Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO, USA

Reviews

Colorado Mesa University

Tara from Fruita, CO

a current student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
In my opinion, the professors at Mesa do a good job of cutting straight to the core of a subject and really making sure that their students understand what is being taught. They talk to you, rather than at you when they lecture so everything is more personal and therefore more memorable. Mesa sets the standard that getting a great education is the main goal of a student's attendance. Even though there is plenty of wiggle room for a social life, learning the skills we need for our future careers is the main priority and Mesa is serious about equipping it's students with the skills they will need to succeed.
Am enjoying being here
Last year at Mesa I experienced what I had expected my first year of college to be. It challenged me and made me more independent, but wasn't to hard and I had time to make a lot of friends along the way. Mesa constantly provides fun occasions for the students, which kept the year feeling relatively stress free, and because of this I enjoyed my first year at Mesa very much and am looking forward to more great years to come.
Bang for the buck
Any college is going to seem expensive, but Mesa does a pretty good job at reasonable prices for tuition and fees. The facilities at Mesa are nice and there are a lot of fun activities and Mesa is generous with financial aide, so there isn't much room for complaint. The main issue I have with Mesa when it comes to the money aspect is that you don't really know where all of your money is going. Other than that, I think you get what you pay for for the most part.
Tips for prospective students
The main tip I would give prospective students is to not base your college choice solely on the money you are going to have to spend. Any college is going to cost quite a bit, so you might as well pay the extra few thousand a year to go to one you love rather than to go to one you feel you have to settle for. If you're going to go to a school like Mesa, go there because you want to, not just because it might cost a little less than the next school.
Great for these types of students
Mesa is a good school for the easy going but hard working person. There are hundreds of different types of people that go to Mesa and lots of variety. Mesa's for the student who's serious about gaining skills to succeed in the future, but also for the person who doesn't mind having fun along the way.

Jennifer from Grand Junction, CO

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There is a lot of variety at Mesa. Whether you want to become a nurse or a dancer, there are classes for just about any profession an incoming student can choose from. And even if that person hasn't decided what they want to do yet, they can take a general education track until they decide what they like to do.
Am enjoying being here
I can't count how many clubs, extracurricular activities, and events that are going on at Mesa right now. They just finished completing the new recreation center, so if the person coming in is a sportsy type, they can do basketball, raquetball, swimming, running... the list goes on and on. I do raquetball right now. And I'm looking to getting involved in the theatre clubs once Spring semester starts.
Bang for the buck
It's a little pricey, but there are several different, degree-specific and general, scholarships available for incoming freshmen and people who are in their first or second year. It's real easy to get a little help when paying for the tuition, books, and fees that are always a pain in the you-know-where to find money for.
Tips for prospective students
1.) Have an idea of what you want to do
2.) Loans and grants are okay, but have a plan of how you're going to pay them back.
3.) Be open and have fun!
Great for these types of students
1.) Mathematics majors
2.) Any kind of medical major
3.) GREAT for theatre and art majors
4.) Sports

Brandon from Monument, CO

accepted here and planning to attend soon
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
The academics within the school are definitely top of the line, and the teachers all seem to know their subjects absolutely thoroughly. It seems as though the University Board staffed their school very well.
Will enjoy being here
The campus is absolutely beautiful! Every single building is either just renovated or brand-new. They are renovating the football and baseball stadiums for this fall, and they just opened 3 new dorms within the past 2 years. The population is big enough where you aren't in everyone's business, yet small enough where you can get to know everyone that you want to. An excellent pick if you want a superior small school.
Bang for the buck
Mesa is definitely the cheapest college - now University - in Colorado. They have the smallest tuition increase in CO, and the room and board prices are just below the average University dorm prices. Definitely worth every penny paid though.
Tips for prospective students
1. Go to the FYI (Freshman Year Initiative) program before school starts - it's most certainly worth it.

2. Get involved with the activities on campus. There are 19 NCAA Div. II sports on campus, plus 5 up and coming. If you don't want to play pro, then there are tons of club sports that you can be a part of.
Great for these types of students
1. Arts (music, theater, dance, art) majors DEFINITELY
2. Medical Majors (any type)
3. Mathematics/science majors will do very well

