Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025

Badge for BEST IN COLORADO GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Nine schools in Colorado meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Colorado’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Colorado that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Colorado in 2025

  1. University of Colorado Boulder
  2. University of Denver
  3. Colorado State University
  4. Colorado School of Mines
  5. University of Colorado Denver
  6. University of Northern Colorado
  7. Aspen University
  8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
    +1
  9. Adams State University
    –1

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.

The top 7 schools in our 2025 ranking of the best grad schools in Colorado remain unchanged from last year. The University of Colorado in Colorado Springs moves up 1 position in our 2025 ranking of the best grad schools in Colorado.

CU Boulder is a Tier 1 research university, placing it among the top 3% of educational institutions in the U.S. Its engineering programs, in particular, are in the top 25 nationally. The graduate school also fosters a diverse and inclusive student community, with a significant portion of its students being international.

Colleges and Universities in Colorado

Students looking to balance outdoor adventure with higher education can choose from over 40 colleges and universities offering master’s, and doctoral degrees for an average in-state tuition of $10,800.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Tuition for Colorado’s public schools ranges from $5,000 to $19,000. Several of the 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.

Top Industries in Colorado

Colorado’s best industries include:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Bioscience
  • Defense and Homeland Security
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Technology
  • Transportation and Logistics

What are Colorado’s Colleges & Universities?

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.

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Best Grad Schools in Colorado

  1. #1

    University of Colorado Boulder

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

    University of Colorado Boulder is one of the best grad schools in Colorado, offering innovative academic programs and rigorous coursework to prepare students for a complex world. Its graduate programs provide students with various opportunities, including specialized research within master’s and PhD degrees.

    What we love about the University of Colorado Boulder:

    CU Boulder is committed to being a leader in addressing and identifying social, technological, and humanitarian challenges.

    University of Colorado Boulder is ideal for students who:

    Seek a grad school that’s globally recognized for its outstanding research program.

    University of Colorado Boulder might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a grad school that belongs to the top 1% in the world since CU Boulder belongs to the top 3%.

    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 Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024
    Other Rankings

    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

    The University of Denver is passionate about creating a better future for its students by helping them develop the necessary knowledge, perspective, and skills to create real and lasting change. It has ten schools and colleges that offer graduate programs that integrate research, professional development, and independent study.

    What we love about the University of Denver:

    DU promotes a four-dimensional experience that improves well-being, character, intellectual growth, and skills.

    The University of Denver is ideal for students who:

    Value a grad school that has an inspiring rural feel since DU is in the Colorado Rockies.

    The University of Denver might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t want to socialize and connect with a lot of people as they see this as a distraction.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Colorado State University

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

    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

    Colorado State University is one of the top Tier 1 Research institutions in the state. It ensures the highest standards for its academic programs and, at the same time, enhances its students’ personal and professional growth.

    What we love about Colorado State University:

    Colorado State University is best known for its teaching and learning experience.

    Colorado State University is ideal for students who:

    Favor a grad school known for its transformational research programs.

    Colorado State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do well in a class setting that has a student-faculty ratio that’s lower than 17:1.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Colorado School of Mines

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

    Colorado School of Mines aims to set students up for a bright future by providing them with engaging and enriching experiences. It offers over 50 graduate degree programs and is one of the top-ranked R1 universities in the state.

    What we love about Colorado School of Mines:

    Colorado School of Mines is home to the third-best engineering colleges in the US.

    Colorado School of Mines is ideal for students who:

    Prioritize a grad school that offers groundbreaking research opportunities.

    Colorado School of Mines might not be the best fit for students who:

    Think that sporting events and extracurricular activities can distract them from their studies.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Colorado Denver

    Denver , CO
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025
    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: $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

    Innovation, learning, and research are at the heart of the University of Colorado Denver. It is a public research university that offers 75+ master’s and doctoral degree programs and 50+ graduate certificates.

    What we love about the University of Colorado Denver:

    The University of Colorado Denver is the leading university in the state for social mobility.

    University of Colorado Denver is ideal for students who:

    Want to study in a premier public research university in the state of Colorado.

    University of Colorado Denver might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a university that has a more rural setting.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Northern Colorado

    Greeley , CO
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025
    Other Rankings

    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

    The University of Northern Colorado, a public research and educational institution, is located between the Rocky Mountains and the state’s high plains. It offers master’s, doctorate, and graduate certificate programs on campus and online.

    What we love about the University of Northern Colorado:

    The university’s culture is based on academic excellence in business, education, and performing and visual arts.

    The University of Northern Colorado is ideal for students who:

    Desire a grad school that is also a Hispanic Serving Institution.

    The University of Northern Colorado might not be the best fit for students who:

    Enjoy a university with a bustling atmosphere and amenities that are usually found in schools in an urban area.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Aspen University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
    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 originated in the International Academy in the 1960s. In 2012, Aspen University became a publicly traded post-secondary university. Today, it offers online master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing and the health sciences, business and technology, and education.

    What we love about Aspen University:

    The university is committed to providing students with the chance to receive quality and responsibly priced online education to achieve sustainable economic benefits.

    Aspen University is ideal for students who:

    Seek a grad school offering lower tuition rates to the majority of its students.

    Aspen University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Favor a grad school with high prestige or having a notable overall reputation.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #8 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
    Other Rankings

    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

    The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is part of the University of Colorado System and is one of the most thriving universities in the state. It is also a specialized graduate research university with high admission standards.

    What we love about University of Colorado Colorado Springs:

    This university is dedicated to ensuring that all students receive top-notch education with real-world experiences.

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a fast-growing university that offers baccalaureate, graduate, and non-degree programs.

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would opt for a large urban university that offers specific niche majors, like game design and astrobiology.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Adams State University

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

    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

    Adams State University is Colorado’s premier Hispanic Serving Institution, serving and empowering especially low-income students as they pursue higher education. It offers graduate programs in business, liberal arts, and science and math.

    What we love about Adams State University:

    This university is committed to helping students get jobs but also find fulfillment in rewarding careers.

    Adams State University is ideal for students who:

    Seek a grad school that is committed to making an economic impact on the community it serves.

    Adams State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Value a university that has a less diverse range of ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds.

    Compare school
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Colorado’s Best Grad School for 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

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.

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