Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University, in Grand Junction, Colorado, is dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience in a student-centered environment featuring small class sizes and a high level of student-faculty interaction. Founded in 1925, CMU is a comprehensive regional public higher education institution with an enrollment of nearly 11,000 students. CMU is located in Grand Junction, a small, safe city in the beautiful high-desert of western Colorado. The university is surrounded by areas that provide unparalleled opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. This natural setting fuels a work-hard/play-hard mentality, providing opportunities for physical challenges and mental inspiration. Grand Junction and the surrounding area, however, are also more than just an outdoor paradise. With an area population exceeding 135,000, students can enjoy the amenities of a big city without the hassles of heavy traffic, crowded streets, or hectic airports.

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  Main Campus

  Grand Junction, Colorado, United States

  5,000 - 20,000 on Campus

  100,000 - 250,000 residents in Grand Junction

  Language(s) spoken on campus: English

  Colorado Mesa University, centrally located near downtown Grand Junction, is at the heart of the Grand Valley, a sheltered valley with unique mountain formations on three sides. Taking its name from the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, the valley has many peach and apple orchards as well as local vineyards and distilleries. 

  With an area population over 149,000, the valley offers urban amenities without the hassles of heavy traffic, crime or crowded airports. The city and valley have a strong sense of community and provide many activities in the arts, music and theater. A variety of festivals, farmer’s markets, concerts and other cultural events take place throughout the year. 

  Grand Junction has been noted for having more opportunities for outdoor recreation within a 100-mile radius of its boundaries than any other city in the western U.S., including mountain-biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, skiing and hiking. The Colorado National Monument is a 20-minute drive from campus and offers 23,000 acres of rock formations, arches, windows, canyons and exposed layers of earth. Powderhorn ski resort is located 40 miles from campus. Other popular destinations that can be reached in three hours or less by car include the mineral hot springs in the towns of Glenwood Springs and Ouray, national parks such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches and Canyonlands, and the ski towns of Vail, Aspen and Telluride.

  CMU offers over 190 clubs and organizations ranging from academic clubs to intramural sports. Athletic facilities are available for use free of charge. The International Student Association offers a unique opportunity to interact with students from all different backgrounds and provides guidance on handling culture shock, language barriers, tips for success and much more. 

  The Peer Mentor Program pairs a current CMU student with one or more new international students. The current students are available to help in any way they can with the adjustment to American life for the incoming students' first semester.