Leah from Colorado Springs, CO

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Colorado Mesa University is a small school with a big university feeling; offering everything from dynamic academics to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities. At CMU, our tight-knit community of traditional and non-traditional students proudly works together in order to achieve our goals by learning from passionate, brilliant professors. I believe that Colorado Mesa is a great fit for people from every state across the US, and an amazing school for students from out of the country to study abroad at.
Tips for prospective students
A good tip to embrace for prospective students is to always keep your heart and your mind clear and open to the wonders of an intense education and the people you meet because of that education. College is a significantly important and thrilling opportunity to develop oneself as a student, leader, and person in general. There are so many different individuals in the world with so much to offer, and I believe that it is important to remove judgements based off of sexual orientation, race, or background. Always remember to be kind to everyone you meet, always remember to listen hard when being taught or spoken too, and last but more important than anything, ALWAYS GO TO CLASS!
Academic Rigor
Academics are tough at Colorado Mesa but not incredibly difficult, although it varies depending on which major the student it going for. However, I believe that going to school at CMU can be as academically rigorous as each individual makes it. The University offers plenty of help for students in need, such at the TLC, which is a free on-campus tutoring center.
Dorm Life
Although I currently live off-campus, I spent my freshman year in the dorms at Colorado Mesa. At first I was nervous for sharing my space with a stranger but I quickly found out that cohabiting with another person isn't so bad at all. Not to mention, I met tons of people on my floor and in my building that I could relate to simply because we were living in the same building. I loved living on campus because everything is so close and easily accessible. Finally, I would absolutely recommend dorm life at CMU and I believe other students who have lived their time in the dorms would agree.
Food and Dining
The food and dining services at Colorado Mesa are not my favorite thing about the school. I think that the program needs to work on offering healthier, different options rather than cycling through 10 meals. I would like to see organics coming through the cafeteria or at least more vegetarian options. However, there are a few coffee and sandwich shops sprinkled throughout campus and those are worth eating at.
What to do for fun
Colorado Mesa is located in the heart of outdoor recreational opportunities. This year, I have been river rafting/floating, backpacking, camping, and I am looking forward to the ski season to begin. Powder Horn is an awesome little mountain and it's only 40 minutes away. There are a few night clubs, and some good bars on Main Street. Furthermore, there is the Mesa Theater, which I have seen many good shows at from big artists including Tech N9ne, The Expendables, The Green, Reel Big Fish, exc. In conclusion, there is a popular club on campus called PAC, and their mission is to bring epic events to us for free, regularly. Some examples of this include bringing comedians in, providing stress-relief week during finals, and bringing Macklemore to preform April 20, 2013.
Bang for the buck
I personally am trying to squeeze every last morsel of education out of my time spent here. The cost associated with college is huge, but CMU has very low tuition in comparison to other Universities. If attending school here was more expensive, perhaps I wouldn't be getting the whole bang for my buck. Until then, I am absolutely getting my bang for my buck.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are no unusual traditions or locations on campus, although if you'd like to see an amazing fiery sunset you can go to the top of the University Center and see what feels like to be the entirety of Colorado.
Great for these types of students
Colorado Mesa is great for the students who are looking for a warm place to get their education, Grand Junction is located on the banana belt and we have a warm season that lasts a lot longer than the cold season. CMU is also great for students who are looking to be involved in sports or clubs outside of the classroom, because we are still so small many people get opportunities that they couldn't at bigger schools.
Clubs and Activities
Five star rating for the clubs and activities at Colorado mesa University. See above.
Greek Life
The first stages of Greek life are beginning on campus, Fall 2012 is the first year that a Fraternity exists.
Campus Safety
Campus is the safest place in Grand Junction, with on duty protection 24/7 and safety poles at every corner. Plus, there is a trained and hired staff of male students who are trusted and used to walk anyone anywhere two blocks off campus.

Rose from Bennett, CO

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Not only do I learn a lot in the classroom, but outside as well. Our professors always make them selves available to help whenever students need extra help. I have studied at other universities where getting a study group set up is difficult, at Mesa it is easy, and always teaching others new things.
Am enjoying being here
There is always plenty to do on and around campus. Mesa is a great place for the outdoors type. We have a great program where we can rent tents and canoes, really anything you could ever need for out door fun. I love the people, and the community. Some of my best friends have been made in my first year of school.
Bang for the buck
We have amazing accommodations. Our facilities are state of the art. The weight room is in constant use, as is the new College Center. You can always find students using every available resource, from the indoors to the outdoors.
Tips for prospective students
Live on campus the first few years. You will meet your best friends, and learn so much about yourself and life in general. There is always something going on on campus that nearly all students enjoy immensely. The food may not always be something you will enjoy, but if you tell chef he will make something that you, as well as others, enjoy.
Great for these types of students
Any one who is ready to learn, make friends, and have fun. If you can apply yourself in and out of the class room, understand your peers in the dorms, and just let loose from time to time, Mesa is the place for you!

