Best Colleges in Colorado 2024

Badge for BEST IN COLORADO COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Here are the best colleges and universities in Colorado, categorized into two lists – research universities and liberal arts colleges – to help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Colorado

Sort by:
  1. University of Colorado Boulder
  2. University of Denver
  3. Colorado State University
  4. United States Air Force Academy
  5. Colorado College
  6. Colorado School of Mines
  7. University of Colorado Denver
  8. University of Northern Colorado
  9. Aspen University
  10. Regis University
  1. University of Colorado Boulder
  2. University of Denver
  3. Colorado State University
  4. United States Air Force Academy
  5. Colorado College
  6. Naropa University
  7. Colorado School of Mines
  8. University of Colorado Denver
  9. University of Northern Colorado
  10. Regis University
  1. Adams State University 100%
  2. Naropa University 100%
  3. Colorado State University Pueblo 99%
  4. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 95%
  5. Fort Lewis College 93%
  6. University of Northern Colorado 91%
  7. Western Colorado University 91%
  8. Colorado State University 90%
  9. Metropolitan State University of Denver 89%
  10. Regis University 81%
  1. Colorado Technical University 31 to 1
  2. Community College of Denver 19 to 1
  3. Red Rocks Community College 19 to 1
  4. Colorado Mesa University 19 to 1
  5. University of Colorado Boulder 18 to 1
  6. Metropolitan State University of Denver 18 to 1
  7. Pueblo Community College 18 to 1
  8. Western Colorado University 18 to 1
  9. University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
  10. Colorado School of Mines 17 to 1
  1. Colorado College $62,070
  2. University of Denver $54,819
  3. Regis University $39,610
  4. Naropa University $34,800
  5. Colorado Christian University $17,476
  6. Colorado School of Mines $17,160
  7. Colorado Technical University $12,581
  8. University of Colorado Boulder $10,806
  9. Colorado State University $9,709
  10. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $9,338
  1. University of Denver $53,640
  2. Colorado College $34,300
  3. Naropa University $19,556
  4. Colorado School of Mines $17,154
  5. Regis University $14,063
  6. Western Colorado University $13,972
  7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $13,854
  8. Colorado Technical University $13,683
  9. Colorado Christian University $13,474
  10. University of Colorado Boulder $12,168
  1. Pueblo Community College
  2. Red Rocks Community College
  3. Colorado State University Pueblo
  4. Colorado Mountain College
  5. Colorado Christian University
  6. Adams State University
  7. Western Colorado University
  8. Community College of Denver
  9. Fort Lewis College
  10. Colorado Mesa University
  1. Red Rocks Community College
  2. Pueblo Community College
  3. Colorado State University Pueblo
  4. Colorado Christian University
  5. Western Colorado University
  6. Colorado Mountain College
  7. Adams State University
  8. Colorado Mesa University
  9. Community College of Denver
  10. Colorado Technical University
  1. United States Air Force Academy 12%
  2. Colorado College 14%
  3. Colorado School of Mines 57%
  4. University of Denver 64%
  5. University of Colorado Denver 72%
  6. Colorado Mesa University 80%
  7. University of Colorado Boulder 80%
  8. Regis University 81%
  9. Metropolitan State University of Denver 89%
  10. Colorado State University 90%
  1. United States Air Force Academy 6 to 1
  2. Naropa University 7 to 1
  3. Aspen University 8 to 1
  4. Colorado College 9 to 1
  5. University of Denver 11 to 1
  6. Regis University 11 to 1
  7. Colorado Mountain College 13 to 1
  8. Adams State University 13 to 1
  9. Colorado State University Pueblo 15 to 1
  10. Fort Lewis College 15 to 1
  1. Community College of Denver $3,680
  2. Red Rocks Community College $3,680
  3. Pueblo Community College $3,680
  4. Colorado Mountain College $4,560
  5. Aspen University $5,110
  6. Adams State University $5,976
  7. Colorado State University Pueblo $6,539
  8. Western Colorado University $6,816
  9. Fort Lewis College $7,056
  10. Colorado Mesa University $8,020
  1. Aspen University $3,900
  2. Colorado State University Pueblo $5,821
  3. Fort Lewis College $6,750
  4. University of Colorado Denver $6,984
  5. Adams State University $7,132
  6. Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,066
  7. Colorado Mesa University $9,270
  8. Red Rocks Community College $10,082
  9. Colorado State University $10,834
  10. University of Northern Colorado $11,192

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?

