Over the last couple of months, I have been visiting San Luis Valley middle/high schools, and having a blast. The purpose of the visits includes sharing the benefits of a college education, not just academics but student life on campus that creates lifelong friends and memories. 

At each school, our team, which includes the Student Life Director Vince Alcon, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Mark Buck, and Vice President of Advancement Jake Rissler, and I share the excitement and dispel any concerns students might have regarding college.  

Adams State adopted a policy last spring that automatically admits current San Luis Valley students who earn a high school diploma or GED. All that is required is to apply, and our University does not charge an application fee. Another worry often is about paying for a four-year degree instead of entering the workforce immediately after school. Well, that’s taken care of at Adams State as well. 

If a prospective student, who attends full-time, on-campus, has parents/guardians whose adjusted gross income is $70,000 or less, they won’t pay any fees or tuition. After all financial aid is awarded, the institution will make up the difference, in any tuition or fees cost. That’s not all, with special awards for Valley residents, students may be eligible for reduced cost of housing. 

Our commitment to our home, the San Luis Valley, is reflected in the overall increase of local students attending Adams State.  Since 2022, we have seen an increase of over 73 percent in SLV undergraduate enrollments and over 98 percent in SLV graduate enrollments.  

We are not only committed to providing an affordable, higher education experience, we remain committed to serving the educational needs, K12, of the entire San Luis Valley. Building on this dedication, the School of Education has reported a plus-17 percent for undergraduate enrollments and over 18 percent of graduate enrollments. 

Adams State welcomes all students and our faculty and staff work to make connections and ensure access to courses and curricular support. And our student life and housing teams efforts to engage students and offer a vibrant and engaged campus environment is reflected in the many activities and opportunities available for any interest. 

Another aspect we provide to high schoolers is the opportunity to earn college credits while still working on a high school diploma. This program has exploded over the last couple of years and at spring commencement, I happily acknowledge the many associates degrees earned by concurrent students. In the fall semester, 261 SLV high school concurrent students earned a combined 1,513 credits (equivalent to over 12 bachelor’s degrees) with an average GPA of 3.26.  

If after high school these students continue at Adams State, to complete their degree, they often have only two years or more before graduating, saving time and money. Because, so many times concurrent classes are subsidized by the school district, and Adams State, the savings to individuals is substantial. Last fall, San Luis Valley concurrent students saved over $400K while earning college credits. 

Dr. David Tandberg is President of Adams State University. Adams State was founded for the San Luis Valley in 1921, and that role continues to be a top priority.