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College comparison
Colorado College vs Tulane
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Colorado College Colorado Springs, CO |  Tulane New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateTulane University of Louisiana is more selective | 18% | 14% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1230–1460 | 1400–1520 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,014 | 7,767 |
| Avg net price | $33,375 | $39,949 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Colorado College reports higher median earnings | $65,222 | $63,268 |
| Graduation rate | 88% | 86% |
| Median debt | $18,257 | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | — |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Colorado College vs Tulane: how they compare
For a data-driven family, Colorado College and Tulane represent a choice between a distinctive academic structure in a mountain setting and a vibrant, traditional university in a major cultural hub.
By the numbers Colorado College delivers stronger quantitative value: its 10-year median earnings ($65k) are slightly higher than Tulane's ($63k) at a significantly lower average net price ($33k vs. $40k), resulting in a superior AdmitQuant value multiplier (2.0× vs. 1.6× earnings per dollar). Tulane is more selective (14% vs. 18% acceptance) with a higher middle-50% SAT range (1400–1520 vs. 1230–1460). Both show identical admit-rate volatility (35%) and similar graduation rates (88% vs. 86%). Colorado College holds a perfect DOE financial health score (3.0/3), a metric not provided for Tulane here.
Where they overlap Both are residential liberal arts-focused institutions in city settings with strong graduation outcomes. They attract students seeking an engaging, community-oriented campus life.
How they differ The core distinction is academic rhythm and location. Colorado College operates on a unique Block Plan, where students take one intensive course at a time, favoring deep immersion and flexibility for field study, closely tied to its Rocky Mountain setting. Tulane offers a conventional semester schedule within the dynamic, historic city of New Orleans. Culturally, Tulane is known for a vibrant social scene with Greek life and integration with its city's music and culture.
Who each suits Choose Colorado College for a student who thrives in intensive, focused academic modules and prioritizes access to outdoor adventure in a smaller city (Colorado Springs). Choose Tulane for a student who wants a traditional college schedule within a bustling, culturally rich city and values a strong school spirit and social scene.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Colorado College or Tulane University of Louisiana harder to get into?
- Tulane University of Louisiana is more selective: Colorado College's acceptance rate is approximately 18% and Tulane University of Louisiana's is approximately 14% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Colorado College vs Tulane University of Louisiana?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1230–1460 at Colorado College and 1400–1520 at Tulane University of Louisiana. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.