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Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Empowering the Mind Through Heart"

Public university
Type
9,785
Total Students
9,473
Undergrad
312
Graduate
$70M
Endowment
(2025)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: John Marshall

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa: Western Colorado's academic hub, empowering minds and shaping futures.

Nestled in Grand Junction, Colorado, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) stands as the largest public university in the western part of the state, a vibrant hub of learning guided by its motto, "Empowering the Mind Through Heart." With a robust community of 9,785 students, CMU offers a comprehensive educational experience spanning over 100 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate programs across 14 diverse academic departments. The spirit of the Mavericks, CMU's NCAA Division II athletic teams, is evident across campus, with an impressive 70 RMAC regular season titles.

CMU's journey began in 1925 as Grand Junction Junior College, a crucial response to the growing need for accessible higher education outside the Front Range Urban Corridor. Over decades, the institution evolved significantly, reflecting its expanding academic ambitions. It transitioned through names like Mesa College and Mesa State College, eventually achieving full university status in 2011 to become Colorado Mesa University, a testament to its commitment to growth and advanced educational offerings, including bachelor's degrees from 1974.

Today, CMU offers an engaging student experience on its 141-acre main campus in central Grand Junction, complemented by branch campuses like CMU Tech and a regional campus in Montrose. For prospective students and families, Colorado Mesa University represents an exceptional opportunity to pursue academic excellence in a dynamic environment, combining a rich history of educational innovation with a forward-looking commitment to student success and community engagement in the heart of Western Colorado.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1925, evolving from a junior college to a comprehensive public university.
  • Largest university in Western Colorado, serving 9,785 students as of Fall 2024.
  • Offers over 100 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate programs across 14 academic departments.
  • NCAA Division II Athletics: The Mavericks boast 70 RMAC regular season titles.
  • Main campus spans 141 acres in Grand Junction, with additional campuses including CMU Tech and a regional campus in Montrose.
  • Guided by the motto: "Empowering the Mind Through Heart."
  • Maintains an endowment of $70 million (as of 2025).

Timeline

1925
Established as Grand Junction Junior College on April 10.
1932
Renamed Grand Junction State Junior College.
1937
Renamed Mesa County Junior College.
1940
Renamed Mesa College.
1974
Began offering bachelor's degrees.
1988
Renamed Mesa State College, reflecting growing educational programs.
2011
Officially attained university status and adopted its current name, Colorado Mesa University.

Leadership

John Marshall
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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