Colorado Christian University
Tuition per year
$28,846
$42,080 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
8,200
Student-faculty ratio 17:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
52.1%
4-year; 6-year rate 60.6%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a private Christian university located in Lakewood, Colorado. Established in 1914, CCU has a rich history and commitment to providing a faith-based education. The university emphasizes a Christian worldview, integrating faith and learning across its diverse academic programs. With a strong emphasis on character development, the university's motto is "Grace, Truth, and Love," which reflects its mission to prepare students for leadership and service in both their professional and personal lives.
CCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in business, education, psychology, and theology. The university is known for its small class sizes, which foster a supportive learning environment and allow for personalized attention from faculty. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a well-equipped library, and recreational amenities for sports and fitness activities. Student life at CCU is vibrant, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events that encourage community engagement and spiritual growth. The university's commitment to service is evident in its various outreach programs, which provide students with opportunities to apply their faith in action. Overall, Colorado Christian University is dedicated to nurturing a holistic educational experience that prepares students to make a positive impact in the world.
Analysis of Key Trends in Colorado Christian University Data
The data from Colorado Christian University reveals several important trends, particularly concerning tuition costs, student retention, graduation rates, and gender ratios among students.
Firstly, there has been a consistent increase in tuition fees over the years. For undergraduate students, in-state tuition rose from $19,160 in 2014 to $27,808 in 2024. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 45% over the decade. Such rising costs may compel students to incur significant debt, potentially influencing their decisions regarding higher education.
In terms of student retention, the university has shown a commendable upward trend, with the retention rate climbing from about 68.5% in 2013 to approximately 83.2% in 2023. This improvement suggests that students are becoming increasingly satisfied with their educational experience at Colorado Christian University, which is crucial for the institution's reputation and long-term success.
Graduation rates also indicate positive developments. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from 30.2% in 2017 to 53.6% in 2023. This significant improvement reflects the university's efforts to enhance academic support and student services, making it more likely for students to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently making up around 66-67% of the undergraduate population in recent years. Such gender dynamics are essential to consider, as they can impact classroom interactions, campus culture, and the overall educational environment.
Overall, while rising tuition remains a concern, the university's advancements in retention and graduation rates are commendable indicators of its commitment to student success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Denver, about 10 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Denver International Airport (DEN), about 25 mi
- Also known as
- CCU
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Undenominational
- President
- Eric Hogue (President)
- Phone
- 3039633000
- Address
- 8787 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's197 (0% international)
- Psychology, General · Master's23 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's15 (0% international)
- Bible/Biblical Studies · Master's12 (0% international)
- School Psychology · Master's11 (0% international)
- Project Management · Master's10 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Colorado Christian University
The graduation data from Colorado Christian University for 2023 showcases a significant focus on health-related and psychological fields. Notably, Mental Health Counseling produced an impressive 205 master's graduates, indicating a strong emphasis on mental health education, which is especially relevant in today's society where mental health awareness is increasingly prioritized. Additionally, the Registered Nursing program contributed 74 bachelor's graduates, reflecting the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the recent global health crises.
In the realm of psychology, the Applied Psychology program yielded 131 bachelor's graduates, but notably, there were no international students graduating from any psychology-related programs. This may highlight potential barriers or a lack of awareness among international students regarding these offerings, suggesting an area for improvement in outreach and recruitment strategies.
Interestingly, the Bible/Biblical Studies program saw 48 associate graduates, while no master's or doctorate degrees were awarded in this field. This discrepancy might indicate a growing interest at the foundational level, but a lack of progression into advanced studies, possibly due to the nature of the field or career opportunities available post-graduation.
Moreover, the absence of international students across most graduate programs raises questions about the university's appeal to a global audience. As institutions worldwide strive to enhance diversity and international collaboration, Colorado Christian University may need to evaluate its global engagement strategies to attract and retain international talent.
