Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Colorado offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Best Grad Schools in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Denver
- Colorado State University
- Colorado School of Mines
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- Aspen University
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Adams State University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Denver
- Colorado State University
- Colorado School of Mines
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- Aspen University
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Adams State University
- Adams State University 99%
- Colorado State University 91%
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
- University of Colorado Boulder 81%
- University of Northern Colorado 79%
- University of Denver 78%
- University of Colorado Denver 75%
- Colorado School of Mines 58%
- University of Colorado Boulder 18 to 1
- Colorado State University 17 to 1
- University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
- Colorado School of Mines 17 to 1
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
- University of Northern Colorado 14 to 1
- Adams State University 13 to 1
- University of Denver 8 to 1
- Aspen University 5 to 1
- University of Denver $56,439
- Colorado School of Mines $17,520
- University of Colorado Boulder $11,004
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
- Colorado State University $9,903
- University of Colorado Denver $8,736
- University of Northern Colorado $8,180
- Adams State University $6,072
- Aspen University $5,355
- University of Denver $55,260
- Colorado School of Mines $17,676
- University of Colorado Boulder $15,251
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
- University of Northern Colorado $11,628
- Colorado State University $10,834
- University of Colorado Denver $7,722
- Adams State University $7,704
- Aspen University $3,900
- Adams State University
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Aspen University
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Colorado Denver
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Adams State University
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Aspen University
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Colorado Denver
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado School of Mines 58%
- University of Colorado Denver 75%
- University of Denver 78%
- University of Northern Colorado 79%
- University of Colorado Boulder 81%
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
- Colorado State University 91%
- Adams State University 99%
- Aspen University 5 to 1
- University of Denver 8 to 1
- Adams State University 13 to 1
- University of Northern Colorado 14 to 1
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
- Colorado State University 17 to 1
- University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
- Colorado School of Mines 17 to 1
- University of Colorado Boulder 18 to 1
- Aspen University $5,355
- Adams State University $6,072
- University of Northern Colorado $8,180
- University of Colorado Denver $8,736
- Colorado State University $9,903
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
- University of Colorado Boulder $11,004
- Colorado School of Mines $17,520
- University of Denver $56,439
- Aspen University $3,900
- Adams State University $7,704
- University of Colorado Denver $7,722
- Colorado State University $10,834
- University of Northern Colorado $11,628
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
- University of Colorado Boulder $15,251
- Colorado School of Mines $17,676
- University of Denver $55,260
Colleges and Universities in Colorado
Fans of the outdoors will feel right at home in Colorado. With the Rocky Mountains, Colorado River, and even part of the Great Plains, you’re sure to find adventure in The Centennial State. Students looking to balance outdoor adventure with higher education can choose from over 40 colleges and universities offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for an average in-state tuition of $10,800.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Colorado’s 28 public institutes include junior colleges, universities, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Colorado School of Mines, a research university that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Tuition for Colorado’s public schools ranges from $3,000 to $19,000, with many of the colleges and junior colleges starting at $4,000 and the universities at $8,000. Several of public colleges in Colorado enroll a large number of online students, including Colorado State University
.Colorado’s private institutions boast smaller class sizes and student populations. This category includes five religiously affiliated campuses. Private colleges in Colorado tend to be more expensive, ranging from $4,000 to $55,000 in tuition. There are several online colleges in Colorado that are categorized as private schools.
The University of Colorado, Boulder, a notable research institute, is ranked as the number one school in the state and has a student population of just over 32,000. Students can earn degrees in computer science and physics both through in-person courses and online learning. Influential Boulder alumni include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Academy Award-winning actor and director Robert Redford.
Prospective art students can check out Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, and those desiring a career in the medical field can look into the Institute of Business and Medical Careers.
To learn more, check out the best brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Colorado.
What are Colorado’s Colleges & Universities?
- 9 Research Universities
- 15 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 9 Graduate Schools
- 17 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 9 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 23 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Colorado’s Best Overall
There are 9 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Colorado. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Colorado is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2023
- #1 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
75%
Student body
44K
Median SAT/ACT
1275/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Colorado Boulder
Cost of Degree: $12,590Expenses: $20,360Starting Salary: $59,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Colorado Boulder known for?
University of Colorado Boulder’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #2 Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #4 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
- #4 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
- #17 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
77%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1310/30
Career Outlook for degree at University of Denver
Cost of Degree: $56,439Expenses: $19,620Starting Salary: $65,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Denver known for?
University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Law
- Psychology
- Business
- Economics
- Anthropology
- History
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #5 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #6 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
- #9 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #24 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
67%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado State University
Cost of Degree: $12,559Expenses: $17,575Starting Salary: $53,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado State University known for?
Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #4 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
82%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1409/31
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado School of Mines
Cost of Degree: $20,040Expenses: $19,489Starting Salary: $95,600Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado School of Mines known for?
Colorado School of Mines’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Business
- Sociology
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
44%
Student body
30K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Colorado Denver
Cost of Degree: $9,634Expenses: $22,026Starting Salary: $71,200Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Colorado Denver known for?
University of Colorado Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
- #4 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #6 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
- #15 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
52%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Northern Colorado
Cost of Degree: $10,769Expenses: $17,462Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Northern Colorado known for?
University of Northern Colorado’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Sociology
- Literature
- Political Science
- History
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Business
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2024
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #16 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #20 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$5K
Student body
14K
What is Aspen University known for?
Aspen University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #8 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
43%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Cost of Degree: $12,380Expenses: $17,860Starting Salary: $49,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Colorado Colorado Springs known for?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Economics
- Literature
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024 #13 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for degree at Adams State University
Cost of Degree: $9,776Expenses: $14,206Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adams State University known for?
Adams State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.