Campus Tour: Colorado College
I try to visit 30–50 college campuses each year, and starting now, I’m going to share more of those experiences here on the blog. These posts will include my personal notes, impressions, and images from each stop - some practical, some purely observational. Whether you’re a prospective student, a parent, or just someone who enjoys exploring different college environments, I hope this campus tour series gives you a better sense of what these places are really like on the ground! I recently spent a week in Colorado visiting over 10 schools in Colorado and Wyoming, so you’ll be seeing many of those schools first.
Colorado College: An Immersive Experience in the Heart of the Rockies
Tucked in the vibrant city of Colorado Springs - home to ~750,000 residents - Colorado College (CC) offers a unique blend of academic intensity, outdoor adventure, and intentional community. After visiting, I walked away with a deep appreciation for their innovative Block Plan, commitment to sustainability, and how they challenge students to engage not just in class, but in the world around them.
Here’s what stood out the most during my time on campus.
The Block Plan: A One-Class-at-a-Time Approach
If you haven’t heard of The Block Plan, get ready to be intrigued. Instead of juggling multiple classes over a traditional semester, students take one class at a time for 3.5 weeks. Each class meets for three hours daily in an immersive, discussion-heavy format. After each block, students enjoy a 4.5-day break. Built in time to travel, rest, or explore interests.
8 blocks per year (4 per semester)
2 “half blocks” (9-day mini-courses offered before semesters begin)
Adjunct and afternoon courses (often skill-based, not major-required) can be taken at no additional cost
This approach fosters deep learning and flexibility. Students can also take these blocks abroad - often with financial aid carrying over. It’s easy to see why CC students speak passionately about their academic experience.
Academics: Independent, Interdisciplinary, and Rigorous
Colorado College is rooted in liberal arts but has a strong STEM representation (~40%). Popular majors include Economics, Business, and self-designed majors that are great for students with interdisciplinary interests. Students are required to take two foundational courses in their first year:
Critical Inquiry Seminar
First-Year Writing Seminar
Other standout features:
Strong psychology department (including a train-a-rat program - yes, really!)
An undergraduate-accessible cadaver lab
Take-home exams under the honor code
Research opportunities, internships, and the ability to teach arts/crafts-style courses for pay
Study Abroad & Global Opportunities
CC students can study abroad via traditional programs or on the block schedule, allowing them to experience multiple global destinations without disrupting their graduation timeline. Financial aid applies proportionally, and programs often include unique travel experiences and research-based learning.
Students can study abroad multiple times, and there’s no true limit to how many blocks you can spend off-campus.
Cost & Financial Aid
Colorado College is need-aware, but it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. While merit scholarships are limited, the school does a great job of offering a clear Net Price Calculator and transparent aid policies.
Tuition: ~$73,038
Total Cost of Attendance: ~$90,230
Average Net Price (after aid): ~$33,000
CO Residents: May qualify for flagship tuition matching, depending on income
Admissions: Holistic and Test-Optional
Admissions at CC are holistic and test-optional, and they mean it. In fact, 50–60% of admitted students didn’t submit test scores. If your scores don’t help, they won’t be considered. Rigor and GPA matter more than a single blemish (yes, a C won’t ruin your chances if the rest of your application is strong).
Interviews are available but purely informational, not evaluative.
Campus Life: Outdoorsy, Close-Knit, and Active
Life at CC is immersive. Students live on campus for three years, creating a close-knit, residential feel. Here’s what I loved about the vibe:
90% of students participate in athletics (varsity, club, or intramural)
200+ outdoor trips a year - hiking, skiing, rafting, you name it
Library desks are assigned to each fourth year student - your own personal study spot
Events like Llamapalooza (annual music festival) and open skate at the hockey arena
Tiny Greek life presence (just two sororities and fraternities)
Career Services partners with nonprofits across CO for internships
Fun Fact: Palmer Hall, one of the academic buildings, built their arches 2 inches too small (see picture below) to prevent trains from using it as a station platform. Quirky CC energy.
Athletics: Small School, Big Sports Energy
Despite being a Division III school, Colorado College boasts two standout Division I programs:
Men’s Ice Hockey: Competes in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), a powerhouse DI conference. CC has a proud hockey legacy, and frequently finds itself vying for conference championships
Women’s Soccer: A Division I team competing in the Mountain West Conference.
Other varsity sports (D-III, SCAC conference) include:
Men’s: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field
Women’s: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Students also have countless opportunities for club and intramural sports - keeping with CC’s active and adventurous lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Colorado College is the place for students who crave academic intensity, outdoor adventure, and a tight-knit residential experience. It’s not for the passive student or the TikTok scroller. CC wants learners who are ready to engage, challenge themselves, and explore both in the classroom and beyond.
If you’re looking for an education that breaks the mold and drops you into a dynamic, immersive environment, then you’ll want to give Colorado College a serious look.
