University of Colorado Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is located on approximately 521 acres in northeast Colorado Springs at the foot of Austin Bluffs, a rugged natural cliff formation. The campus provides a spectacular view of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, including Pikes Peak, a 14,100-foot mountain that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write “America the Beautiful” from its pinnacle in 1893. Established in 1965, UCCS was built on an original 1964 gift of 80 acres (for the price of $1) from local businessman George Dwire. The campus continues to expand with the recent additions of a Campus Recreation Center, the Gallogly Events Center, the Osborne Center for Science & Engineering, Berger Hall, Mountain Lion Stadium, and renovations to Dwire Hall, the Heller Center for the Arts and Humanities and Centennial Hall. In the Fall 2013 semester, more than 10,600 students enrolled in state-supported instruction and almost 1,100 students participated in extended studies. At UCCS 53% of students are female; 23% identify as ethnic minority students. Approximately 92% of UCCS students originate from Colorado; however, students from all 50 states and 55 countries are represented. More than 325 active military personnel and 25 U.S. Olympic athletes pursue higher learning at UCCS. About 84% of students are enrolled in undergraduate programs and 16% are pursuing graduate study, with the assistance of approximately 1,100 faculty and staff.