Jennifer from Louisville, CO

a past student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
For the most part, I am learning things that I didn't previously know. The only exceptions to this case are the College Algebra class which seems to be taught at the level of 8th grade-12th grade mathematics and the geology courses which have gone over information that I had previously learned in my geology classes in middle and high school.
Am enjoying being here
I do enjoy living on campus and being close to my classes, but the things that I don't like about living on campus can be expected of any other college. There is litter on the ground and the dorms have students in them that partake in alcohol and drugs and can be noisy at times, even during quiet hours. The town, for the most part, is friendly, but I would caution you to look out for the homeless as they can be somewhat militant.
Bang for the buck
It is no lie that Colorado Mesa University is a cheap school. Because of that, you can attend many classes and if it is your choice to transfer, many of the courses can go with you to other schools with higher tuitions. CMU is a good starter school if you want to get some of your general education credits before going on to do more specialized course work elsewhere.
Tips for prospective students
I would suggest doing as many of your classes online. Some of the classes are hybrids between actual class time and Internet courses and it is great to do those types of classes. A word of caution, however, in the health class that all students must take, I have had trouble with submitting assignments. At the end of the semester I found that I had gotten a very low grade and discovered that my professor hadn't received my assignments at all.
Great for these types of students
CMU is good for students who want a smaller campus, small class sizes, and enjoy the outdoors. Moab is nearby, but it doesn't take a long drive to get to a good place to go hiking. Just a couple miles away is the Colorado Monument where you can hike many trails and get great views of surrounding geologic features and Grand Junction. The campus is biker and skateboarder friendly, with many bike racks around campus and skateboarding racks at the dining facility. I have seen no professors that have issues with students bringing their boards into class.

Amber from Henderson, CO

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
CMU is the underdog as far as universities are concerned. It is a small school, but it is always growing and always improving. In the future, I have no doubt that they will be up to par with the larger universities with a little bit of time.
Tips for prospective students
1.) Laundry is free at the dorms, that's something to be happy about.
2.) Use your meal plan. Regardless of which one you're on (not counting the commuter plans of course) you get a high amount of swipes. Even the cheaper plan gives you 1000 swipes. Seriously if you're hungry, go eat. Those swipes will just disappear if you don't use them.
3.) Go to class. Some classes depend on your attendance as an actual grade.
4.) There is an Albertson's just across the street on the east side of campus, but even though there are sales going on, the prices are still a bit obnoxious compared to everyone else. I'd only recommend going there if you don't have any other means of transportation to get you to Walmart or something.
5.) If you have a car, bring it. Other than Albertson's, there isn't really much options around campus within walking distance. Most stores such as Walmart are on the other side of Interstate 70, which is impossible to get there by walking. Having a care will save you money in the long run, rather than always taking an Uber or taxi places.
Academic Rigor
You really get what you're paying for and then some. The courses you take, especially ones that are not general education credits, can be challenging, but not impossible. They do make you think a little bit. Of course, there are some classes that are far easier than others because of the professors. Some of them are more of a delight to be in than others. You just take it as you will.
Dorm Life
Not too shabby really. Most of the RA's are really helpful, it can be hard tracking one down though because of their schedules. The rooms are not too bad, some nicer than others depending on what dorm you stay at. The bathrooms in the halls with community bathrooms are always cleaned during the week. All the halls have been updated with card locks on the exterior of the hall as well as card locks for the individual rooms. There is really nothing too spectacular about the dorms though.
Food and Dining
There really isn't much variety regarding food. Of course, you get the same, old burgers and pizza, and then whatever mysteries reside in the dining hall. (The prices are a bit ridiculous if you aren't on a meal plan, just keep that in mind.) The quality of the food isn't the best, but it's edible at least.
What to do for fun
Not going to lie, Grand Junction itself is pretty boring. The saving grace of it is CMU's Outdoor Program. CMU is really in the middle of everything, whether you want to go rafting, skiing, hiking, or whatever else, the OP can help you out to have a great time.
Bang for the buck
Most definitely. You're only paying a fraction of what everyone else in the larger universities would pay. You're getting a pretty decent education for what you pay for here.
Great for these types of students
Students who enjoy the outdoors and students who want a quality education at a cheaper price.
Clubs and Activities
There is almost a club for everything and anything here. Some are more pronounced than others, but it's alright. There are club sports here as well that is active all the time.
Greek Life
Greek life is just about nonexistent. There are a couple of sororities and fraternities, but for the most part, they are not relevant.
Campus Safety
The campus is pretty safe in general. The Campus SafeWalk makes it safer at night when someone doesn't want to walk to places by themselves. There is a Grand Junction Police Station on campus as well if someone needs it.

