Overview
Colorado Mountain College was founded in 1965 to serve the rural, mountainous region of west-central Colorado, growing from a single campus into an eleven-campus system spanning towns like Steamboat Springs, Vail, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Breckenridge, and Leadville. It is a public, locally funded community college district known for its unique local taxing structure, which keeps tuition remarkably low for residents within its service area, and for offering both two-year associate degrees and a growing number of applied bachelor's degrees. The college is particularly recognized for programs tied to mountain industries and outdoor recreation, including ski area operations, sustainability studies, natural resource management, and outdoor education.
At a Glance
| Type | Community College |
| Location | Glenwood Springs, Colorado |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Total students | 18,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 35% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $3,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $10,500 |
| Room & board | $10,000 |
| Average financial aid | $5,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Ski Area Operations
- Sustainability Studies
- Natural Resource Management
- Nursing
- Outdoor Education
- Business Administration
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.