Adams State University
Adams State University has annual tuition of $9,824, average net price of $12,980, and a national rank of #1645 (Grade C), with a 39.4% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 1,250 undergraduates, and median earnings of $52,621 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, CO. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business/Commerce.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and 50.7% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 81.0%, roughly 31.1 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Adams State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Adams State University graduates 39.4% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 38.8% and keeps 50.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Adams State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,824 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,920 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,820 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,790 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,352 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 37.8% of Adams State University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,947 to $20,274 depending on family income. Use Adams State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,787/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,274/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $52,621
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,372
- Average Years to Graduate 5.0 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 46.0%
- Employment Rate 85.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Adams State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Adams State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Adams State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Adams State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Adams State University graduates earn $52,621 median four years after graduation, -13% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,250
- Full-Time Students 73.2%
- Part-Time Students 26.8%
- Retention Rate 50.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 39.4%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 38.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Adams State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Adams State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Adams State University is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Adams State University undergraduates. Business/Commerce, General, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Business/Commerce, General 28.4%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 15.8%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 14.4%
- Sociology 6.9%
- Psychology, General 6.3%
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences 3.4%
See more majors
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.4%
- Music 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $72,966
- 2. Business/Commerce, General $53,884
- 3. Sociology $46,948
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $46,747
- 5. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $44,372
- 6. Psychology, General $37,943
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $57,713
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $56,444
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $56,413
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $54,569
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $72,966—92% more than Psychology, General ($37,943). Graduate: Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology programs lead with $57,713 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Adams State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 66 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (16 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Fine and Studio Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,250
- Full-Time Students 73.2%
- Part-Time Students 26.8%
- Male Students 57.4%
- Female Students 42.6%
- Caucasian 41.0%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 33.4%
- Black 9.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Adams State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Adams State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Adams State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Adams State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Adams State University has a diverse student body, with 41.0% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Adams State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Adams State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Adams State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1645 nationally with a 81.0% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,980 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $52,621 median earnings. The 39.4% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 50.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Adams State University's Strengths
Ranked #1645 with a C grade, Adams State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Adams State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,980 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Adams State University's 50.7% retention and 39.4% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($52,621 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Adams State University's 81.0% ROI and $12,980 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 39.4% graduation rate sits 23.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 50.7% first-year retention is 26.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 81.0% return on investment is 31.1 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,621 run about 13% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $12,980 is roughly $7,099 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 50.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.5% employment rate within three years sits 17.3 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Adams State University is a public university based in Alamosa, CO and earns a C overall grade. It stands at #1645 among 1962 schools Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
50.7% of learners come back after year one while 39.4% graduate within 150% of normal time (38.8% within eight years). Return on investment currently measures 81.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,980 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,352.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,372 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $52,621 at the median. This is roughly 13% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 85.5%.
The ROI comes in near 81.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Adams State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Adams State University cost?
At Adams State University, listed tuition and fees are $9,824 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,980. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Adams State University's ranking?
Adams State University ranks #1645 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Adams State University's graduation rate?
At Adams State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 39.4% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 38.8%, and first-year retention is 50.7%.
What are Adams State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Adams State University report median earnings of $52,621 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Adams State University's student population?
Adams State University enrolls about 1,250 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Alamosa, CO 81101
- Website www.adams.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$62,673
- Transfer Enrollment Rate36.7%