Skip to content
Private for-profit, 4-year

Rocky Vista University

Parker, Colorado · www.rvu.edu

中文

About

Rocky Vista University (RVU) is an innovative higher education institution located in the scenic landscapes of Colorado and Utah, focusing primarily on health sciences. Established in 2006, RVU was created to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in underserved communities. The university's mission is to prepare competent and compassionate healthcare practitioners who can meet the diverse needs of patients in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. RVU emphasizes a student-centered learning approach, which fosters critical thinking and a strong sense of professionalism among its students.

The university is particularly renowned for its College of Osteopathic Medicine, which offers a comprehensive medical education that includes a focus on primary care and holistic health. RVU promotes a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging students to engage in community service and health outreach programs. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and clinical training sites, providing students with hands-on experience crucial for their future careers. Additionally, the university's commitment to student wellness and a balanced lifestyle is evident through various extracurricular activities, including sports and recreational programs, which contribute to a vibrant campus culture. With a dedicated faculty comprised of experienced professionals and a growing network of successful alumni, RVU continues to make significant contributions to the healthcare field.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Gender Ratio at Rocky Vista University

Rocky Vista University has demonstrated notable trends in tuition fees, graduate student enrollment, and gender ratios over the years. The tuition for graduate programs has shown a general increase from $29,000 in 2017 to a peak of $37,287 in 2019, followed by a slight decrease to $35,503 in 2024. This fluctuation suggests a volatile economic environment in higher education, possibly influenced by broader economic conditions and funding changes. The rising costs of tuition can significantly impact students' financial decisions and overall access to education, especially in private institutions.

In terms of enrollment, the graduate student population has steadily increased from 624 in 2014 to 1,531 in 2023. This growth indicates the university's expanding reputation and capacity to attract students, potentially due to program enhancements or increased marketing efforts. The upward trend in enrollment is promising, as it may lead to greater diversity in the student body and a more vibrant academic community.

The gender ratio among graduate students has also evolved. In 2014, the male-to-female ratio was approximately 56% male to 44% female, shifting to a more balanced ratio of about 49% male to 51% female in 2023. This change reflects a growing inclusivity within the university's programs, aligning with national trends in higher education where female enrollment has been on the rise.

Overall, Rocky Vista University is experiencing significant changes in tuition, enrollment, and gender demographics, which can impact its future positioning in the competitive landscape of higher education. The ability to manage tuition affordability while enhancing student enrollment and maintaining a balanced gender ratio will be critical for the university's sustained growth and success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Denver, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Denver International Airport (DEN), about 20 mi
Parker, Colorado
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. David Forstein (President/CEO)
Phone
3033732008
City
Parker, Colorado
Address
8401 S Chambers Road, Parker, CO 80112

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

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Medical School (Primary Care)Tier 4
Health Specialty1 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)

Master's1081 international (0.9%)
Doctoral3330 international (0.0%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy · Doctoral333 (0% international)
  • Biomedical Sciences, General · Master's72 (1% international)
  • Physician Assistant · Master's34 (0% international)
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other · Master's2 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Rocky Vista University

The graduation data for 2023 from Rocky Vista University reveals some intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees awarded across various disciplines. Notably, the field of Osteopathic Medicine stands out with a significant number of doctorate graduates, totaling 287. This reflects the growing trend in the healthcare sector where the demand for osteopathic physicians continues to rise, particularly as the healthcare landscape evolves to emphasize holistic and patient-centered care.

Contrastingly, the other fields such as Biomedical Sciences and Physician Assistant programs have not produced any bachelor or doctorate graduates. The absence of bachelor degree completions in these areas may indicate that these programs focus primarily on advanced education, aligning with the current trend that sees many students opting for direct entry into master’s or doctoral programs rather than pursuing undergraduate studies. This shift may also illustrate a broader trend where students are increasingly seeking specialized and advanced degrees to enhance their employability in competitive job markets.

The data also highlights the lack of international students graduating with bachelor's or master's degrees in these disciplines, which might suggest either limited enrollment opportunities for international students or a preference for domestic students in these programs. As global mobility and international education continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Rocky Vista University adapts its offerings and recruitment strategies to attract a more diverse student body in the future.

Overall, the graduation numbers reflect both the current educational focus of Rocky Vista University and the broader trends in healthcare education, where specialized training is becoming increasingly paramount.

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

Health professionshas 369 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Physician Assistant.$125,173
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy.$62,845
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.-
Biologyhas 72 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Biomedical Sciences, General.-

Students

1,903 students in 2025

Age distribution

Graduate students

Under 22
0.2%
22–24
15.9%
25–29
64.6%
30–34
15.0%
35 and over
4.3%

Data insights

Demographic Insights of Rocky Vista University in 2023

In 2023, Rocky Vista University has a total enrollment of 1,531 graduate students, showcasing a nearly balanced gender distribution with 48.9% male and 51.1% female students. This slight female majority reflects a broader trend observed in higher education, where women have increasingly outnumbered men in graduate programs across many institutions.

Diving deeper into the demographic breakdown, the majority of graduate students identify as White, comprising approximately 70.1% of the population. This figure indicates a significant representation of this demographic group, which is consistent with national trends in graduate education. The presence of diverse student populations is critical for fostering inclusive learning environments and reflecting the multicultural society we live in.

