One course at a time, for three and a half weeks, then a short break before the next: that is the Block Plan, and it shapes everything at Colorado College. Founded in 1874, CC is a private liberal arts college of about 2,200 undergraduates in Colorado Springs, with Pikes Peak on the skyline. Geology and environmental classes often decamp for a whole block to the field.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Official website: coloradocollege.edu
1874
Private liberal arts college
Block Plan, one course at a time
Colorado Springs, below Pikes Peak
$68,000 – $72,000
Tuition before financial aid
$16,000 – $20,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on coloradocollege.edu before you apply.
BA Economics and Business
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Geology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Environmental Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA Molecular Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
The Block Plan: eight blocks a year, one subject each.
Field-based classes in the mountains and deserts of the West.
A mountain campus at Crestone, in the San Luis Valley, used for classes.
Graduates go into environmental work, consulting, finance and tech.
Many continue to graduate school, with block-length research on their records.
Bachelor's graduates may qualify for 12 months of OPT.
Undergrad
Mid-Jan deadline
Postgrad
No PG intake
The campus sits just north of downtown Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods, with its red rock fins, is a 15-minute drive, and block breaks send students off to ski, climb or camp.
The city has a big military presence, including the Air Force Academy, plus the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. Denver is about an hour north on I-25.
Form I-20 issued by Colorado College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Colorado College runs Early Decision and Early Action rounds in November and a Regular Decision deadline in mid-January.
Most new students start in late August. CC also admits a smaller group each year to begin later in the year through winter start.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Colorado College after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Economics and business, geology, environmental science, computer science and molecular biology are popular. Admission is selective and holistic. Non-native English speakers usually submit TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.0 or Duolingo.
CC gives need-based aid to a limited number of international students each year, and asking for aid is part of a need-aware review. There are few merit scholarships.