Colorado’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Colorado' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

We’ve identified 24 colleges and universities in Colorado that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Colorado below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Colorado.

Back to Top

Best Colleges in Colorado 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Colorado Boulder

    Cost of Degree: $12,590
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $59,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado School of Mines

    Cost of Degree: $20,040
    Expenses: $19,489
    Starting Salary: $95,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #9

    Aspen University

    Phoenix , AZ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Student body

    14K

    What is Aspen University known for?

    Aspen University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Aspen University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #10

    Regis University

    Denver , CO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Regis University

    Cost of Degree: $42,220
    Expenses: $18,134
    Starting Salary: $62,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Regis University known for?

    Regis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Regis University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #11

    Naropa University

    Boulder , CO

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Naropa University

    Cost of Degree: $34,600
    Expenses: $16,624
    Starting Salary: $27,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Naropa University known for?

    Naropa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    980/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Cost of Degree: $10,260
    Starting Salary: $44,200
    What is Metropolitan State University of Denver known for?

    Metropolitan State University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing And Sales
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Cost of Degree: $12,380
    Expenses: $17,860
    Starting Salary: $49,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Colorado Colorado Springs known for?

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Sciences
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  8. #15

    Colorado Mesa University

    Grand Junction , CO

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mesa University

    Cost of Degree: $9,297
    Expenses: $16,146
    Starting Salary: $42,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado Mesa University known for?

    Colorado Mesa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. #16

    Fort Lewis College

    Durango , CO

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Fort Lewis College

    Cost of Degree: $9,212
    Expenses: $17,810
    Starting Salary: $39,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fort Lewis College known for?

    Fort Lewis College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Colorado University

    Cost of Degree: $10,813
    Expenses: $14,822
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western Colorado University known for?

    Western Colorado University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #19

    Adams State University

    Alamosa , CO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Adams State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,776
    Expenses: $14,206
    Starting Salary: $38,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Adams State University known for?

    Adams State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $26,846
    Expenses: $12,774
    Starting Salary: $44,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado Christian University known for?

    Colorado Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colorado Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing And Sales
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nonprofit Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management In Christian Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management In Enterprise Agility
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management In Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Data Engineering
    • Database Management
    • Networking
    • System Analyst
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • System Analyst
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Early Childhood Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Licensure
    • Non Licensure
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Licensure
    • Non Licensure
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Special Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Licensure
    • Non-Licensure
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Apologetics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cultural Engagement
    • Global Apologetics
    • Innovative Evangelism
    • Practical Apologetics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #21

    Colorado Mountain College

    Glenwood Springs , CO

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mountain College

    Cost of Degree: $4,980
    Expenses: $13,826
    Starting Salary: $37,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado Mountain College known for?

    Colorado Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  14. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado State University Pueblo

    Cost of Degree: $9,245
    Expenses: $19,286
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado State University Pueblo known for?

    Colorado State University Pueblo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Red Rocks Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,471
    Starting Salary: $43,300
    What is Red Rocks Community College known for?

    Red Rocks Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  16. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pueblo Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,626
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    What is Pueblo Community College known for?

    Pueblo Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Back to Top

Colorado’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.

  1. Colorado College
  2. United States Air Force Academy
  3. University of Denver
  4. University of Colorado Denver
  5. University of Colorado Boulder
  6. Colorado School of Mines
  7. Colorado State University
  8. Regis University
  9. University of Northern Colorado
  10. Fort Lewis College
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here