10 Best Test-Optional Colleges in Colorado 2025

<p>Colorado offers a variety of affordable, accessible options for students who want to attend college without submitting ACT or SAT scores. Many public colleges and universities in the state now have flexible admissions policies, allowing students to apply based on GPA, coursework, and extracurricular achievements. If you're considering <a href="https://learn.org/articles/test_optional_colleges.html">test-optional colleges</a>, Colorado institutions provide strong academic programs and generous state support for residents. </p> <p>One of the key benefits for in-state students is the College Opportunity Fund (COF), which lowers tuition by providing a per-credit stipend at eligible public schools (around $116). Combined with test-optional admissions, this makes it easier to start or continue your education without financial or testing barriers. Several schools also offer fully online degrees, ideal for students balancing work and school. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesTestOptionalMean">What Does Test Optional Mean?</h2> <p>Test-optional colleges allow you to apply without submitting ACT or SAT scores. Instead, your application is reviewed based on your academic history, including GPA, course selection, and extracurricular involvement. </p> <p>These policies are designed to give students more flexibility and reduce barriers to admission. If you experience <a href="https://learn.org/articles/anxiety_in_college_students.html">test-taking anxiety</a>, a test-optional school may help reduce stress and give you a better chance to showcase your strengths. </p> <h2 id="section---TestOptionalCollegesInColorado">Test-Optional Colleges in Colorado</h2> <p>Colorado offers a variety of affordable test optional schools that support flexible admissions and degree completion pathways. If you're looking for flexible formats, several <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_no_sat_act_requirements.html">online colleges that don't require SAT or ACT</a> are based in Colorado, giving students access to remote learning options. </p> <h3 id="section---1.ColoradoMountainCollege">1. Colorado Mountain College</h3> <p>Colorado Mountain College offers test-optional admissions with no minimum GPA or test score requirements for general admission. Located across multiple campuses, it provides associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing, sustainability, education, and business. </p> <p>Online programs are also available in areas like organizational management and early childhood education. Tuition varies depending on residency status: in-district students pay $107 per credit, while in-state students pay $214 per credit. COF stipends can further reduce costs for Colorado residents attending eligible programs. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $107 to $214 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.WesternColoradoUniversity">2. Western Colorado University</h3> <p>Western Colorado University allows first-year students to apply without standardized test scores and does not require a minimum GPA. Located in Gunnison, the university offers more than 90 academic programs in outdoor education, business, computer science, and creative writing. </p> <p>Online and hybrid learning options are available in professional writing, education, and health sciences. Western Colorado University participates in COF to help in-state students lower their tuition costs. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $311.50 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.AdamsStateUniversity">3. Adams State University</h3> <p>Adams State University in Alamosa uses a test-optional admissions policy, allowing students to apply without submitting ACT or SAT scores. No minimum GPA is required to take advantage of this option. </p> <p>The university offers degrees in business, kinesiology, education, and STEM, with several fully online bachelor's and graduate programs. Adams State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that emphasizes affordable tuition and support services for underrepresented students. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $371 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.ColoradoStateUniversityPueblo">4. Colorado State University Pueblo</h3> <p>Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo allows students to apply test-optional and does not require a minimum GPA to waive test scores. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate programs, including engineering, criminal justice, and media communication. </p> <p>CSU Pueblo supports online learning through bachelor's and master's programs in fields like business and nursing. The school also participates in the COF, helping reduce tuition for Colorado residents. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $410 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.MetropolitanStateUniversityOfDenver">5. Metropolitan State University of Denver</h3> <p>Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver offers test-optional admission to all students, with no GPA requirement listed for those who choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores. The university features more than 90 majors in areas such as aviation, accounting, computer science, and the arts. </p> <p>Many programs are available online, including degrees in human services, finance, and public health. MSU Denver is one of Colorado's most affordable urban universities and participates in the COF. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $420.50 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.ColoradoMesaUniversity">6. Colorado Mesa University</h3> <p>Colorado Mesa University provides a test-optional application process and considers students based on academic performance, class rank, and other non-test factors. There is no minimum GPA requirement for applicants using the test-optional pathway. </p> <p>The university offers over 100 degree programs, including bachelor's options in healthcare, education, and computer science. Online programs are available in nursing, business administration, and sport management, with COF support available for eligible residents. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $430 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.FortLewisCollege">7. Fort Lewis College</h3> <p>Fort Lewis College in Durango offers test-optional admissions and does not require students to meet a GPA minimum to skip test scores. The college emphasizes diversity and affordability, offering over 40 undergraduate programs in fields like environmental science, psychology, business, and Indigenous studies. </p> <p>Online learning options are more limited but growing, particularly in education and leadership programs. COF stipends can be applied toward eligible tuition costs. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $451 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfColoradoColoradoSprings">8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs</h3> <p>University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers a flexible, test-optional application process for all undergraduate students. No minimum GPA is required for students choosing not to submit test scores. </p> <p>UCCS provides more than 70 undergraduate degrees in fields such as nursing, business, computer science, and psychology. The university offers several online degree options in areas like criminal justice, communication, and health sciences, making it a strong choice for students balancing school and work. