Overview
Adams State University was founded in 1921 as Adams State Normal School, established to train teachers for the San Luis Valley region of southern Colorado. Over the decades it evolved into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, and it has become particularly well known for its robust and affordable online degree completion programs alongside its traditional residential offerings. The university has built a reputation for serving first-generation, rural, and Hispanic-serving student populations, earning federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Alamosa, Colorado |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Total students | 3,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 94% |
| Graduation rate | 33% |
| Average starting salary | $41,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $9,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,000 |
| Room & board | $10,500 |
| Average financial aid | $9,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 88% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 870-1080 |
| ACT range | 16-22 |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Teacher Education
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Health & Exercise Science
- Psychology
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.