Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024

Badge for BEST IN COLORADO RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Interested in attending a STEM school in Colorado? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024

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  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. Regis University
  8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  9. Colorado Technical University
  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. Regis University
  8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  9. Colorado Technical University
  1. Colorado State University 91%
  2. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
  3. University of Colorado Boulder 81%
  4. University of Northern Colorado 79%
  5. University of Denver 78%
  6. Regis University 76%
  7. University of Colorado Denver 75%
  8. Colorado School of Mines 58%
  1. Colorado Technical University 31 to 1
  2. University of Colorado Boulder 18 to 1
  3. Colorado School of Mines 17 to 1
  4. Colorado State University 17 to 1
  5. University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
  6. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
  7. University of Northern Colorado 14 to 1
  8. Regis University 9 to 1
  9. University of Denver 8 to 1
  1. University of Denver $56,439
  2. Regis University $42,220
  3. Colorado School of Mines $17,520
  4. Colorado Technical University $12,696
  5. University of Colorado Boulder $11,004
  6. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
  7. Colorado State University $9,903
  8. University of Colorado Denver $8,736
  9. University of Northern Colorado $8,180
  1. University of Denver $55,260
  2. Colorado School of Mines $17,676
  3. University of Colorado Boulder $15,251
  4. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
  5. Regis University $14,261
  6. Colorado Technical University $13,937
  7. University of Northern Colorado $11,628
  8. Colorado State University $10,834
  9. University of Colorado Denver $7,722
  1. Colorado Technical University
  2. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  3. Regis University
  4. University of Northern Colorado
  5. University of Colorado Denver
  6. Colorado School of Mines
  7. Colorado State University
  8. University of Denver
  9. University of Colorado Boulder
  1. Colorado Technical University
  2. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  3. Regis University
  4. University of Northern Colorado
  5. University of Colorado Denver
  6. Colorado School of Mines
  7. Colorado State University
  8. University of Denver
  9. University of Colorado Boulder
  1. Colorado School of Mines 58%
  2. University of Colorado Denver 75%
  3. Regis University 76%
  4. University of Denver 78%
  5. University of Northern Colorado 79%
  6. University of Colorado Boulder 81%
  7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
  8. Colorado State University 91%
  1. University of Denver 8 to 1
  2. Regis University 9 to 1
  3. University of Northern Colorado 14 to 1
  4. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
  5. Colorado School of Mines 17 to 1
  6. Colorado State University 17 to 1
  7. University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
  8. University of Colorado Boulder 18 to 1
  9. Colorado Technical University 31 to 1
  1. University of Northern Colorado $8,180
  2. University of Colorado Denver $8,736
  3. Colorado State University $9,903
  4. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
  5. University of Colorado Boulder $11,004
  6. Colorado Technical University $12,696
  7. Colorado School of Mines $17,520
  8. Regis University $42,220
  9. University of Denver $56,439
  1. University of Colorado Denver $7,722
  2. Colorado State University $10,834
  3. University of Northern Colorado $11,628
  4. Colorado Technical University $13,937
  5. Regis University $14,261
  6. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
  7. University of Colorado Boulder $15,251
  8. Colorado School of Mines $17,676
  9. 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?

Colorado’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Colorado's Best Research Universities Badge
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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 9 research universities in Colorado. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Best Research Universities in Colorado 2023

  1. #1

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Boulder , CO
    #1 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025 #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 Colleges in Colorado 2025 #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 Colleges in Colorado 2025 #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
  4. #4

    Colorado School of Mines

    Golden , CO
    #15 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #4 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    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
  5. #5

    University of Colorado Denver

    Denver , CO
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #8 Best 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
  7. #6

    University of Northern Colorado

    Greeley , CO
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best 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
  8. #7

    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
  9. #8

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #8 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #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: $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
  10. #9

    Colorado Technical University

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #6 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #5 Best Online MBA Programs 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
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Find the Best Research Universities in Colorado 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
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. University of Denver
  2. University of Colorado Denver
  3. University of Colorado Boulder
  4. Colorado School of Mines
  5. Colorado State University
  6. Regis University
  7. University of Northern Colorado
  8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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