Overall, the data reflects both strengths and areas for development within the university's academic offerings, especially in health and psychology fields, while also highlighting the need for more inclusive practices to foster international student participation.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $49,531-$63,319 | |||
| Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies. | $42,321 | |||
| Pre-Physical Therapy Studies. | $42,321 | |||
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other. | $42,321 | |||
| Mental Health Counseling/Counselor. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $76,508 | |||
| Nursing Administration. | $76,508 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $39,050 | |||
| School Psychology. | $38,611-$48,369 | |||
| Applied Psychology. | $38,611-$48,369 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $49,526-$68,900 | |||
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $49,526-$68,900 | |||
| Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management. | $49,526-$68,900 | |||
| Project Management. | $49,526-$68,900 | |||
| Organizational Leadership. | $49,526-$68,900 | |||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $49,526-$68,900 | |||
| Accounting. | $62,372 | |||
| Accounting and Business/Management. | $62,372 | |||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | |||
| Finance, General. | - | |||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $73,863 | |||
| Organizational Behavior Studies. | $73,863 | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - | |||
| Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | $33,815-$51,514 | |||
| Missions/Missionary Studies. | - | |||
| Religious/Sacred Music. | - | |||
| Theology/Theological Studies. | - | |||
| Divinity/Ministry. | - | |||
| Youth Ministry. | - | |||
| Lay Ministry. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $31,538 | |||
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - | |||
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $89,748 | |||
| Information Technology. | $89,748 | |||
| Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration. | - | |||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - | |||
| Outdoor Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - | |||
| International/Globalization Studies. | - | |||
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $73,004 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | |||
| Creative Writing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Economics, General. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
Students
9,951 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 83.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 4,080
- First-year undergraduates 393
- Graduate students 1,751
- Transfers and others 3,727
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,200)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Colorado Christian University in 2023
The enrollment statistics for Colorado Christian University in 2023 reveal a diverse student body with notable gender disparities. Among the undergraduate newcomers, 826 students were recorded, with females making up 67.4% of this group, while males constituted 32.6%. This trend continues among returning undergraduates, where 71.4% are female and 28.6% male, indicating a strong female presence in the undergraduate population.
The demographic breakdown further demonstrates a similar pattern among transfer students, where 71.2% are female and 28.8% male. In the graduate program, the gender ratio is even more skewed, with women representing 76% and men only 24%. These figures highlight a significant female majority across all student classifications, which is consistent with national trends observed in higher education, where female enrollment has outpaced male enrollment in recent years.
The data also reflects a commitment to diversity, with varying ethnic backgrounds represented among students. However, the specifics of ethnic representation for the graduate and returning undergraduate groups remain unclear due to incomplete data. The university appears to be making strides towards inclusivity, but further transparency in ethnic demographics would be beneficial for a comprehensive understanding of the student body.
Overall, while the university has made progress in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, the pronounced gender disparity in enrollment could prompt discussions about attracting more male students into various programs. As higher education continues to evolve, institutions like Colorado Christian University must adapt strategies to ensure balanced representation across genders and ethnicities.
Demographic Insights on Student Age Distribution at Colorado Christian University
The age distribution of students at Colorado Christian University reveals some interesting trends regarding the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. A notable proportion of students are under 18, with 757 male and 1,119 female students, indicating that the university attracts a significant number of younger students. This trend is consistent with a growing emphasis on early college experiences among high school students.
As we examine the age groups of 18-19 and 20-21, we notice a decline in both male and female enrollment, suggesting that many young adults may be exploring gap years, community college options, or other pathways before committing to a four-year program. However, the numbers begin to stabilize in the 22-24 age range, where we see a more balanced representation of graduate students, indicating an increase in adult learners pursuing advanced degrees.
Interestingly, the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups show a substantial number of students, particularly females in the graduate category. This may reflect the growing trend of mature students returning to education after gaining work experience or starting families. The 40-49 age group also demonstrates a significant presence, further indicating that higher education is increasingly seen as a lifelong pursuit.
Lastly, the older age groups, particularly those over 65, have minimal representation, which is consistent with national trends as older adults may seek alternative educational formats or non-degree programs to enhance their skills rather than pursue a traditional college experience.
Overall, the data suggests that Colorado Christian University has a diverse age demographic, with a notable focus on younger students, while also accommodating the needs of adult learners, reflecting broader educational trends in the U.S.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Colorado Christian University
The data on international student enrollment at Colorado Christian University reveals a significant decline in the presence of international students over the years, particularly at the undergraduate level. In 2004, the university had nine international undergraduates, accounting for 0.62% of the total undergraduate population. However, this number fluctuated, peaking in 2007 with 46 international students, which represented 2.39%. Since then, there has been a noticeable drop, with only one international undergraduate observed in 2023, marking just 0.01% of the undergraduate body.
