At CC, different is kind of our thing. One class at a time. 15 students per class. Intentionally small, laser focused, and built for students who were never quite satisfied with the way school was supposed to work. If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.
You’ve done the research. If CC feels like the right fit, there’s no reason to wait. Applying is free, test-optional, and easier than you might think.
Apply NowOur students come from different backgrounds, pursue different interests, and define success in different ways. But when we read your application (and yes, an actual human reads every single one) certain qualities always stand out. These are just a few of them.
We review every application individually and holistically—because we know students are more than a GPA, a test score, or a list of activities. Our goal is to understand who you are, what opportunities you've had, and how you've engaged with them. When we sit down with your application, here's what we're actually looking at.
A CC education should be accessible to anyone with the curiosity and drive to make the most of it—regardless of who they are or where they came from. Which is exactly why we removed two barriers that were standing in the way.
Since 2020, CC has been test-optional—because tests don't always capture what a student is truly capable of. Include your SAT or ACT if you think it strengthens your application. If not, don't sweat it. And since a fee should never be the reason someone doesn't apply, we got rid of that too.
Our Test-Optional Policy
College isn't always easy, but your application process should be. We keep it straightforward—choose your platform, pull together your documents, and get it in before the deadline. We'll take it from there.
After you submit, you'll receive an email with your applicant portal link, username, and temporary password. Questions? Email admission@coloradocollege.edu.
If CC is your first choice, commit early—and hear back mid-December.
Our most popular plan. Hear back in January, decide by May 1.
Done your research and CC is the one? Hear back mid-February.
Our most competitive round. Hear back mid-March, decide by May 1.
CC is built for students who don't fit neatly into one box. So it makes sense that our admission process doesn't either. Whatever your circumstances—wherever you're coming from—there's a path to CC for you.
Still have questions? We have real people standing by to help. From application to enrollment, your admission counselor is here to provide personalized answers, practical guidance, and support every step of the way.
Contact your admission counselorYes—but it’s completely optional. If you have a paper, project, or other work sample that adds meaningful context to your application, you’re welcome to include it. We encourage you to submit only materials that genuinely strengthen your application rather than sending additional items for the sake of sending more.
CC has no high school course distribution requirement, so you have real flexibility in what you present. Your essays matter just as much—how you describe your involvement, your curiosity, and your commitments gives us a fuller picture of who you are. That's what we're really after. For details about what you may submit (and what we recommend), please see our Application Requirements.
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A CC education should be within reach for everyone—and we put $67 million in financial aid behind that belief every year. We meet 100% of every student's demonstrated financial need, and work with families to find the right combination of grants, loans, student work, and resources—so the decision to say yes is a whole lot easier.
Check Out Student Financial ServicesThe application is the first step. Everything after it—the Block Plan, the community, the Rockies out your window—that's what you're really signing up for. Start whenever you're ready. We'll be here.
