Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025

Badge for BEST IN COLORADO PUBLIC COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: Mar 15, 2021
Updated: Oct 31, 2024

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Colorado provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Key Takeaways

Colorado’s best public colleges excel in outdoor and environmental programs, offering students easy access to outdoor labs, adventure courses, and experiential learning that tap into the state’s diverse landscapes, from mountains to rivers.
Known for robust STEM programs, Colorado public colleges emphasize hands-on research in fields like engineering, environmental science, and aerospace, with close connections to research centers and tech industries in the region.
Sustainability initiatives are prominent in Colorado’s best public colleges, with campuses featuring green buildings, renewable energy projects, and environmental programs, appealing to students passionate about eco-friendly practices and climate action.

Table of Contents

10 Best Public Colleges in Colorado in 2025

University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado School of Mines
University of Colorado Denver
University of Northern Colorado
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Fort Lewis College
+2
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
–1
Community College of Denver
+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.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Colorado saw a slight bit of movement. Fort Lewis College gained two ranking positions as the college expanded its hands-on learning experiences, particularly in outdoor and environmental sciences, which leverage the unique natural surroundings of its Durango campus. New interdisciplinary programs combine environmental studies, sustainability, and business, appealing to students interested in impactful careers within environmental sectors. Enhanced facilities, including a modernized lab and expanded field stations, support experiential learning.

Additionally, the college has increased funding for scholarships aimed at local and Indigenous students, fostering a more inclusive community and providing financial support for a diverse student body, which remains a key appeal of the Fort Lewis experience.

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 17 public universities in Colorado. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Colorado, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.