GPA-competitive: The average accepted overall GPA here (3.76) sits in the top quarter of PA programs nationally. If your GPA is below about 3.66, you will want the rest of your application, hours, letters, upward trend, to do real work.
The minimum is not the target: The stated minimum GPA is 3, but the average accepted is 3.76, a gap of 0.76. Meeting the floor gets you screened in, not admitted.
Longer runway: At 35 months, this is a longer program than average. Check whether the extra time buys a dual degree, a bridge/undergraduate component, or additional clinical time.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition ($223,268) runs 116% 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.
Recency matters: Prerequisites expire after 5 years for upper division biology only. Older science coursework may need to be retaken.
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.
University of Colorado 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: 35 months
Class size: 44 students
Start month: July
Application deadline: September
Rolling admissions: Yes
In-state tuition: $103,148
Out-of-state tuition: $223,268
Average overall GPA: 3.76
Average science GPA: 3.69
Minimum overall GPA: 3
Minimum science GPA: 3
Letters of recommendation: 3
First-time PANCE pass rate: 94%
Accreditation status: Continued
Admission requirements
GRE: No
PA-CAT: No
CASPer: Yes
TOEFL (international applicants): Yes
Supplemental application: Yes (fee $55)
Letters of recommendation: 3: Professor Supervisor Healthcare Professional
Interview format: Individual Interview, Group Interview, and Group Exercise
Prerequisites
Minimum prerequisite grade: C
Prerequisite expiration: 5 years for upper division biology only
AP or CLEP credit accepted: No
Pass/Fail coursework accepted: No
Online coursework accepted: Yes
Required coursework
Chemistry: Two courses: 7 semester or 12 quarter credits. General Chemistry or above as required for science majors. One chemistry course must include a lab.
Anatomy and Physiology: Two courses: 6 semester or 8 quarter credits. This can be completed as one anatomy course and one physiology course or two combined anatomy & physiology courses.
Upper Division Biology: Two courses: 6 semester or 8 quarter credits. Upper division biology coursework must be completed within five years of the application deadline.
Recommended: Upper division courses with labs are recommended. Gross human anatomy and human physiology are preferred.
Cost
In-state tuition: $103,148
Out-of-state tuition: $223,268
Supplemental application fee: $55
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: University of Colorado
Admissions page: Admissions information
Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (303) 724-7963
Address: CU Anschutz, Fitzsimons Building, 13001 East 17th Place, Room E7019, Mail Stop F543, Aurora, CO 80045
Program information last verified July 1, 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!
