Colorado Mesa University (Colorado Mesa) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 81.76%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS and the 2025-2026 Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Colorado Mesa University Admission Requirements
Colorado Mesa GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Colorado Mesa is 3.28. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.98 and 3.28, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Colorado Mesa GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Colorado Mesa utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.28, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.28 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.08 – 3.27 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.88 – 3.07 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.87 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Colorado Mesa, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Colorado Mesa University (Colorado Mesa) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Colorado Mesa University Average SAT Score: 1062
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Colorado Mesa University is 1062 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Colorado Mesa University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1062 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1180 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Colorado Mesa University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 930, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Colorado Mesa. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Colorado Mesa University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 520 | 460 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 535 | 470 | 600 |
| SAT Composite | 1062 | 930 | 1180 |
It means that if you have scored less than 930 then you are below most of the admitted students at Colorado Mesa and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1180 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Colorado Mesa University (Colorado Mesa) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Colorado Mesa University (Colorado Mesa) are good but the admission staff at Colorado Mesa tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Colorado Mesa University (Colorado Mesa) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Colorado Mesa is 22.
Colorado Mesa University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Colorado Mesa University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 22 on the ACT.
Colorado Mesa University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 18 | 25 |
Can I get into Colorado Mesa University with a 25 ACT?
With a 25 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Colorado Mesa University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 22.Colorado Mesa Profile
Name: Colorado Mesa University (Colorado Mesa)
City: Grand Junction
State: Colorado
Type: Public
Zip: 81501-3122
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Colorado Mesa Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Colorado Mesa University is USD: 22346. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Colorado Mesa University is USD: 15483
How can I get a scholarship?
30.05% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 35.56 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Colorado Mesa and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Colorado Mesa University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Colorado Mesa as your choice in the form.
How much a Colorado Mesa Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Colorado Mesa graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 45823. An average Colorado Mesa graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Colorado Mesa University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Colorado Mesa University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1051 | 22 |
| Faulkner University | Faulkner University, AL | 1021 | 21 |
| University of West Alabama | University of West Alabama, AL | 1015 | 19 |
| Troy University | Troy University, AL | 1050 | 21 |
| Henderson State University | Henderson State University, AR | 1019 | 19 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Williams Baptist University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Metropolitan State University of Denver, CO | 1025 | 20 |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | Colorado State University Pueblo, CO | 1031 | 21 |
| The Baptist College of Florida | The Baptist College of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Colorado Mesa University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Colorado Mesa University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 20 |
| Adams State University | Adams State University, CO | 1066 | 21 |
| Central Connecticut State University | Central Connecticut State University, CT | 1061 | 21 |
| Georgia Southern University | Georgia Southern University, GA | 1057 | 21 |
| Shorter University | Shorter University, GA | 1059 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Colorado Mesa University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1094 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Mesa University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45823 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $22346 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Colorado Mesa University is 81.76 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.28. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 2.98, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Colorado Mesa University with a 2.98 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.98 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Colorado Mesa University if my GPA is below 2.88
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.28, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: Admission to Colorado Mesa University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1062 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 930-1180
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Colorado Mesa University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Colorado Mesa University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: The campus culture at Colorado Mesa University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Colorado Mesa University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Colorado Mesa University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.