University of Colorado Colorado Springs

A striking statue of Clyde, the UCCS mascot, captured on a sunny day with students walking past in the background on campus.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), a public university located just west of downtown Colorado Springs, about 70 miles south of Denver.

UCCS may be a great fit for students who:

Prefer academics over a big sports or Greek life scene

UCCS offers a strong academic environment without the distractions often associated with large Division I athletic programs or a prominent Greek life culture. While many students commute, hundreds live on campus, and the university guarantees housing for first-year students. Students who enjoy athletics can still cheer on five men's and six women's NCAA Division II teams.

Love the outdoors

If spending time outside is part of your ideal college experience, UCCS is hard to beat. Perched on a hillside overlooking Colorado Springs, the campus offers spectacular views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding Front Range. Students have easy access to hiking, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, and countless other outdoor adventures. Even the campus recreation center embraces Colorado's outdoor culture, featuring a rock-climbing wall, a bike repair shop, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains.

Thrive in smaller classes

UCCS enrolls approximately 11,000 students, including nearly 9,800 undergraduates. With an average student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, students benefit from a more personal learning environment. Several students I spoke with mentioned that their professors knew them by name, were approachable outside of class, and built relationships that could lead to strong letters of recommendation.

Want meaningful undergraduate research opportunities

Although UCCS is classified as an R2 research university rather than an R1 institution, research is an important part of campus life. During the 2024–2025 academic year, the university received more than $12.5 million in research funding.

Our tour guide, Andrés, an international student from Costa Rica majoring in biochemistry, shared that undergraduate research opportunities were one of the primary reasons he chose UCCS. Students across a variety of majors have opportunities to participate in research, and the engineering facilities feature state-of-the-art equipment that undergraduate researchers can access.

One of my favorite campus facts:

The admissions office is housed in a beautifully restored former tuberculosis sanatorium built in 1905. During the early 20th century, Colorado Springs' high elevation and dry climate attracted patients from around the world seeking treatment for tuberculosis, making the building a unique piece of both university and local history.

My Take: UCCS feels like a hidden gem for students who want the resources of a public university without feeling lost in a crowd. If you're looking for close relationships with professors, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a more relaxed campus culture, it's definitely worth adding to your college list.