Posted on September 22, 2016
CCU Ranked #1 in CO for Lowest Student Debt; Top 10 in U.S. for Enrollment Growth
Colorado Christian University was named the #1 college in the state of Colorado for the lowest average student loan debt at graduation in a study of over 1,300 schools throughout the nation. In addition, CCU was ranked by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the top ten growing private master's degree granting institutions in enrollment.
This past academic year, CCU offered over $15,130,000 in scholarship funds to students. "With over 43 million Americans holding over 1.35 trillion dollars in student loan debt, this is a significant achievement for CCU," commented CCU's Director of Financial Aid, Steve Woodburn. "Not only are we committed to providing rigorous academic programs that are Christ-centered, we are also actively supporting our students by making higher education more affordable."
Colorado Christian University sees education as an investment for students, their families, and the whole community. Woodburn added, "For the 2015-16 school year, 96% of CCU students received some form of financial aid. Our scholarships and grants reach a variety of students. We have scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, scripture memorization, and even a full-tuition World Changers Scholarship for those actively engaged in community service."
Student enrollment is another factor to consider when examining the success of any higher education institution. "Our University has attracted high-caliber students from all 50 states as well as 14 countries (including the US)," said CCU's Vice President for Business Affairs, Dan Cohrs. "CCU's enrollment skyrocketed with a record-breaking total enrollment of 7,379 students in the 2016 year alone, and that's worth celebrating."
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, this is an increase of over 244 percent, placing CCU as one of the top ten growing private master's degree granting institutions in the nation. Data collected in The Chronicle's 2016 Almanac revealed that 19 of the 20 top nonprofit master's institutions more than doubled their enrollment over the last ten years.
"It's a blessing for CCU to be recognized as one of the top ten fastest-growing private nonprofit master's institutions," added Cohrs. "Not only does that speak to the dedication of our professors, residence directors, and support staff to provide an exemplary college experience, it also reminds us to be grateful," he said.
"Many colleges are seeing a decline in enrollment, yet students are increasingly choosing to attend Colorado Christian University," Cohrs continued. "Our leadership has maintained an uncompromising stance on the truth of Scripture, and that uniquely prepares our graduates for a life of service and contribution that will impact our nation and our world."