Colorado Mesa Guarantees Admission at 3.0 GPA
The Grand Junction university will admit any Colorado high school graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher, with added scholarship money at 3.2.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in College Applications
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Colorado Mesa University will guarantee admission to any Colorado high school graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher, without requiring attendance at a partner school. Students with a 3.2 GPA or higher will also receive a scholarship worth at least $3,000.
Why it matters
The guarantee is tied to GPA alone, not SAT or ACT scores, class rank, or specific coursework, and weighted and unweighted GPAs are treated the same. CMU President John Marshall says the goal is to make college more accessible to Colorado students.
The guarantee applies to any Colorado high school graduate meeting the GPA threshold, and students must still complete the university's application process. Applications can be submitted online through the CMU admissions website or by calling 970-248-1875.
The players
Colorado Mesa University
A public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado, serving students across the western part of the state.
John Marshall
President of Colorado Mesa University, who said the initiative aims to make college more accessible.
The details
Colorado Mesa University is guaranteeing admission to any Colorado high school graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher, regardless of attendance at a partner school. Students with a 3.2 GPA or higher will receive guaranteed admission plus a scholarship worth at least $3,000, with larger awards possible for higher GPAs.
Timeline
CMU pre-approved admission for students with a 3.0 GPA in 2024.
The 3.0 GPA guarantee and 3.2 GPA scholarship were announced October 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Colorado Mesa's move extends a broader pattern of public universities offering GPA-based admission guarantees to reduce barriers for in-state applicants. It signals a shift toward simplified admissions criteria that rely on high school performance rather than standardized test scores.
Colorado high school students with a 3.0 GPA or higher should review Colorado Mesa's application process and consider applying early to take advantage of the guarantee. Students at 3.2 or above should factor the $3,000 minimum scholarship into their college budget planning.
The takeaway
A 3.0 GPA may now be enough to secure admission to a Colorado public university, so students should check specific guarantee terms early in their senior year. Applying with a 3.2 or higher GPA can also bring a scholarship that lowers the overall cost of attendance.
Further reading
Explore more guidance on College Applications to compare admission requirements at other Colorado schools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mix 104.3 KMXY.
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