The enrollment data highlights the importance of continuing efforts to support underrepresented groups within graduate programs. While the statistics for other racial and ethnic groups such as Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students were not provided, it is essential for institutions to actively promote diversity and inclusion initiatives. As the landscape of higher education evolves, universities must strive to create equitable opportunities for all students, encouraging a rich exchange of perspectives and experiences.

Overall, the student demographic data from Rocky Vista University demonstrates a commitment to gender balance and the need for ongoing dialogue about racial and ethnic diversity in graduate education. Understanding these dynamics is vital for developing targeted strategies that enhance the educational experience for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Rocky Vista University

The age distribution of students at Rocky Vista University reveals interesting trends that reflect broader societal patterns in higher education. Notably, the absence of undergraduate male students in the age categories of 20-21, 22-24, and 25-29 suggests that this demographic may be opting out of traditional college paths or pursuing education later in life. This trend aligns with national data indicating a growing number of non-traditional students, who are often older and may be balancing education with work or family responsibilities.

In contrast, the data highlights a significant presence of graduate students aged 22-24 and 25-29, with the latter group comprising the majority of students. This concentration may indicate that individuals in this age group are increasingly investing in advanced degrees as a means to enhance their career prospects in a competitive job market. The shift towards graduate education is becoming a common narrative, especially as industries evolve and require more specialized skills.

Furthermore, the representation of female students across all age categories, particularly in the 25-29 bracket, showcases the strides made in female participation in higher education. This aligns with recent studies that indicate women are pursuing higher education at increasing rates, leading to higher overall female enrollment figures in many academic institutions.

Overall, the demographic data from Rocky Vista University not only reflects the institution's unique student population but also mirrors broader trends in educational pathways and gender representation in academia. These insights could be vital for the university in tailoring programs and support services to meet the evolving needs of its diverse student body.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

Graduate students0.3%

5 in 2025 · 0.9% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.9%2017: 0.8%2018: 1.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.1%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.3%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Graduate Enrollment at Rocky Vista University

The data reveals notable trends in international student enrollment at Rocky Vista University, particularly in the graduate programs. Over the years from 2015 to 2021, the total number of graduate students increased significantly, reaching 1,332 in 2021. However, the proportion of international students within this group has shown fluctuations, with the percentage ranging from as low as 0.08% to a peak of 1.03%.

In 2015, there was only one international graduate student, illustrating the challenges that many institutions face in attracting foreign talent. The increase to six international students in 2016 marked a slight improvement, yet the overall numbers remained low compared to the total graduate population. The highest proportion, observed in 2018, suggests a potential increase in global interest, yet the subsequent decline in 2021 raises questions about the factors affecting international student decisions.

Various external factors, including immigration policies, global health crises, and the growing competition among universities worldwide, may have contributed to these trends. Institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of fostering a diverse academic environment, which can enhance cultural exchange and prepare local students for a globalized workforce. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it will be crucial for Rocky Vista University to develop strategic initiatives to attract and retain international students, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive academic community.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$106M

Tuition and fees
$98.4M93.0%
Investment return
$4.7M4.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.4M2.3%
Gifts and private grants
$283K0.3%

Expenses$104M

Instruction
$50.8M48.7%
Institutional support
$23.5M22.6%
Academic support
$18.1M17.4%
Student services
$6.8M6.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.8M3.7%
Research
$1.2M1.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

All faculty
$90,738peers $96,564
Associate professor
$100,941peers $100,941
Assistant professor
$83,936peers $90,201

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Rocky Vista University:

  1. University of Denver - Ranked 124 in the US News 2024 rankings, this comprehensive university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, making it a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education.

  2. University of Colorado Boulder - With a ranking of 105, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life, attracting students from around the world.

  3. Colorado School of Mines - Ranking 76, this comprehensive university specializes in engineering and applied sciences, offering rigorous academic programs focused on the energy and natural resources sectors.

  4. United States Air Force Academy - A prestigious institution ranked 7th, the academy provides a unique education and training for future leaders in the U.S. Air Force.

  5. Colorado College - Ranked 33, this liberal arts college is known for its innovative Block Plan, allowing students to immerse themselves in a single subject for three and a half weeks at a time.

  6. University of Utah - Also ranked 115, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of programs and is recognized for its research initiatives and strong community engagement.

These institutions contribute to a rich educational environment in the area surrounding Rocky Vista University.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 1.3 · all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
2
Fondling
1
Stalking
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Rocky Vista University

The crime data from Rocky Vista University shows a notable trend in campus safety over the years, with a significant increase in reported incidents from 2017 onwards. Before 2017, the university maintained a commendable record with no reported crimes, indicating a safe environment for students and staff. However, the data reveals that in 2017, there was a recorded incident, which slightly increased in 2018.

In 2021 and 2022, the university experienced a peak in crime rates, with three incidents reported each year, reflecting a crime rate of 2.25 and 2.06 per 1,000 students, respectively. Although these rates still suggest a relatively safe campus when compared to national averages, they highlight a trend that could raise concerns among prospective students and their families.

The types of crimes reported include gun-related arrests and drug-related offenses, which are serious issues that universities across the country face. It is essential for institutions to continuously assess and improve their safety measures to ensure a secure learning environment.

Overall, while Rocky Vista University has experienced a modest rise in crime rates, the university's proactive approach to addressing safety concerns and implementing preventive measures can help maintain a secure campus atmosphere. Continuous monitoring and community engagement are vital in fostering a safe educational environment. For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.