The trends in graduate international enrollment are similarly concerning. Although there was a peak of 31 international students in 2007, the enrollment has been inconsistent, with several years reporting negligible numbers. By 2023, no data was available for the graduate international student population, which raises questions about the university’s appeal to global scholars.
This decline could be attributed to various factors, including the increasing competition among universities in the U.S. and abroad, changing visa policies, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel and education. The consistent drop over the years calls for a strategic reevaluation of recruitment efforts and support systems for international students to enhance their experience and attract a more diverse student body. As global dynamics continue to evolve, universities must adapt their strategies to maintain their international presence and foster an inclusive academic environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$42,080
- Undergraduate tuition
- $28,846
- Room and board
- $13,234
- Graduate tuition
- $15,394
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 31% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 25%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$125M
Expenses$113M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division II without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 94 | 68 |
| Soccer | 25 | 26 |
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 16 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Golf | 11 | 7 |
| NCAA Division II without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 80 | 78 |
| Soccer | 31 | 27 |
| Baseball | 35 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 13 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Softball | - | 17 |
| Golf | 8 | 8 |
| NCAA Division II without football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 78 | 71 |
| Soccer | 30 | 26 |
| Baseball | 35 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 13 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Golf | 8 | 8 |
| Softball | - | 15 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Regis UniversityDenver · 6.2 mi
U.S. News #276
-
Colorado School of MinesGolden · 7.3 mi
U.S. News #80
-
University of DenverDenver · 7.4 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of Colorado DenverDenver · 13.8 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder · 22.4 mi
U.S. News #109
-
United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy · 49.8 mi
Liberal Arts #11
-
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins · 59.5 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Colorado CollegeColorado Springs · 61.5 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
University of WyomingLaramie · 113.3 mi
U.S. News #250
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Colorado Christian University:
-
Regis University - Ranked 260 in the 2024 US News rankings, Regis University is a comprehensive university known for its commitment to service and education.
-
Colorado School of Mines - With a rank of 76, this comprehensive university specializes in engineering and applied science, particularly in the fields of mining and energy.
-
University of Denver - Ranked 124, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its vibrant campus life.
-
University of Colorado Boulder - With a rank of 105, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research initiatives and beautiful campus located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
-
United States Air Force Academy - Ranked 7, this prestigious institution trains future leaders of the U.S. Air Force, emphasizing academics, military training, and character development.
-
Colorado College - With a rank of 33, Colorado College is a liberal arts college known for its unique Block Plan, allowing students to focus intensely on one subject at a time.
These institutions provide a variety of academic opportunities and contribute to a rich educational environment in the region.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Colorado Christian University
The crime data from Colorado Christian University reveals fluctuations in the average crime rates per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the years 2015 and 2018 recorded the highest crime rates at 1.87 and 1.70, respectively. During these years, there was a significant rise in offenses, which might reflect broader societal trends or specific incidents that could have increased the perception of safety on campus.
The data indicates a concerning spike in arrests related to gun possession, which, even though it was not high in absolute terms, could indicate a growing issue within the campus community. Additionally, the consistent presence of drug-related arrests suggests ongoing challenges with substance abuse among students, as the university aims to create a safe and conducive learning environment.
Interestingly, the crime rate dipped in certain years, such as 2016 and 2021, suggesting that some interventions may have been effective or that external factors influenced student behavior positively during those periods. However, the recent increase in 2022, with a rate of 1.53, raises questions about the university's safety protocols and how they address rising crime trends.
Overall, while the crime rates at Colorado Christian University are relatively low compared to national averages for universities, the fluctuations warrant ongoing monitoring and proactive measures to ensure student safety and well-being. For further understanding of calculating crime rates, more information can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Colorado Christian University include William L. Armstrong (Businessman and politician), Arturo Kinch (Costa Rican alpine skier, five-time Winter Olympian) and John Eldredge (Christian author, counselor and speaker).
-
William L. Armstrong 1937–2016
Businessman and politician
-
Arturo Kinch 1956–
Costa Rican alpine skier, five-time Winter Olympian
-
John Eldredge 1960–
Christian author, counselor and speaker
-
David Daniels 1971–
Canadian basketball coach and former player
-
Joseph Wall 1989–
Professional basketball player
-
Kevin Lundberg 1952–
Former Colorado state senator and businessman
-
Chris McClellan 1981–
American soccer player
-
Brent Hobba 1982–
Australian former basketball player
-
Chang Sho-wen 1971–
Taiwanese politician and former legislator
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.