Tour Tuesday: University of Colorado Colorado Springs
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.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs: Sunshine, Mountains, and a Balanced College Experience
Overview
Tucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers students the chance to blend strong academics with an outdoor lifestyle that’s hard to match. With just over 11,000 students, UCCS has the feel of a mid-sized campus. Big enough to have plenty of opportunities but small enough to remain personal. Families will be glad to know that UCCS boasts an average class size of just 28, so your student won’t feel like a number.
The campus is long and spread out, but it comes with some perks: you’ll find gorgeous views of Pikes Peak and the city, a vibrant student rec center, and a unique farm that even provides produce for the dining hall. Plus, UCCS sees 300+ days of sunshine annually - though with about 39 inches of snow per year, students get the best of all four seasons.
Quick Look
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado - access to Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and Denver
Students: 11,000+ total; average class size 28
Popular Programs: Business, Engineering (ABET-accredited), Nursing (1–2 year entry path)
Student Life Highlights: Summit Village housing, free laundry, parking included, strong Rec & Wellness Center
Athletics: NCAA DII, wellness-focused culture, informal ties with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee
Study Abroad: Opportunities available, plus SOLE (Student Outdoor Learning Experience)
Cost (2025–26 est.): $28K–$32K (CO resident); $38K–$42K (WUE); $46K–$50K (non-resident)
Who Thrives Here: Students seeking a balance between academics, wellness, and outdoor adventure
Location
Colorado Springs is a town with something for everyone. Students can hike Garden of the Gods, take a shuttle to Denver for concerts and events, or spend a weekend skiing in the Rockies. The charming local spots like Manitou Springs and a lively downtown area give plenty of options for study breaks. Families visiting campus will quickly see why students love calling this part of Colorado home.
Admissions Information
UCCS keeps admissions approachable, and it’s not overcrowded, so families won’t feel the cutthroat vibe that can come with some larger schools. A nice bonus: UCCS takes a student’s GPA as it is (without recalculating) when awarding merit aid. That means all the hard work your student has already put in really counts.
Academic & Major Information
UCCS offers a wide variety of programs, but a few stand out as the most popular:
Business - A strong program with solid ties to the region.
Engineering - ABET-accredited, which is key for the job search.
Nursing - Competitive but accessible, with both a one-year and two-year entry path.
Housing & Student Life
First-year students often live in Summit Village, a comfortable and welcoming community on campus. UCCS has invested in making housing more manageable, so no crowded “triples” here, thanks to having enough space. Families will appreciate a few extra perks: free laundry in dorms and parking included in housing costs (a rarity at most colleges).
The Recreation and Wellness Center is a highlight, offering state-of-the-art facilities, fitness classes, and even views of the mountains while you work out. UCCS also prides itself on fostering balance, with a great mix of academics, wellness, and recreation.
The school is also home to SOLE (Student Outdoor Learning Experience), which helps students make the most of the Colorado environment by combining academics with outdoor leadership and recreation.
Cost & Scholarships
Here’s a look at the estimated annual costs for 2025–2026 (based on 15 credit hours per semester and on-campus housing):
Colorado Resident: $28,115 – $32,335
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Student: $38,674 – $42,894
Non-Resident: $46,147 – $50,367
Scholarships can make a big difference. Out-of-state students may qualify for the Peak Award, worth up to $6,250 per year, stackable with other scholarships. In-state and WUE students may receive up to $2,500 annually in similar awards.
Fun Facts & Traditions
UCCS has an informal agreement with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and local NGBs, located in Colorado Springs, giving the campus unique ties to athletics and wellness.
The on-campus farm supplies produce directly to the dining hall, so students really do eat local!
With fewer students compared to the big-name campuses, UCCS manages to feel open, friendly, and not overcrowded.
Final Thoughts
UCCS is an excellent option for students who want a balanced college experience - quality academics, a welcoming student body, and unbeatable access to outdoor adventure. Families who value a mid-sized school with a personal feel, affordable cost options, and the beauty of Colorado right outside the dorm window will find UCCS a fantastic fit.
This is a campus where students who thrive on a balance between schoolwork, recreation, and personal growth will feel right at home.
