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Adams State University

Alamosa, CO·Public·1,239 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 1,239 students.

N/A
Accept
1,239
Students
$14,173
Net Price
32%
Grad Rate
$38,100
Earnings
10 yr
$11,750
Debt

About This School

Adams State University is a public institution located in Alamosa, Colorado with approximately 1,239 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $14,173 per year. The graduation rate is 32%, and the typical graduate earns $38,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, Colorado, United States. The university's Adams State Grizzlies athletic teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

The numbers here tell a mixed story: the net price of $14,173/year is genuinely affordable, and median debt of $11,750 at graduation is among the lowest you'll find anywhere, which matters. However, a 32% graduation rate and 55% freshman retention rate are serious red flags — more than half of students who start here don't finish or leave after year one — and median earnings of $38,100 a decade out suggest limited career upside. Worth considering only if you have a specific, concrete reason to attend (a particular program, strong financial need, or plans to transfer) and a clear plan to be one of the students who actually crosses the finish line.

Founded
1921
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing14%
Social Sciences7%
Biological Sciences5%
Psychology4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Health Professions3%
Education1%
Physical Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John Salazar

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,776
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,848
Avg Net Price
$14,173
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$11,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
32%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
55%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$11,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$11,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$28,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$38,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White36%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino37%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,239 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Adams State University

208 Edgemont Blvd

Alamosa, CO 81101

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Colorado

Browse all Colorado schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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