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Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a prominent private Christian university in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, located near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. CCU is known for its strong emphasis on providing a Christ-centered education that aims to transform students to impact the world with grace and truth.
History
CCU’s heritage dates back to 1914 and the formation of Denver Bible Institute. In 1945, Denver Bible Institute was granted a state charter to become a four-year Bible college known as Denver Bible College. Expansion continued with the formation of three main academic schools – the college of liberal arts, the theological school, and the Bible institute. Denver Bible College became Rockmont College in 1949.
In 1981, Rockmont College was awarded accreditation by the North Central Association. It became Colorado Christian College after merging four years later with Western Bible College. In 1989, Colorado Christian College merged with Colorado Baptist University to become what is now Colorado Christian University. Go Cougars!
Pro-Life U
Colorado Christian University is known as “Pro-Life U.” In fact, they registered “Pro-Life U” as a trade name with the Colorado Secretary of State. The phrase demonstrates CCU’s strong commitment to the biblical teaching that every life is created by God with intrinsic value. CCU has an “overwhelming pro-life culture,” according to campus leaders, and it has been a strategic priority of the university to impact culture in support of the sanctity of life.
CCU for Life is one of the largest and most active student ministries on campus, having been named the top student club of the year. The Centennial Institute, CCU’s think tank, trains students to be pro-life leaders, advocates for public policy that protects the pre-born, and stands against policies such as doctor-assisted suicide and illicit drug legalization that diminish human life.
In addition to CCU for Life and the Centennial Institute, there are other student-led initiatives and clubs at Colorado Christian University that focus on pro-life advocacy. These groups often collaborate with local and national pro-life organizations to host events, educational sessions, and community outreach programs. Pro-life speakers regularly visit the university campus and speak at the Western Conservative Summit.
Academics
Colorado Christian University is ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges nationwide for its core curriculum. CCU offers over 200 academic programs across a wide range of disciplines, including undergraduate, graduate, and online degrees. Here are some of the key areas of study:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business: Accounting, Business Administration, Marketing, International Business
- Education: Elementary Education, Special Education, Secondary Education
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Pre-Med, Pre-Physical Therapy
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Psychology, History, Communication, Criminal Justice
- Music and Arts: Music Performance, Music Education, Theatre, Creative Writing
- Science and Engineering: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering
Graduate Programs
- Business and Leadership: MBA, Organizational Leadership
- Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership
- Theology: Master of Divinity, Biblical Studies
- Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy
Adult and Online Programs
CCU offers numerous programs for adult learners and online students, including degrees in business, education, healthcare, and more.
Dual Degree Programs
Students can pursue dual degree programs to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame.
Popular Majors
Some of the most popular majors at CCU include:
- Business Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Biblical Studies
- Organizational Behavior Studies
- Elementary Education and Teaching
These programs are well-regarded and attract a significant number of students each year. CCU also provides academic support through tutoring centers, writing labs, and career services to help students succeed academically and professionally.
Campus Life
Campus life at Colorado Christian University (CCU) is vibrant and community-focused. The university has a diverse student body with representation from all 50 states. CCU’s campus life is designed to foster personal growth, academic success, and a strong sense of community. All traditional undergraduate students are required to attend church services and chapel. Students can engage in various activities beyond academics, such as NCAA Division II athletics, intramural sports, student-led ministries, and overseas missions.
Here are some highlights of CCU campus life:
Community and Faith
- Faith Integration: CCU emphasizes a Christ-centered community, with regular chapel services, Bible studies, and spiritual growth opportunities.
- Community Service: Students are required to be involved in community service projects over the course of their college career, fostering a spirit of giving and compassion.
- Global Outreach: CCU sponsors several service-based, short-term mission trips through its CCU2theWorld organization.
Student Activities
- Clubs and Organizations: There are numerous student-led clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to special interest and hobby clubs.
- Events and Traditions: CCU hosts various events throughout the year, including homecoming, concerts, and cultural celebrations.
Living on Campus
- Residence Halls: The residence halls are designed to create a close-knit community. Living on campus provides easy access to classes, dining, and recreational facilities.
- Dining Options: The campus offers a variety of dining options, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.
Recreation and Athletics
- Sports: CCU has a range of athletic programs, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The CCU Cougars compete in both NCAA Division II and NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association).
- Fitness and Wellness: There are fitness centers, intramural sports, and wellness programs available to all students.
Location
Located near the Rocky Mountains, the CCU campus offers stunning views of scenic beauty and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and more. Dinosaur Ridge is a notable site nearby in Morrison, Colorado, which offers a fascinating look at dinosaur fossils and geological formations. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just looking to relax and enjoy some good food and shopping, Lakewood has something for everyone.
Lakewood is the fifth-largest city in Colorado, with a population of over 150,000. It offers a variety of activities and attractions including lakes, parks, cultural and historical sites, Everitt Farms, Shiki Dreams immersive art experience, and Colorado Mills Mall. The Lakewood Heritage Center is a great place to learn about the local history and visit over a dozen historic buildings, including a 1920s farmhouse, a 1930s country schoolhouse, and a 1940s diner.
Admissions
Colorado Christian University (CCU) has a relatively high acceptance rate of about 71%. This means that for every 100 applicants, approximately 71 are admitted, making it a lightly selective institution. If you meet the basic requirements and demonstrate a strong academic record, personal integrity, and a desire for a Christ-centered community, you have a good chance of being admitted.
To increase your chances of getting in, you should aim for a GPA of around 3.681. While CCU has a test-optional policy, submitting strong SAT or ACT scores can bolster your application, especially if your GPA is on the lower side. Applicants are required to present a “strong spiritual recommendation” from a pastor, youth pastor, or “spiritual mentor” who can speak of your “Christian testimony and growth.”
To apply to Colorado Christian University (CCU), you’ll need to meet the following admission requirements:
- Application: Complete the online admission application, which includes two essays.
- Transcripts: Submit an official high school transcript.
- GPA: Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.02.
- Test Scores: While submitting standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, or CLT) is optional, they are required if you want to be considered for CCU’s highest-level merit scholarships.
- Recommendations: Provide a spiritual letter of recommendation. In some cases, an academic recommendation may also be required.
CCU also considers factors such as course selection in high school, essay content, and extracurricular activities during the admission process.
Homeschool Applicants
Colorado Christian University welcomes students from homeschooling backgrounds and has specific admissions guidelines for them. Like other applicants, homeschoolers need to demonstrate a strong academic record, personal integrity, and a desire for a Christ-centered community. If you’re interested, you can start the application process by creating an account on their homeschool admissions page. CCU offers a $4,000 Preferred Admission Scholarship for early applicants!
