Best Colleges in Colorado 2025

Badge for BEST IN COLORADO COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Many of the best colleges in Colorado foster tight-knit communities with diverse extracurricular activities, promoting student engagement and personal growth.
  • Many of the best colleges in Colorado focus on engineering and applied sciences, offering programs that prepare students for careers in energy, environment, and materials industries, aligning with Colorado’s economic strengths.
  • Many of the best colleges in Colorado are situated near the Rocky Mountains, providing students with easy access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, enhancing the overall college experience.

10 Best Colleges in Colorado in 2025

  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
    +5
  7. Colorado School of Mines
    –1
  8. University of Colorado Denver
    –1
  9. University of Northern Colorado
    –1
  10. Regis University

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Colorado saw a fair amount of movement. Naropa University gained the most ranking positions as the university is preparing for a comprehensive evaluation and site visit by the Higher Learning Commission in April 2025, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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.

Best Colleges in Colorado

  1. #1

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Boulder , CO
    #1 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025

    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: $15,556
    Expenses: $21,254
    Starting Salary: $59,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Colorado Boulder known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Denver

    Denver , CO
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025

    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: $59,340
    Expenses: $21,196
    Starting Salary: $65,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Denver known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Colorado State University

    Fort Collins , CO
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025

    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: $13,009
    Expenses: $19,543
    Starting Salary: $53,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Colorado College

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado College

    Cost of Degree: $67,932
    Expenses: $19,196
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Naropa University

    Boulder , CO
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #10 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Naropa University

    Cost of Degree: $34,600
    Expenses: $16,710
    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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Colorado School of Mines

    Golden , CO
    #15 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #4 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025

    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: $21,186
    Expenses: $20,820
    Starting Salary: $95,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado School of Mines known for?

    Colorado School of Mines’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Colorado Denver

    Denver , CO
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025

    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: $10,017
    Expenses: $22,806
    Starting Salary: $71,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Colorado Denver known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Northern Colorado

    Greeley , CO
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025

    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: $11,528
    Expenses: $19,668
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Northern Colorado known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Regis University

    Denver , CO
    #11 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #18 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Regis University

    Cost of Degree: $43,980
    Expenses: $19,428
    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
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Denver , CO
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Cost of Degree: $10,780
    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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Aspen University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024

    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
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Fort Lewis College

    Durango , CO
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Fort Lewis College

    Cost of Degree: $9,670
    Expenses: $18,742
    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

    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #8 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025

    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: $10,438
    Expenses: $18,478
    Starting Salary: $49,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Colorado Technical University

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #6 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    50K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Technical University

    Cost of Degree: $12,760
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    What is Colorado Technical University known for?

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

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Community College of Denver

    Denver , CO
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #1 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Community College of Denver

    Cost of Degree: $4,902
    Starting Salary: $36,400
    What is Community College of Denver known for?

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

    Community College of Denver’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Colorado Mountain College

    Glenwood Springs , CO
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mountain College

    Cost of Degree: $5,100
    Expenses: $14,626
    Starting Salary: $37,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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:

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Adams State University

    Alamosa , CO
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #9 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students

    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: $9,776
    Expenses: $15,423
    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

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Colorado Mesa University

    Grand Junction , CO
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mesa University

    Cost of Degree: $9,712
    Expenses: $16,835
    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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Western Colorado University

    Gunnison , CO
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Colorado University

    Cost of Degree: $11,083
    Expenses: $15,068
    Starting Salary: $43,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Colorado Christian University

    Lakewood , CO
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #2 Best Online Associate in Psychology

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $27,808
    Expenses: $14,976
    Starting Salary: $44,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Colorado State University Pueblo

    Pueblo , CO
    #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado State University Pueblo

    Cost of Degree: $9,401
    Expenses: $17,794
    Starting Salary: $41,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Pueblo Community College

    Pueblo , CO
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pueblo Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,883
    Starting Salary: $31,900
    What is Pueblo Community College known for?

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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Red Rocks Community College

    Lakewood , CO
    #14 Best Online Associate's in Physics 2025 #12 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Red Rocks Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,707
    Starting Salary: $43,300
    What is Red Rocks Community College known for?

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

    Compare school
Back to Top

Colorado’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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.

  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