higher acceptance rate (18.5%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.3% at Colorado College vs. 78.5% at USAFA.

Colorado College vs. USAFA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado College and USAFA? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Colorado College's six-year graduation rate is 88%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for USAFA.
• Graduates from Colorado College have median earnings of about $46,000 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for USAFA.

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.