Best
Value Colleges in Colorado Springs in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Colorado Springs, CO builds skills in management, marketing, accounting, finance, economics, business law, and organizational behavior. Students strengthen communication and leadership through projects and internships. Local options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, whose College of Business offers business degrees, and Colorado Technical University, which offers business administration programs. Graduates pursue jobs in management, marketing, human resources, sales, or operations across industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Colorado Springs offers pathways at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College. Programs typically cover research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social behavior, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students build skills in communication, assessment, and understanding human behavior. Bachelor's graduates commonly pursue roles in human resources, community support, case assistance, or behavioral health services. Advanced study may lead to counseling, clinical psychology, or research careers, often requiring licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Colorado Springs, CO, combines programming, mathematics, systems, and hands-on problem-solving. Typical courses include data structures, algorithms, software engineering, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students often build projects and collaborate with local technology, defense, and aerospace organizations. Popular options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity analysts, database administrators, or IT specialists across many industries.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Colorado Springs, Colorado, can prepare students to support individuals, families, and communities. Coursework includes counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and clinical techniques. Graduates often pursue roles as licensed professional counselors, mental health therapists, school counselors, case managers, or substance-use counselors, depending on degree level and licensure. In Colorado Springs, students can explore graduate counseling degree programs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado Christian University.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers pathways from associate degrees to bachelor's programs. At UCCS and Pikes Peak State College, students study anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, and nursing fundamentals, with supervised clinical practice. Graduates commonly become registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community health settings. Depending on credentials and licensure, careers may specialize in emergency, pediatric, surgical, or public health nursing. Colleges prepare students for local healthcare careers.

Best Colleges in Colorado Springs, CO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 16,163.5, compared with 46,689.5 at schools in the top 10% - a substantially higher median among the top-ranked schools.
• An average of 91.2% of students receive financial aid, versus 57.5% at schools in the top 10%, so aid is more common across the full group.
• The average acceptance rate is 57.5%. Schools receive an average of 10,829 applicants, compared with 12,683.4 among the top 10% of schools.
• The median number of applicants is 4,386.0 men and 6,273.5 women.
• The average number of enrolled students is 11,594.0. Average enrollment is 480.5 men and 558.0 women.
• The average graduation rate is 45.0%, compared with 72.8% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 19.0% for men and 50.0% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, five offer bachelor's degrees, three offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• Five schools are coeducational; there are no schools for men and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid availability with your budget, and weigh acceptance rates and applicant numbers against your preferred admissions environment. Also consider graduation outcomes, including the overall and gender-specific figures, and check that the available degree levels match your educational goals.

How much does studying at a college in Colorado Springs, CO cost?

The average total cost of studying in Colorado Springs, CO, is $24,638. This gives you a useful starting point as you compare local options, though your actual costs will depend on the college, program, housing choice, and how long you study. Popular choices include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College, each offering a different campus experience and range of programs.

• Average tuition and fees: $22,056.50
• Average room and board: $12,819.50
• Average books and supplies: $1,372.50

These are reported averages, so check each school's current cost information and financial aid options before planning your budget. Living at home, sharing housing, applying for scholarships, or attending community college before transferring may help make your path more affordable. Your final degree cost can also vary with credit load and program length, so the $24,638 figure is best used as a general benchmark rather than a guaranteed price for completing an entire degree. With several colleges in the area, you can compare costs and find a route that feels right for your goals.

How long does it take to finish college in Colorado Springs, CO?

At Colorado Springs, earning an associate degree typically takes about two years full-time, while a bachelor's degree usually takes four. At UCCS, Colorado College, or Pikes Peak State College, your timeline depends on program requirements, course availability, and whether you study full-time.

The reported average graduation rate is 45.0%, compared with 72.8% among the top 10% of schools. The averages are 33.4% for men and 47.8% for women. These figures show that completion varies; persistence and support matter.

You may finish sooner by bringing AP or transfer credits, taking summer courses, choosing an accelerated program, or using prior learning assessments where accepted. Meet with an advisor early to map prerequisites and avoid delays. At local campuses, ask about online sections and year-round enrollment. A realistic plan can make graduation feel closer while keeping your workload manageable with advisor guidance. Ask whether competency-based options are available. Check eligibility early by program.

Salary

A useful benchmark for graduates in Colorado Springs is a median alumni salary of $45,146. For graduates of schools in the top 10% nationally, the median is about $48,766. These figures offer a helpful starting point, though your own earnings can vary based on your degree, experience, and career field.

Colorado Springs students can pursue paths at institutions such as the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College. Comparing programs and career opportunities can help you find a degree that fits your interests and gives you a positive start toward your earning goals.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has about four major university-level institutions: the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Colorado College, Colorado Technical University, and the United States Air Force Academy. The total can vary depending on whether a count includes colleges, two-year schools, or institutions that primarily teach online, so it helps to check what a particular list includes.

What is the largest university in Colorado Springs?

By the size of its local campus community, UCCS is generally the largest university in Colorado Springs. It offers a broad range of programs and a lively campus setting, which can make it an appealing option if you want university resources while staying in the city. Enrollment figures can change from year to year.

How many universities are there in Colorado Springs?

There isn't one universally agreed count because "university" can be defined differently. The estimate of about four refers to the major institutions named above; including colleges or other higher-education providers would make the total higher. For a prospective student, comparing the schools that offer your intended program may be more useful than relying on one overall number.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Colorado Springs, CO Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a broad university setting for students who want to earn a degree without leaving the city. It enrolls 11,153 students, with a 47% graduation rate and a 97% acceptance rate, making admission comparatively accessible. Reported total study cost is $23,155, while median alumni salary is $48,938. For Colorado Springs residents, its local location can make campus study and community connections convenient. Consider how program choices, aid, and personal goals align with these figures today.

Colorado College is a small, selective college option in Colorado Springs, enrolling 1,903 students. Its 88% graduation rate is the highest among these five schools, while its 18% acceptance rate signals competitive admission. The reported total cost of studying is $70,224, the largest listed, and median alumni salary is $40,212. Its intimate scale may appeal to students seeking a close-knit academic environment in the city. Compare financial aid and academic offerings carefully, since the figures cannot show costs or outcomes.

Pikes Peak State College is a local college choice for Colorado Springs students seeking an accessible route into higher education. It enrolls 12,556 students, the second-largest enrollment in this group, and reports a 21% graduation rate. Acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Its listed total study cost is $16,658, and median alumni salary is $41,928. The college's name suggests a community-focused setting; prospective students can explore available programs, transfer pathways, and support services to see how it fits their plans and budget.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs provides a degree-seeking option in the city, with reported enrollment of 31,830, the largest among the five institutions. Its graduation rate is 19%, and acceptance-rate data are unavailable. The total cost of studying is listed as $12,090, the lowest reported amount here; median alumni salary is $48,364. Students comparing local options should verify which programs fit their goals and confirm current tuition, fees, and learning formats directly with the university before making their final choice locally.

Nazarene Bible College is a small, faith-oriented institution in Colorado Springs, suited to students seeking religious studies or ministry preparation. It enrolls 528 students, the smallest population in this group. Graduation and acceptance rates are not available, so applicants should request outcomes and admissions details. Reported total study cost is $10,032, the lowest listed, while median alumni salary data are unavailable. Its setting may appeal to students who want to pursue education and faith commitments within the Colorado Springs community.