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Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, CO | Public | Trade School | HSI
Hispanic-Serving

Colorado Mountain College has annual tuition of $2,616, and average net price of $7,813, with a 27.4% six-year graduation rate, about 2,816 undergraduates, and median earnings of $36,307 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

Colorado Mountain College is a public university in Glenwood Springs, CO. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Criminal Justice and Corrections.

Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 40.0% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.

Unranked
Ranking
Insufficient data
How We Rank Schools Lower tuitionPublic school option
At a Glance
Ranking
Not reported
Tuition
$2,616
Net Price
$7,813
4-Year Tuition
$10,464
Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Transfer Rate
26.7%
Student Population
2,816
Student-Faculty
10:1
Graduation Rate
27.4%
Retention Rate
40.0%
6-Yr Earnings
$36,307
ROI
Not reported

Who is Colorado Mountain College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Families tracking affordability closely
Students valuing supportive learning environments

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$5,190-$13,689 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Challenging
27.4% finish within six years. 2.8% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Employment outlook unavailable
Employment rate data is not reported. Median earnings six years after entry are $36,307. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Colorado Mountain College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$59,196
$14,799 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$35,158
$7,813 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 2.8% | 6-Year Rate: 27.4%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 2.8% and six-year completion is 27.4%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$14,799
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$7,813
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

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 $2,616
Books and Supplies $840
On-Campus Room and Board $12,680
On-Campus Other Expenses $1,811
Total On-Campus Cost $14,799

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

Pell Grant
12.3%
Federal Loan
8.3%

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 12.3% of Colorado Mountain College students receive Pell Grants — below 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.

$0 - $30,000
$5,190
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$3,311
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$7,413
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$9,512
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$13,689
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $5,190 to $13,689 depending on family income. Use Colorado Mountain College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$23,355
$30K-$48K families
~$14,900
$48K-$75K families
~$33,358
$75K-$110K families
~$42,804
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $9,512/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,689/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
Not reported
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $36,307
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $44,127
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $5,500
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 51.9%
  • Employment Rate Not reported

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Colorado Mountain College 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.

Graduates earn a median of $36,307 six years after enrollment — roughly 17% below the national median.
Payback Period
0.97 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Colorado Mountain College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Colorado Mountain College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Colorado Mountain College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Selectivity Not Reported
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 2,816
  • Full-Time Students 45.3%
  • Part-Time Students 54.7%
  • Retention Rate 40.0%
  • Graduation Rate 27.4%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1

How to Get Into Colorado Mountain College

1. Meet Program Requirements: Colorado Mountain College focuses on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific program requirements, which may include a high school diploma or equivalent, and any prerequisite coursework.

2. Prepare for Your Program: Focus on demonstrating your interest in the field and readiness for hands-on training. Some programs may require interviews or portfolio submissions.

3. Understand Admissions: Trade and certificate programs typically have open or moderately selective admissions focused on program fit rather than academic competition.

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 Colorado Mountain College undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, and Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Techni draw the most students.

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 23.7%
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 14.4%
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Techni 5.9%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.6%
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing 5.3%
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.2%
See more majors
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.2%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.3%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Certificate Programs

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,457
  • 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections $73,767
  • 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $52,693
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $46,083
  • 5. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $44,138
  • 6. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $41,067
  • 7. Hospitality Administration/Management $40,349
  • 8. Sustainability Studies $38,053
  • 9. Hospitality Administration/Management $37,895

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $81,457—115% more than Hospitality Administration/Management ($37,895). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Colorado Mountain College. 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

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 407 graduates)
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 135 graduates)
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 82 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 82 graduates)
  • Hospitality Administration/Management (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 67 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 (4 programs)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Education, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (25 programs)
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services
  • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
  • Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Fire Protection
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
  • Real Estate
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies
  • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
  • Historic Preservation and Conservation
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
  • Precision Metal Working
  • Design and Applied Arts

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,816
  • Full-Time Students 45.3%
  • Part-Time Students 54.7%
  • Male Students 36.3%
  • Female Students 63.7%
  • Caucasian 56.4%
  • Asian 1.0%
  • Hispanic 35.1%
  • Black 1.4%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 12.3%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Colorado Mountain College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Colorado Mountain College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Colorado Mountain College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
35.6%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
21.5%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.1 pts
equity gap to monitor

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 Colorado Mountain College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Women make up 63.7% of undergraduates. About 12.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Colorado Mountain College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
35.6%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
21.5%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
14.1 pts
equity gap to monitor

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 Colorado Mountain College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Colorado Mountain College serves as a highly accessible trade school for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $7,813 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $36,307 median earnings. The 27.4% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a trade school. While 40.0% retention suggests adequate student support.

Trade School Value: Colorado Mountain College's Strengths

Unranked with a Unranked grade, Colorado Mountain College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Trade Schools like Colorado Mountain College excel at providing affordable education ($7,813 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: Colorado Mountain College's 40.0% retention and 27.4% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical trade school performance. Career outcomes ($36,307 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Colorado Mountain College and $7,813 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • 27.4% six-year graduation rate sits 35.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 40.0% first-year retention is 36.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • Median earnings of $36,307 run about 17% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $7,813 is roughly $9,584 lower than the national median of $17,397.
  • 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 40.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 12.3% trails the national share by 26.8 points, so equity work remains important.
  • 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

Colorado Mountain College is a public university based in Glenwood Springs, CO and earns a Unranked overall grade. Category results include Completion (Unranked), Support (Unranked), Career Outcomes (Unranked), and Affordability (Unranked).

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.

Student momentum is strong: 40.0% retention and 27.4% six-year graduation. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.

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 $7,813 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $14,799.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,986 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $5,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 12.3% 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

Median earnings come in near $36,307 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 17% below typical U.S. college outcomes.

Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.

Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.

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 Colorado Mountain College 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.

EDsmart Verdict
0.00 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Colorado Mountain College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Colorado Mountain College Website →

Similar Schools

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Similar schools data is not available. Use our search to find comparable institutions.

Nearby Schools

Other campuses you might consider

Note: EDsmart’s national college rankings compare four-year, bachelor’s-granting institutions. Certificate- and trade-focused schools are not included in that ranking pool. The schools below are four-year references in the same state only, not peer comparisons.

Other Colorado campuses you might consider

Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO
A #109 of 6,101
Denver College of Nursing
Denver, CO
A- #259 of 6,101
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO
B+ #327 of 6,101
Regis University
Denver, CO
B+ #381 of 6,101

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Colorado Mountain College cost?

At Colorado Mountain College, listed tuition and fees are $2,616 per year, and the average net price after aid is $7,813. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Colorado Mountain College's graduation rate?

At Colorado Mountain College, the six-year graduation rate is 27.4%, and first-year retention is 40.0%.

What are Colorado Mountain College's job outcomes?

Graduates of Colorado Mountain College report median earnings of $36,307 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Colorado Mountain College's student population?

Colorado Mountain College enrolls about 2,816 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$22.0M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate26.7%

Data Source & Methodology