Best Public Colleges in Colorado 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.
10 Best Public Colleges in Colorado
- 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
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Colorado Mesa University
- Fort Lewis College
- 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
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Community College of Denver
- Adams State University 99%
- Colorado State University Pueblo 99%
- Metropolitan State University of Denver 98%
- Western Colorado University 92%
- Colorado State University 91%
- Fort Lewis College 91%
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
- Colorado Mesa University 82%
- University of Colorado Boulder 81%
- University of Northern Colorado 79%
- Red Rocks Community College 22 to 1
- Community College of Denver 20 to 1
- Pueblo Community College 19 to 1
- University of Colorado Boulder 18 to 1
- Colorado Mesa University 18 to 1
- Colorado State University 17 to 1
- University of Colorado Denver 17 to 1
- Colorado School of Mines 17 to 1
- Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
- Western Colorado University 16 to 1
- Colorado School of Mines $17,520
- University of Colorado Boulder $11,004
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
- Colorado State University $9,903
- University of Colorado Denver $8,736
- Metropolitan State University of Denver $8,445
- Colorado Mesa University $8,261
- University of Northern Colorado $8,180
- Fort Lewis College $7,200
- Western Colorado University $6,936
- Colorado School of Mines $17,676
- University of Colorado Boulder $15,251
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
- Western Colorado University $14,000
- University of Northern Colorado $11,628
- Colorado State University $10,834
- Red Rocks Community College $10,278
- Colorado Mesa University $9,548
- Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
- University of Colorado Denver $7,722
- Pueblo Community College
- Red Rocks Community College
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Colorado Mountain College
- Adams State University
- Western Colorado University
- Community College of Denver
- Fort Lewis College
- Colorado Mesa University
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Red Rocks Community College
- Pueblo Community College
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Western Colorado University
- Colorado Mountain College
- Adams State University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Community College of Denver
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Fort Lewis College
- United States Air Force Academy 16%
- Colorado School of Mines 58%
- University of Colorado Denver 75%
- University of Northern Colorado 79%
- University of Colorado Boulder 81%
- Colorado Mesa University 82%
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
- Fort Lewis College 91%
- Colorado State University 91%
- Western Colorado University 92%
- United States Air Force Academy 7 to 1
- Colorado Mountain College 13 to 1
- Adams State University 13 to 1
- University of Northern Colorado 14 to 1
- Fort Lewis College 15 to 1
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
- Colorado State University Pueblo 15 to 1
- Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
- Western Colorado University 16 to 1
- Colorado State University 17 to 1
- Red Rocks Community College $3,744
- Community College of Denver $3,754
- Pueblo Community College $3,754
- Colorado Mountain College $4,680
- Adams State University $6,072
- Colorado State University Pueblo $6,670
- Western Colorado University $6,936
- Fort Lewis College $7,200
- University of Northern Colorado $8,180
- Colorado Mesa University $8,261
- Colorado State University Pueblo $5,996
- Fort Lewis College $6,750
- Adams State University $7,704
- University of Colorado Denver $7,722
- Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
- Colorado Mesa University $9,548
- Red Rocks Community College $10,278
- Colorado State University $10,834
- University of Northern Colorado $11,628
- Western Colorado University $14,000
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?
- 9 Research Universities
- 15 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 9 Graduate Schools
- 17 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 9 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 23 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Colorado’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
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.
Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2023
- #1 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools 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: $12,590Expenses: $20,360Starting Salary: $59,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Colorado Boulder known for?
University of Colorado Boulder’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #5 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #6 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
- #9 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #24 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
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: $12,559Expenses: $17,575Starting Salary: $53,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado State University known for?
Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #22 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
100%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
What is United States Air Force Academy known for?
United States Air Force Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Law
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #4 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024 #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: $20,040Expenses: $19,489Starting Salary: $95,600Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado School of Mines known for?
Colorado School of Mines’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Business
- Sociology
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
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: $9,634Expenses: $22,026Starting Salary: $71,200Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Colorado Denver known for?
University of Colorado Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
- #4 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #6 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
- #15 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
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: $10,769Expenses: $17,462Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Northern Colorado known for?
University of Northern Colorado’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Education
- Sociology
- Literature
- Political Science
- History
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Business
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Most Affordable 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: $10,260Starting Salary: $44,200What is Metropolitan State University of Denver known for?
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Social Work
- Biology
- Business
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
- #8 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024 #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: $12,380Expenses: $17,860Starting Salary: $49,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Colorado Colorado Springs known for?
University of Colorado Colorado Springs’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Economics
- Literature
- Nursing
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
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: $9,297Expenses: $16,146Starting Salary: $42,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Mesa University known for?
Colorado Mesa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
- Biology
- History
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Education
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
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: $9,212Expenses: $17,810Starting Salary: $39,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fort Lewis College known for?
Fort Lewis College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Online Associate's in Physics #1 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #2 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #2 Best Online Associate in Biology
- #4 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #4 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
- #8 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #8 Best Online Associate in Education
- #13 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
- #14 Best Online Associate in English
- #15 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #16 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
18%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Community College of Denver
Cost of Degree: $4,586Starting Salary: $36,400What 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
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: $10,813Expenses: $14,822Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Colorado University known for?
Western Colorado University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Literature
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Business
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
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: $9,776Expenses: $14,206Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adams State University known for?
Adams State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
27%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mountain College
Cost of Degree: $4,980Expenses: $13,826Starting Salary: $37,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Mountain College known for?
Colorado Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $9,245Expenses: $19,286Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado State University Pueblo known for?
Colorado State University Pueblo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Communications
- Political Science
- Medical
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Online Associate's in Physics #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: $4,471Starting Salary: $43,300What is Red Rocks Community College known for?
Red Rocks Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
23%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Pueblo Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,626Starting Salary: $31,900What is Pueblo Community College known for?
Pueblo Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Colorado’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.