College comparison

Colorado Mesa University vs UC Riverside

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 Mesa University Grand Junction, CO	UC Riverside Riverside, CA
Acceptance rateUniversity of California-Riverside is more selective	82%	76%
SAT (25–75)	930–1160	—
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	8,143	22,593
Avg net price	$15,103	$14,304
Median earnings (10 yr)UC Riverside reports higher median earnings	$45,823	$67,699
Graduation rate	41%	76%
Median debt	$22,000	$17,500
Economic mobility	2.0%	6.0%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is Colorado Mesa University or University of California-Riverside harder to get into?

University of California-Riverside is more selective: Colorado Mesa University's acceptance rate is approximately 82% and University of California-Riverside's is approximately 76% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for Colorado Mesa University vs University of California-Riverside?

The middle-50% SAT range is 930–1160 at Colorado Mesa University and — at University of California-Riverside. 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.