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $472 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfNorthernColorado">9. University of Northern Colorado</h3> <p>The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) uses a test-optional admissions process with no required GPA for students applying without test scores. Located in Greeley, the university offers over 100 undergraduate majors in areas like education, business, and the performing arts. </p> <p>Online programs are available in nursing, psychology, and early childhood education. UNC participates in COF, which helps reduce tuition costs for in-state students. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $490.75 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.UniversityOfColoradoDenver">10. University of Colorado Denver</h3> <p>University of Colorado (CU) Denver offers test-optional admissions with no minimum GPA requirement for students applying without ACT or SAT scores. The university has a strong focus on career-readiness and provides over 130 academic programs in business, engineering, public health, and the arts. </p> <p>CU Denver also offers many fully online undergraduate degrees, including options in communication, sociology, and criminal justice. In-state students can reduce their tuition costs through the College Opportunity Fund. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost: </b> $519 per credit hour </li><li><b>Accreditation: </b> HLC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>These Colorado colleges were selected for their affordability, accreditation, and inclusive admissions policies. All schools listed support test-optional pathways and offer in-state tuition support through the COF. </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring academic quality and financial aid eligibility. </li><li><b>Admissions requirements:</b> We included schools with clearly defined test-optional policies and no minimum GPA requirement unless otherwise stated. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Schools are ranked by the estimated cost per credit hour or annual tuition for in-state students, helping highlight cost-effective options. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowDoesATestOptionalPolicyAffectCollegeAdmissions">How Does a Test-Optional Policy Affect College Admissions?</h2> <p>A test-optional policy allows students to apply to college without submitting ACT or SAT scores. Instead, admissions teams focus on academic performance, course rigor, GPA, and other application materials like personal statements and recommendation letters. </p> <p>This policy is especially helpful for students who have strong grades but may not perform well on standardized exams. It also benefits applicants who didn't have access to test prep resources or who couldn't take the exam. At test-optional colleges, students are evaluated more holistically, making it easier to showcase strengths beyond a single test score. </p> <h2 id="section---BenefitsOfApplyingToTestOptionalColleges">Benefits of Applying to Test-Optional Colleges</h2> <p>Test-optional colleges offer greater flexibility and accessibility for students from a wide range of academic and personal backgrounds. If you didn't take the ACT or SAT--or your scores don't reflect your true potential--you can still be considered for admission based on your high school performance, extracurriculars, and goals. </p> <p>These policies can reduce the pressure to retake exams and eliminate the costs of expensive test prep. Many colleges also extend test-optional policies to scholarships and merit aid, helping students qualify for financial support without needing to meet specific score thresholds. </p> <h2 id="section---TipsForTestOptionalCollegeAdmissions">Tips for Test-Optional College Admissions</h2> <p>When applying to test-optional colleges, focus on strengthening other parts of your application. Maintain a strong GPA and choose rigorous courses whenever possible. Write a personal statement that clearly communicates your interests, experiences, and goals. </p> <p>Ask for recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who can speak to your academic and personal strengths. Highlight your extracurricular activities, work experience, or volunteer service to show engagement and responsibility. Research each college's admissions and scholarship policies carefully&mdash;while test scores aren't required, some programs or financial aid packages may still consider them if submitted. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTestOptionalSchoolsInColorado">FAQs About Test-Optional Schools in Colorado</h2> <p>If you're thinking about applying to college in Colorado without ACT or SAT scores, you may be wondering how test-optional admissions work and what to expect. These frequently asked questions cover GPA requirements, financial aid, and whether you can still include scores if you choose. </p> <h3 id="section---DoTestOptionalSchoolsAcceptLowerGPAs">Do Test-Optional Schools Accept Lower GPAs?</h3> <p>Test-optional admissions don't guarantee acceptance with a low GPA, but some colleges do consider students with below-average grades if they show academic potential in other ways. This could include upward grade trends, strong recommendation letters, or meaningful extracurriculars. </p> <p>If your GPA is on the lower end, you might want to learn more about the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/colleges_that_accept_a_low_gpa.html">easiest colleges to get into with a low GPA</a> to identify schools with more flexible admission standards. </p> <h3 id="section---WillSkippingTestScoresHurtMyChances">Will Skipping Test Scores Hurt My Chances?</h3> <p>Not submitting ACT or SAT scores won't negatively affect your application at a test-optional school. These colleges have designed their admissions process to fairly evaluate students based on their coursework, GPA, activities, and personal achievements. If your academic record is solid, you can still be a competitive applicant without test scores. </p> <h3 id="section---AreTestScoresRequiredForScholarshipsInColorado">Are Test Scores Required for Scholarships in Colorado?</h3> <p>Many Colorado colleges that use test-optional admissions also offer scholarships without requiring test scores. These awards are often based on GPA, class rank, leadership activities, or financial need. However, some competitive or program-specific scholarships may still request test results, so it's important to check each school's scholarship guidelines before applying. </p> <h3 id="section---CanTransferStudentsApplyWithoutTestScores">Can Transfer Students Apply Without Test Scores?</h3> <p>Transfer students are generally evaluated based on their college coursework rather than high school records or standardized tests. Most test-optional colleges in Colorado don't require ACT or SAT scores for transfer applicants, especially if they've completed a minimum number of college credits. Requirements can vary, so it's a good idea to check each school's transfer policy. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSTheDifferenceBetweenTestOptionalAndTestBlind">What's the Difference Between Test-Optional and Test-Blind?</h3> <p>According to <a href="https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/apply-to-college/what-is-test-optional">College Board</a>, test-optional colleges allow you to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. If you include them, the admissions team will consider them; if you don't, your application will still be reviewed fairly based on other factors like GPA and coursework. Test-blind schools, on the other hand, will not consider test scores at all, even if you submit them. Understanding these terms can help you choose the right schools based on your strengths and application strategy. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreDegreePrograms">Explore Degree Programs</h2> <p>Whether you're planning to earn your degree online or on campus, Colorado's test-optional colleges offer flexible, affordable pathways to higher education. Explore degree options available through Learn.org to find a program that fits your goals, schedule, and future career plans.</p>