CCU Achieves Record Enrollment, Surpassing 17,400 Students

Posted on September 30, 2025

CCU Achieves Record Enrollment, Surpassing 17,400 Students

University reaches historic milestone with continued double-digit growth

Colorado Christian University, the flagship Christian liberal arts university in the Rocky Mountain Region, has achieved its largest enrollment in institutional history, surpassing 17,400 students for fiscal year 2025. This milestone represents a 106% growth over the past decade, demonstrating the university's continued momentum as one of the nation's fastest-growing institutions of higher learning.

"Colorado Christian University's record enrollment reflects the growing demand for Christ-centered education that transforms lives," said Eric K. Hogue, CCU's president. "We are grateful to serve students who seek to integrate faith and learning while pursuing academic excellence, and this growth affirms our commitment to making quality Christian higher education accessible across the country and around the world."

The FY2025 enrollment of 17,415 students marks the fifteenth consecutive year of growth for CCU, with the university achieving a 106% enrollment increase over the past decade. This growth comes at a time when many institutions face declining enrollment, positioning CCU as a distinctive voice in higher education.

Strength Across All Divisions

College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS)continues to lead enrollment with 8,681 students across adult undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The college, also known as CCU Online, serves students from all 50 states, with 99% enrolled in online courses. Graduate program applications surged with an 11% increase in submissions, reflecting strong demand for CCU's advanced degree offerings.

"The College of Adult and Graduate Studies has seen remarkable growth in both enrollment and applications," said Allison Burkhart, vice president of University Marketing, CAGS Enrollment and Student Success. "Our commitment to providing flexible, faith-integrated education continues to resonate with adult learners seeking to advance their careers while deepening their faith, no matter where they live."

College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS)enrolled 1,495 traditional undergraduate students on CCU's Lakewood campus, welcoming 421 first-time freshmen. The college maintains strong retention rates, with 93% of Fall-to-Spring retention and 80% Freshman-to-Sophomore retention.

"Our traditional undergraduate programs continue to attract students who desire a vibrant campus experience grounded in biblical truth," noted Dr. Neal Anderson, vice president of Student Life and Traditional Enrollment. "Our incoming class demonstrates families' confidence in CCU's ability to prepare students for meaningful careers and purposeful lives."

CCU Academyreached 7,264 students, representing a 177% growth over ten years. The dual enrollment program now serves students from 46 states, with 85.2% from outside Colorado, providing high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while deepening their understanding of a Christian worldview.

Commitment to Excellence and Accessibility

CCU's growth reflects its dedication to three key priorities: unwavering biblical values, academic excellence, and accessible education. The university maintains an average class size of 13 students overall, ensuring personalized attention despite significant enrollment growth. With 139 full-time faculty and 547 affiliate faculty members, CCU maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.

The university's diverse student body includes 63.5% female students, representation from 50 states and 65 denominations, and 35% ethnic minority students. Approximately 77.5% of students attend from outside Colorado, demonstrating CCU's national reach.

Looking Ahead

As CCU enters its next phase of growth, the university remains committed to its founding mission of impacting culture in support of traditional evangelical Christian values, promoting character development, and preparing students to serve Christ in their chosen vocations.

"This milestone enrollment is not just about numbers-it's about lives transformed through a distinct and compelling Christ-centered, conservative, education and the value of the Liberal Arts" added President Hogue. "Each of these 17,415 students represents a unique calling and an opportunity to influence our world for Christ."