Lower cost: In-state tuition of $80,000 is in the least expensive quarter of PA programs. Over a career that difference is real money.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition ($130,000) runs 63% above in-state. If you can establish residency, this program gets substantially cheaper.
Apply early: Admissions are rolling, so seats come off the board as the cycle goes. An application submitted in the first few weeks is worth more than the same application submitted in month four.
ONE-ON-ONE HELP
Book a Pre-PA Counseling session and spend thirty minutes one-on-one with a practicing PA who knows what admissions committees look for. We will go through your GPA, patient care hours, and school list together, and you will get a written plan for your next steps in your inbox within 24 hours.
Colorado Mesa University is located in Colorado. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.
At a glance
Location: Colorado
Institution type: Public
Program length: 28 months
Class size: 28 students
Start month: January
Application deadline: September
Rolling admissions: Yes
In-state tuition: $80,000
Out-of-state tuition: $130,000
Minimum overall GPA: 3
Minimum science GPA: 3
Minimum PCE hours: 500 hours
Letters of recommendation: 3
First-time PANCE pass rate: 96%
Accreditation status: Continued
Admission requirements
GRE: No
CASPer: Yes
TOEFL (international applicants): Yes
Shadowing: Recommended
Letters of recommendation: 3: Professor: A person who can attest to the applicant's academic preparedness for the program based on direct experience in a teacher-student relationship. Supervisor: A person who can attest to the applicant's interpersonal attributes and interpersonal communication abilities based on direct observation as supervisor of the applicant's volunteer or work experience. Health care Professional (PA, NP, MD, DO): A medical provider who can speak to the applicant's skills and abilities related to patient care and working as a future medical professional.
Patient care experience: 500 hours minimum
Interview format: Traditional Interview; Scenario Room
Prerequisites
Minimum prerequisite grade: C
Prerequisite expiration: none
In-progress prerequisites accepted: Yes
AP or CLEP credit accepted: Yes
Pass/Fail coursework accepted: No
Online coursework accepted: Yes
Required coursework
Human Anatomy with Lab, 3 semester credits (one semester with lab required, or combined A&P)
Human Physiology, 3 semester credits (one semester, or combined A&P)
Genetics, 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits (human focused; lab recommended but not required)
Biological Sciences, 6 semester credits (recommended: General Biology, Advanced Physiology, Microbiology, Gross Anatomy, Pharmacology)
Chemistry, 6 semester credits (recommended: General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry)
Statistics, 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits (may be taken in any department; calculus coursework will not be accepted)
Psychology, 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits (must be general, introductory, abnormal or life span/developmental psychology)
Recommended: General Biology, Advanced Physiology, Microbiology, Gross Anatomy, Pharmacology; General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry
Cost
In-state tuition: $80,000
Out-of-state tuition: $130,000
Seat deposit: $1,000
Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.
You don’t have to navigate your application cycle alone.
That’s what Pre-PA Academy is for.
Get ongoing support throughout your PA school journey with 3–4 live sessions every week led by Savanna Perry, PA-C, and The PA Platform team. Bring your questions, get help with what you’re working on right now, and stay on track as you move toward CASPA.
Plus, get access to The PA Platform’s courses, session replays, and exclusive member discounts.
Program website: Colorado Mesa University
Admissions page: Admissions information
Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 970.248.1020
Address: 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122
Program information last verified June 15, 2026. Requirements change, always confirm directly with the program before applying.
ABOUT THE PA PLATFORM
We help Pre-PAs get into PA school. Every coach on our team is a practicing PA, and we have been guiding applicants since 2015. Use these program spotlights to build your school list, then let us help with your essay, your interview, and your plan.
WORK WITH A PA COACH
Thirty minutes one-on-one with a practicing PA, plus a written plan for your next steps.
Line-by-line edits from PAs who know exactly what admissions committees are looking for.
Practice with a PA, then get honest feedback before the real thing.
Courses, session replays, and a community of future PAs, all in one membership.
Bundle services into a package built around where you are in the process.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Sign up for the newsletter!
