UCCS vs. USAFA

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Colorado Colorado Springs 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.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is larger than USAFA based on total student enrollment (11,354 students vs. 4,114 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs is located in Colorado Springs, CO (Large City setting); United States Air Force Academy is in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting).
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15:1; United States Air Force Academy 7:1.

UCCS vs. USAFA Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between University of Colorado Colorado Springs and USAFA ($10,149.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between UCCS and United States Air Force Academy ($24,336.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Colorado Colorado Springs than at United States Air Force Academy (80% vs. 0%).

UCCS vs. USAFA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UCCS 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 UCCS.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at United States Air Force Academy (1340) is 220 points higher than at UCCS (1120).
• Incoming USAFA students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 23 at UCCS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Colorado Colorado Springs 1010/1220; United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Colorado Colorado Springs 20/26; United States Air Force Academy 26/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UCCS - Test optional; USAFA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman USAFA students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at UCCS (3.36).
• UCCS has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at UCCS vs. 78.5% at USAFA.

UCCS vs. USAFA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UCCS 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.

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs's six-year graduation rate is 41%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for USAFA.
• Graduates from University of Colorado Colorado Springs have median earnings of about $46,400 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.