Adams State University

Public · CO

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith (Public domain)

School data & stats

TypePublic

LocationCO · West

SettingRural

Undergrads1,250

Student:faculty14:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate19.7%

6-yr grad rate39.4%

Drop-out rate49.3%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$10k

Out-of-state tuition$22k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity59%

Gender diversity42.6%

International0.6%

Identity—

Overview

Adams State University sits in Alamosa, in Colorado's high-desert San Luis Valley, ringed by the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Great Sand Dunes National Park. It serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution with deep roots in teacher education for the surrounding rural region.

Academics

Teacher education remains a core strength, reflecting the university's founding mission to serve the valley's schools, with the curriculum broadly emphasizing accessible, practical degree paths for a largely regional student body.

Campus & student life

The university's 7,500-foot elevation has become a defining athletic asset, building one of the most storied distance-running programs among American colleges as runners train in genuine altitude conditions. The high-desert valley setting, remote and dramatic, shapes a campus culture oriented around the outdoors as much as anything academic.

Worth knowing

The altitude-fueled distance-running tradition is Adams State's best-known distinguishing feature nationally, drawing serious runners specifically for the training conditions. Its HSI status and location make it a genuine access point to higher education for the San Luis Valley's largely Hispanic, rural population.

adams.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate—

Enrolled mid-50%1110

Test policynot reported

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying