

If you’re reading this, then you likely have a student who’s considering attending Colorado Mesa University or Western Colorado Community College. Congratulations! This is an exciting time for your family. We also know it comes with a wealth of information to comb through, a lot of deadlines to keep track of and new items to add to your to-do list. It’s most likely going to feel a little overwhelming at times. But not to worry, because we’re here to ensure you can focus more on the joy and less on the stress of the process, which is why we’ve developed the Maverick Manual.
Created to make the lives of parents and supporters (like you) a little easier, this manual is designed to relieve some of the pressure you may be feeling — ensuring you have easy access to the most critical information you need to help your student navigate their transition to college.
Whether your student is in the early exploratory stages or they’re making their final decision, refer to this as your handy, go-to resource guide on the road to Colorado Mesa University.
Sincerely, The CMU Team
Attention: If you are a parent or supporter of a prospective Western Colorado Community College student, please know that the information contained within this manual is also applicable to you and your student. WCCC is a division of CMU so the processes and CMU resources cited throughout this document are for your knowledge and use.
Getting a good sense for what a university is like can be a daunting task. To help simplify things, we put together a quick snapshot of information to give you a feel for what the Colorado Mesa University experience has to offer.
Trying to track down a year’s worth of important dates and deadlines is enough to make anyone’s head spin. So, below are the most important, calendar-worthy dates all in one easy-to-reference place.
AUG. 1 Application Opens for Fall 2023
SEPT. 6 Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 Admission Decisions Start Releasing
OCT. 1 FAFSA 2023-2024 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Opens
OCT. 1 Foundation Scholarship Opens in MavZone for Admitted Students
NOV. 1 Admitted Student Housing Application Opens
NOV. 15 Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Financial Aid Awards for Admitted Students
DEC. 23-JAN. 2 Campus Closed - Winter Break
JAN. 23 Spring 2023 Classes Start
JAN . 31 CMU Scholarship Application Priority Deadline
FEB . 15 New Fall 2023 Student Registration Opens
FEB . 25 Mesa Experience
MAR. 10 CMU Scholars Reception
MAR. 11 Mesa Experience
MAR. 13 Mesa Experience
APR. 8 Mesa Experience
MAY 1 College Decision Celebrations
JUNE 30 FAFSA 2022-2023 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Priority Deadline
AUG. 1 Application Opens for Fall 2024
AUG. 12 Early Start Program Participants Move-In
AUG. 13-18 Early Start Programs/First Year Initiative
AUG. 16-18 Fall 2023 Residence Hall Move In for Non-Early Start Program Participants
AUG. 18-19 New Mav Days
AUG. 21 Fall 2023 Classes Start
IS APPLYING TO CMU.
Ready to apply? Below is a step-by-step overview of the application process, along with a few things to keep in mind to ensure your student fulfills the necessary admissions requirements.
For first-time freshmen, Colorado Mesa University offers rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted throughout the year. Application processing is quick, so once an application has been completed and required transcripts have been received, your student can expect to receive an admission decision in just a few weeks.
To start an application, your student can either complete the Colorado Mesa University application on our website or apply through the Common App. They will follow a similar process for both:
1. Fill out the application (helpful guides can be found on the Admissions webpage for CMU or on the Common App site)
2. Pay the $40* application fee
Use the code "CMU23" to waive the $40 application fee at time of submission
3. Upon completion of the application, contact their high school to have an official copy of high school transcripts or GED scores sent to the Colorado Mesa University Admissions Office
4. Celebrate that the application has been submitted and wait a few short weeks to receive the admission decision by mail and email!
AUG. 1 2022
Application Opens for Fall 2023
FEB. 25 2023
Mesa Experience
MAY 1 2023
College Decision Celebrations
AUG. 1 2023
Application Opens for Fall 2024
AUG. 21 2023
Fall 2023 Classes Start
All prospective students have a dedicated counselor — even if they have not yet applied to CMU — who is available to offer personalized support. Use our website's Admissions Counselor Search Tool to find your student's counselor and reach out to them with any questions.
SAT and ACT scores are optional. CMU does not require either for admission, however they can be used to determine CMU Merit Scholarship eligibility (see the scholarship section on page 13 for more details).
CMU will review credit through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or college/university concurrent courses. Have your student send official transcripts and/or test results directly to the Colorado Mesa University Registrar’s Office for evaluation.
Note: If your student is not applying as a first-time student, visit our Admissions webpage for resources related to other student types.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN YOU’RE DETERMINING OVERALL COST.
At CMU, we’re firmly committed to making higher education affordable. The following section breaks down our tuition rate, fees and financial opportunities available to your family.
We proudly offer the 2nd lowest tuition and fee rate in Colorado. In the below table you’ll find estimated rates for full-time (15 credit hours per semester) undergraduate students living on campus during the academic year (based on the 2022 - 2023 rates).
Tuition* $8,852 (after COF) $4,800 (after COF) $13,686 $23,553
Fees* $1,110 $1,110 $1,110 $1,110
Residence Hall and Meal Plan Range $9,460-$15,772 $9,460-$15,772 $9,460-$15,772 $9,460-$15,772
Books and Supplies Range $800-$1,600 $800-$1,600 $800-$1,600 $800-$1,600
Estimated Total Per Year $20,222-$27,334 $16,170-$23,282 $25,056-$32,168 $34,923-$42,035
To more accurately calculate what you can expect to pay for your student, fill out the interactive Budgeting Worksheet available on our IRIS site.
The College Opportunity Fund (COF) is a state benefit that reduces your student's share of tuition and doesn’t need to be repaid. It is available to undergraduate students who are classified as in-state students for tuition purposes and enrolled in classes. Start applying for COF.
Special tuition rates are available for out-of-state students in Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Mountains and Plains (M&P) states.
To see qualifying states and program requirements visit our Tuition Programs webpage.
OCT. 1 2022
FAFSA 2023-2024 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Opens
OCT. 1 2022
Foundation Scholarship Opens in MavZone for Admitted Students
NOV. 15 2022
Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Financial Aid Awards for Admitted Students
JUNE 30 2023
FAFSA 2022-2023 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Priority Deadline
JAN. 31 2023
CMU Scholarship Application Priority Deadline
CMU has consolidated all billing services into one secure, convenient website: ePay. ePay makes it easy to view your account activity, make payments and even set up payment plans.
• Follow the ePay instructions (available on the costs section of our website) to set up payment plans. Note: if you want access to ePay, your student must add you as an Authorized User.
A detailed timeline with all billing due dates and deadlines is available on our website's Billing and Due Dates page. For questions about your student bill or payment plan, you can reach out to IRIS (Integrated Resources for Information and Solutions). See page 28 for contact information.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal government’s application to determine financial aid eligibility for most types of financial aid. Applications can be filled out online, and while we can’t cover everything FAFSA related here, we have put together several resources to navigate the process like a pro:
• What is FAFSA? Watch the overview video on the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel
• Visit the Financial Aid page on our website for a step-bystep guide and helpful parent information
• Schedule a 1:1 financial aid counseling session through IRIS
Keep in mind you will need to fill out a FAFSA each year in order to renew your financial aid.
Additionally, check out our Financial Aid webpage for resources to get started with student and parent loans.
CMU offers several scholarship opportunities. In fact, 58% of first-time students received merit scholarships during the 2021-2022 academic year. The below information is designed to help you and your student find, apply for and hopefully obtain scholarships to attend.
Students applying for admission to Colorado Mesa University will automatically be considered for the following scholarships. Merit Scholarships are available for all new freshmen who meet two of the three criteria listed for each award. Your eligibility will automatically be reconsidered if your qualifying criteria improves after admission. More information can be found on our Merit Scholarships webpage.
Distinguished Scholar (Colorado Resident)
Distinguished Scholar (Out-of-State Resident)
Full tuition (does not cover fees) 3.75 GPA Top 5% of their Class ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined score of 1340
$6,000 3.75 GPA
Top 5% of their Class ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined score of 1340
Presidential $3,500 3.50 GPA
Top 15% of their Class ACT composite score of 25 or SAT combined score of 1210
Academic Achievement
$1,250 3.20 GPA Top 25% of their Class ACT composite score of 22 or SAT combined score of 1110
No additional application is required
Automatic submission with university application
No additional application is required
Automatic submission with university application
No additional application is required
Automatic submission with university application
No additional application is required
Automatic submission with university application
The CMU Foundation awarded $4,101,972 to 1,567 students in 2021-22 academic year. The most in the Foundation's history! These scholarships range from a cash stipend to full tuition and fees. Students can apply through their MAVzone account which they will receive access to once they are admitted. More information can be found on our CMU Foundation Scholarships webpage.
400+ Foundation Scholarships available Varies by scholarship ranging from cash stipend to full tuition and fees
Range of eligibility requirements from academic merit-based to need-based
Application and information is on our CMU Foundation Scholarships webpage
Some scholarships require additional information
Students are encouraged to review the list of recommended opportunities and provide information requested to receive further consideration
October 1: Applications open the year prior
January 31: Priority deadline
Get started with the list on our Outside Scholarship Resources webpage.
The following scholarships represent a range of additional financial opportunities available to first-time students who meet the outlined eligibility criteria. More information can be found on our Scholarships webpage.
Legacy Scholarship $1,000 First-time students or first-time transfer students whose parent or legal guardian earned a certificate, or associate, bachelor or graduate degree from CMU
Student must be enrolled fulltime in undergraduate course of study
Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA or college GPA from all colleges attended
First Generation Scholarship $1,000 Awarded to incoming freshmen students whose parents have not graduated with a four-year degree
Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Mesa County Housing Scholarship $5,000 max Mesa County resident: U.S. citizen, valid permanent resident or admitted with ASSET status
High School or CMU GPA 2.0 or higher
Automatic consideration
No additional application is required
More information on our Legacy Scholarship webpage
Automatic submission with university application
Saccomanno Higher Education Foundation Scholarship
Varies Must be a resident of Mesa County, Colorado or Carbon County, Utah and be able to prove financial need
The Foundation encourages applications from individuals regardless of age and academic achievement accomplishments
Automatic consideration No additional application is required More information on our First Generation Scholarship webpage
Automatic consideration
No additional application is required
More information on our Mesa County Housing Scholarship webpage
Automatic submission with university application
Automatic submission with university application
April 30
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ONCE YOUR STUDENT HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO CMU. Congratulations! As you celebrate this milestone, here are a few things you need to know to stay in the loop on next steps and experience first-hand all that CMU has to offer.
Now that your student has been accepted, communications moving forward will be directed to their MAVzone email and to the email they included on their application until the first day of classes when the MAVzone email will be the only way your student will receive information. Help them by reminding them to check their email regularly. To make sure you can see the information they’re receiving, you can have your student add your email to university communications by contacting admissions@coloradomesa.edu.
MAVzone is Colorado Mesa University’s Online Campus Portal and is where students will access instructions for next steps as well as manage their student account during their time at CMU. Note: their account can be created using the steps provided here, or through the ‘Next Steps to CMU’ email they received.
HOW TO LOG IN TO MAVZONE:
1. Go to coloradomesa.edu and click the three bars in the upper right corner
2. Click the MAVzone icon in the upper right corner 3. Log in using username supplied from when they applied to CMU 4. Use the Dashboard to search for apps, see campus updates, check on tasks and to report an incident
This is not your average college tour. Mesa Experience is an all-day, all-out immersive exploration of Colorado Mesa University, designed to give you and your student an insider’s look at what makes the CMU campus and community the ideal higher education experience. Don't miss out! Book in advance on our Mesa Experience webpage as dates fill up quickly.
After the Mesa Experience I was ready to sign up myself. It was really well done, very motivational and gave us a good sense for the campus.”
-PARENT OF FRESHMAN STUDENT
Get the truest sense for CMU and our Maverick spirit through our comprehensive experience, including:
• In-depth department tours
• Meet with faculty, students & clubs
• Topical breakout info sessions
Below are a few details on cost, accommodations and logistics:
• Select a date and sign up on our Mesa Experience webpage
• Pay in advance. It's free for students and $15 per additional guest
• Book your accommodations
FEB. 25, 2023
MAR. 11, 2023
MAR. 13, 2023
APR. 8, 2023
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ENSURE CMU IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR STUDENT.
CMU is the perfect place to discover diverse perspectives and experiences that reach far beyond the classroom. Get a sense for what life would be like for your student at CMU.
You have grand plans for your student's future — so do we. Our campus is alive with activities and adventure, and our experiential curriculum is designed to help your student accomplish their goals and set a solid foundation for their future. Because at Colorado Mesa University, your student matters. Our small class sizes, collaborative approach and open door policies will give them the space and tools to learn and grow in a safe, encouraging environment.
Almost all campus facilities are new or recently renovated
Free, safe rides available to CMU students on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm-3am. Our Campus Safety webpage shows even more ways we keep your student safe
Health care, medical treatment, prevention and mental health services for students
Our boutique-style, on-campus teaching hotel
2,500+ outdoor activity equipment rentals available to students for free, plus over 70 weekly activities and 75 weekend trips
A nondenominational facility that allows students to reflect, contemplate and celebrate life
120+ student clubs and organizations available for your student to connect and find their community
Member of NCAA II and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference; 28 varsity sports, 20 club sports and 13 intramural leagues
A sizable city with a small town feel, Grand Junction is the best kept secret on the western slope. Monumental views, endless outdoor activities and a colorful community are here to welcome your student with open arms as they begin to make CMU their home away from home.
Here, your student can hike, camp, bike, ski, raft or enjoy the thriving food, music and art scene just minutes from campus.
Ranked the best for college dorms in Colorado*, CMU has eight recently built or newly remodeled first-year residence halls, each with something unique to offer. With a range of amenities, features and price points, you can find the best fit for your student and your budget.
As you review the housing options, keep in mind that all of the CMU Residence Halls include:
• Security: MAVcard access for each hall; staffed front desks for approximately 18 hours a day; security cameras; dedicated GJPD officers and CMU officers on duty throughout the week
“Traditional” halls host community bathrooms on each floor with a ratio of one shower stall per four to six residents.
Visit our Garfield Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Double rooms
Coed (by room) 437 students
4th floor study-intensive community Study lounges Communal kitchen on each floor
$6,150
Visit our Piñon Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Visit our Mary Rait Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Single and double rooms Shared balconies on most 2nd & 3rd floor rooms
Coed (by wings) 170 students Study lounge
Visit our Jay Tolman Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Single and double rooms Shared balconies on most 2nd & 3rd floor rooms
Coed (by wings) 201 students Study lounge
Visit our Wingate Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Single and double rooms Balconies on most 2nd & 3rd floor rooms
Coed (by wings) 199 students
$6,150 - $7,700
$4,515 - $6,680
Double rooms Each suite of two rooms features a lofted study room for the four residents
Coed (by floor) 145 students Study lounge on each floor Communal kitchen on each floor Outside seating & activity area
$4,515 - $6,680
$6,700
“Semi-Suites” include one shared bathroom for each suite of four students.
Visit our Bunting Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Visit our Monument Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Single, super single, double and double lofted (higher beds in smaller room) rooms
Coed (by room) 321 students Study lounge Communal kitchen on each floor
ANNUAL ROOM RATE*
$6,650 -$10,375
Double rooms Two small moveable storage units
Coed (by room) 180 students Study lounge
$6,565
“Suites” include a living area and two shared bathrooms for each suite of students.
Visit our Grand Mesa Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Single, super single and double rooms At least two shared bathrooms with separate counter and sink facilities Shared living space with seating and TV Dresser
Coed (by suite) 288 students Study lounge
Visit our Lucero Hall webpage for more information and a video tour
Single and double rooms within five or six-bed suites
Each suite has a furnished living area, two full bathrooms, two sink/vanity areas, two double rooms and one or two single rooms
Coed (by suite) 304 students Study lounge
Workout facility on the 1st floor
*Rates for the 2022-2023 academic year. Rates do not include meal plans.
ANNUAL ROOM RATE*
$7,070 - $10,400
$6,650 - $7,290
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HELP YOUR STUDENT ENROLL. Welcome to the Mavily! We’re thrilled to have you join our community. Below you’ll find important information to help your student feel prepared for their transition to campus.
Depending on your student's standardized test scores and/or their academic major, they may need to take a test to be placed into the appropriate English, math and/or chemistry course(s). You can use our Pre-Orientation Testing webpage resource to determine which placement tests, if any, are needed. It’s important to note that they must complete these assessments prior to being registered for the above courses.
New first-time students will be sent an email asking them to complete a class questionnaire. This questionnaire will help us build the class schedule for your student. Your studnet will not sign up for classes directly, their advisor will help personalize their schedule based on needs and preferences and will sign them up for courses.
This ensures students will meet the requirements needed to fulfill their degree and graduate. Once the student's schedule is built they will receive an email to view their schedule in their MavZone and will be asked to confirm that they are planning on attending classes at CMU.
Quick tip: classes fill up quickly. The sooner your student completes the registration process, the better changes they will have of getting the classes they need at the times they desire.
Your student can apply for housing by logging into their MAVzone, finding the "MyHousing" App and then selecting the correct term under "Applications/Exemption Requests." If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the Housing and Dining contract and pay the $200 fee. Our Apply For Housing webpage has more information on room preferences, roommate requests and the assignment process.
Please note: CMU has a two-year on campus living requirement for all students who have earned less than 60 credit hours, who are under the legal drinking age and not living with parents/guardians in Mesa County.
New first-time students who have completed their class questionnaire will be automatically registered for their classes, and we will be expecting them at New Mav Days (our new student orientation program). Have your student check their MavZone email for the New Mav Days schedule.
MOVING IN Everything you and your student need to know as they ready for their move-in day can be found in the handy Move-in Guide on our Residence Life Move-in Information webpage.
Quick tip: be sure your student checks their CMU email on July 15 to register for a move-in time slot.
The transition from high school to college is a major step. CMU's Early Start Programs are designed to give students valuable knowledge about their college journey and start building connections with other first-time students. We highly recommend you encourage your student to sign up. More information can be found on our Admitted Students webpage.
OCT. 1 2022
Foundation Scholarship Opens in MavZone for Admitted Students
OCT. 1 2022
FAFSA 2023-2024 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Opens
NOV. 11 2022
Admitted Student Housing Application Opens
JAN. 23 2023
Spring 2023 Classes Start
JAN. 31 2023
Foundation Scholarship Priority Deadline for Admitted Students
FEB. 15 2023
New Fall 2023 Student Registration Opens
JUNE 30 2023
FAFSA 2022-2023 (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Deadline
AUG. 1 2023
Application Opens for Fall 2024
AUG. 21 2023
Fall 2023 Classes Start
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ENSURE YOUR STUDENT IS SET UP FOR SUCCESS.
Like you, we’re dedicated to seeing your student succeed. That’s why we offer extensive services and programs designed to provide the personalized support and resources to help your student excel at CMU.
CMU is here for your student, whatever they may need. From advising and counseling to career coaching, below is a high-level introduction to some of the support resources available.
We take an active role in providing career guidance through exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to support students in their journey toward reaching their career goals.
EDUCATIONAL ACCESS SERVICES (EAS)
EAS provides support for students with both permanent and temporary disabilities (physical disabilities, chronic illness/health conditions, mental health conditions, learning disabilities).
IRIS’s job is to help you and your student with all things advising, registration, financial aid and billing. At IRIS, you'll work with CMU staff who are dedicated to making your experience exceptional.
If your student could use a little extra academic help, our Tutorial Learning Center (TLC) provides free tutoring — from in-person and online tutoring to success coaching — in a variety of subject areas.
Student Services is here to assist your student with campus issues such as health concerns, personal concerns, difficulty making the transition to college or emergencies.
Let our advising resources and experts help your student choose & explore a major, register for classes and get a better understanding of academic requirements.
The below resources are here to ensure you get the right answers when you need them.
For general questions regarding CMU and how to prepare your student for college 970.248.1875
For questions regarding course registration, transcripts, evaluation of transfer credits, verification of enrollment and degrees (some information is private and may require student permission to access)
970.248.1555
For questions regarding advising, registration, financial aid and billing 970.248.1177
INTEGRATED RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND SOLUTIONS (IRIS)
For questions regarding housing, residence halls and dining 970.248.1536
For questions regarding specialty SSE programs or to request SSE services 970.248.1340
For additional questions when you’re unsure of which other resource to contact; student services can help direct you to the right department or person
For questions regarding MAVzone technical difficulties, or if your student is having trouble locating their MAVzone login
970.248.1366
970.248.2111
While the above contacts and this Maverick Manual are great sources of information, be sure you’re staying fully up-to-date on all relevant communications by subscribing to the Office of the President email list.