Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN COLORADO
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Colorado. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado is home to so many great colleges and universities, including specialized private schools, top-tier state schools, and leading community colleges.
  • Colorado is considered the third most educated state in the US. This gives Colorado graduates better job opportunities.
  • The cost of college in Colorado is on average lower than in most states. Plus, the state has 19 four-year colleges and universities, and 470 public, private, and technical higher education institutions.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado in 2025

  1. University of Colorado Boulder
  2. Colorado State University
  3. United States Air Force Academy
  4. University of Colorado Denver
  5. University of Northern Colorado
  6. Metropolitan State University of Denver
    +1
  7. Aspen University
    –1
  8. Fort Lewis College
    +3
  9. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
    –1
  10. Colorado Technical 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.

In 2025, the top ten best and most affordable colleges in Colorado remained largely stable. However, Fort Lewis College gained three ranking positions due to expanded academic programs with a stronger focus on environmental science and sustainability, aligning with the college’s commitment to addressing climate change. The campus has been upgraded with new eco-friendly facilities, including green buildings and renewable energy projects. Additionally, the college has strengthened its career development initiatives, providing students with more internship opportunities and partnerships with local industries, especially in outdoor recreation and environmental fields.

There are 20 colleges and universities in Colorado with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Colorado is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of Colorado Boulder

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

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Colorado State University

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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Denver , CO
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
    Other Rankings

    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
  8. #7

    Aspen University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Colorado 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’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
  9. #8

    Fort Lewis College

    Durango , CO
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024

    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
  10. #9

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #8 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
    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

    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
  14. #12

    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
  15. #13

    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 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

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Colorado Mesa University

    Grand Junction , CO
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024

    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
  18. #15

    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
  19. #16

    Colorado Christian University

    Lakewood , CO
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #2 Best Online Associate in Psychology
    Other Rankings

    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
  20. #17

    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
  21. #18

    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
  22. #19

    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

Colorado Colleges: Emphasizing the Affordability Factor

If you’re a student dreaming to earn your college degree in Colorado, that’s not a surprise. After all, Colorado has so much to offer, including being home to a lot of highly-regarded schools. And despite the affordable colleges located in the state, how you handle the cost of education can still be challenging.

Thankfully, you can make your dreams of earning a degree in Colorado a reality. With careful planning and intensive research, not only will you choose the most ideal school, but also guarantee that you can cover your Colorado college tuition, accommodation, and more.

State Financial Aid Options for Colorado Students

Finding the most affordable college schools in Colorado is not only the best way to help cut down the cost of college. There are several financial aid options available that any Colorado student can enjoy.

If you intend to enroll in college in Colorado, check to see if you qualify to receive assistance from the Colorado Opportunity Fund. This stipend also transfers with the student. This means that you can have the fund for any course offered by a recognized college/university, particularly under the Colorado community college system, as long as you remain qualified for the program.

For students who do not have a lawful presence in the country, you can still be eligible for the COF stipend. The Colorado ASSET Legislation (AKA Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow) gives any student without lawful presence the chance to qualify for in-state tuition. As long as you meet the requirements set by ASSET, then you can qualify for the COF stipend.

Colorado Student Scholarships

Boettcher Foundation Scholarships: This is a merit-based scholarship program that awards qualified Colorado high school seniors a full ride to any four-year university/college in the state. It covers full tuition and fees (including laboratory costs), a living stipend of $2,800 annually towards room and board, and a book allowance.

Denver Scholarship Foundation: The Denver Scholarship Foundation partners with Denver public schools through the Future Centers situated in Denver-area high schools. This need-based scholarship program awards as much as $13,600 over two or four years, to nearly 14,000 students every year.

Greenhouse Scholars: Through its unique Whole Person approach, this scholarship program is bent on cultivating the next generation of dedicated community leaders. This program awards personal and comprehensive financial support of up to $5,000 in tuition assistance. It also offers mentorship, peer support, professional networking, and internship opportunities.

Colorado Student Loans and Repayment Programs

Colorado Health Service Corps: This is open to primary care providers who are working in locations designated as health professional shortage areas. Students are eligible for repayment of student loans up to $90,000.

State Dental Loan Repayment Program: This loan repayment program requires eligible students to offer dental services to underserved populations. To be accepted in the program, students must work in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for at least two years.

The amounts awarded are varied and are usually based on the number of uninsured patients and Medicaid, and Old Age Pension patients each month.

Educational Assistance for Colorado Military and Veterans

State Tuition Assistance for Colorado National Guard: The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provides a tuition assistance program for qualified members of the Colorado National Guard. At present, the program pays $4,250 per semester for tuition for each qualified student.

Additional Support for Colorado Students Pursuing Undergraduate and Graduate degrees

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Colorado’s Most Affordable 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
  1. Aspen University
  2. Red Rocks Community College
  3. Community College of Denver
  4. Colorado Mountain College
  5. Pueblo Community College
  6. Metropolitan State University of Denver
  7. Colorado Mesa University
  8. Fort Lewis College
  9. University of Colorado Denver
  10. Adams State University
  11. University of Northern Colorado
  12. Western Colorado University
  13. American Sentinel University
  14. Colorado State University Pueblo
  15. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  16. Colorado State University
  17. Nazarene Bible College
  18. Colorado Technical University
  19. University of Colorado Boulder
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