JAVIER from San Antonio, TX

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The school is located in a nice little town where the mountains surround the school and thereâ??s a view from every window. The locals are nice and outdoorsy so there are people outside all times of day. Great place to study and have fun and itâ??s a perfect location if you want to get out of the city life and try something new.
Tips for prospective students
If you are annoyed by the city life i would recommend this university because the community is safe and there are a lot of outdoor activities. The school is not that big and not small either you can get to the other side of the campus in less than 15 minutes depending on how fast you walk. the dorms are close to the classes so even if you wake up late you can get to your classes in time.
Academic Rigor
Classes are not that hard you just have to show up and study. They offer a great tutoring center if you ever need help and they are open everyday so you don't have to worry about struggling to find a tutor because they have enough to help everyone.
Dorm Life
The dorms are one of the first places you visit and at first glance they don't seem that great but once you start living there its a whole other thing because how involve are the floors. Every so often your RA's will get the floor together and you can participate in multiple things that's how you meet most of the people you live with.
Food and Dining
Food at the cafeteria can be good sometimes but you'll find yourself going to different places to dine. if you are into cheap fast food there is a tacobell on one side and a Mc donalds in the other so you have some variety. Some good restaurants around the school that you need to experience first hand to actually judge them.
What to do for fun
there is a lot of things you can do for fun you are basically in a little town surrounded by the desert so if you like the outdoors this is a place from you. these offroading,bike riding, hiking,snowboarding, and there's places you can ride your motorcycle around.
Bang for the buck
Worth every penny meet new friend got to meet some locals , great sight seeing and the teachers are great because the class rooms are meant to encourage everyone in it with less than 50 students per class depending on how popular the class is.
Great for these types of students
Great for people who want to be outdoors, people looking for a whole different experience, and for anyone who like the cold because some night can get pretty cold.
Clubs and Activities
there are different clubs around campus you just got to find the one that most fits you. the school has activities in the courtyards and it bring the school together but only when the weather is nice and clear.
Greek Life
The Greek life is barely starting to pick up because there is only one fraternity so far but they are introducing more into the school.
Campus Safety
there is a cop on duty through the day so its pretty secure and safe around campus.

Tyler from Grand Junction, CO

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Colorado Mesa University is a great school to go to. Although our campus is fairly big and there are not many degrees available like at other colleges. This campus is a great place for learning your certain degree really well.
Tips for prospective students
For the prospective students how intend to come to this school, the classes are tough but then again that is because they are college classes. The teachers expect a lot from you because it is a college campus. But the people are very nice and very helpful. We have tutoring programs available for those that struggle. And the food here is awesome.
Academic Rigor
Like I have already stated the classes are difficult. And your teachers do expect a lot from you, so don't be constantly late unless it is unavoidable. But try your best to make it to class on time or a little early. And try not to turn in assignments late, the teachers hate that.
Dorm Life
I myself do not live on campus so I can't tell you from personal experience. But I have several friends that decided to live on campus and they personally enjoy what this campus has to offer.
Food and Dining
Like I said at the beginning the food here is awesome! They make it fresh everyday, so nothing is old unlike those old high school lunches that are just yucky. They have places all around campus that you can get food from and then they have one place that is kind of like a buffet style of eating and you can go in anytime of the day.
What to do for fun
There is not much to do in town unless you have money to spend, but on campus in the University Center (one of the buildings) there is a game room that you can go to and you can play games, study, hang out with your friends, play pool, ping pong, even foosball. The people there are really friendly.
Bang for the buck
Well if you are talking about on campus then I would say the best 'bang for the buck' would be the food that they serve here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Well my first week or two here on campus was great, but I found it really odd to hear that the 'foam dance party' was coming up soon. I thought that it was really strange, but me and my boyfriend went to it and it was really fun I was going next year.
Great for these types of students
The types of students that work very hard at anything that they set out to do will thrive in this type if environment. The people that don't let distractions take over what they need to get done will excel more then those that say, Oh I have one more day.
Clubs and Activities
There are lots of clubs that are available here on campus, I am not a part of any club at the moment. But I hear great things about the clubs my friends are a part of.
Greek Life
I do not know of anything Greek on campus. Neither me nor my friends are a part of that so I do not know.
Campus Safety
The campus is really safe here, we have a office where the few police officers on campus reside. So if you were in need of help you could go there for help. We also have these safety poles that are everywhere on campus.

Thomas from Grand Junction, CO

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a college where classes are not so big but is also so at the same time. Mesa has a fantastic tutor program, my studies are going to be in good lines. Everybody takes the opportunity to explore the monuments and The Grand Mesa for some relaxation.
Tips for prospective students
If getting a chance to live in a mid size town with beautiful sites to see, Mesa is a good choice.Mesa can be the opportunity to enjoy many clubs on campus. While studying, the wi-fi speed is excellent.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is more predictable. Neat bedrooms through the campus and great little areas to study. Students take the advantage to meet people through the dorms.
Food and Dining
The College has recently upgrade there campus, food and dining is much bigger, good tasting food and excellent staff. Meals are fresh with many choices to choose from. Price is in budge, so you have no worries about being broke.
What to do for fun
The valley has incredible sites and scenes. The school has so many outdoor programs, so the new transfers can take the advantage to explore. Winter season, have to love winter season anyways the nearest ski resort is about an hour away.