Best
Value Colleges in Denver in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Denver, Colorado, combines coursework in accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business communication, and data analysis. Programs include internships or projects with organizations. Popular Denver options include the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Regis University. Graduates pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, sales representative, or financial analyst, with opportunities across Denver's healthcare, technology, energy, and tourism sectors.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Denver, Colorado offers coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, cognition, social behavior, and mental health. Students learn to assess behavior, interpret evidence, and understand human development. Denver-area options include the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver. Depending on degree level and experience, graduates pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources assistant, research assistant, or graduate study toward counseling careers.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Denver, Colorado, combines programming fundamentals with opportunities in the region's technology and business sectors. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular local options include the University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Metropolitan State University of Denver. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, or IT managers across healthcare, finance, aerospace, telecommunications, and other related industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Denver, Colorado, can prepare you to support people through personal, academic, and mental-health challenges. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, assessment, multicultural counseling, group therapy, psychopathology, and supervised practicum. Denver-based options include the University of Denver and Regis University. Graduates may pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or behavioral health specialists. Some positions require graduate degrees, supervised experience, and state licensure; requirements vary by role and program.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Denver, Colorado, combines learning, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in area hospitals. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and medical-surgical, pediatric, and mental-health nursing. Denver College of Nursing and Regis University offer nursing programs in the city; the University of Colorado College of Nursing is nearby in Aurora. Graduates may work as registered nurses, clinic nurses, emergency-department nurses, school nurses, or, with advanced study, nurse practitioners.

Best Colleges in Denver, CO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 21,063.5, compared with 38,100.9 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 17,037.4.
• An average of 99.0% of students receive financial aid, versus 87.2% at top-10% schools, a difference of 11.8 percentage points.
• The average acceptance rate is 87.2%. Schools receive an average of 10,312.4 applicants overall, compared with 17,244.0 at top-10% schools. The median number of applicants is 4,804.0 men and 6,463.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,152.5 on the SAT and 23.4 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 9,615.25. Average enrollment is 539.4 men and 647.4 women.
• The average graduation rate is 43.67%, compared with 68.5% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 35.0% for men and 42.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, eight offer bachelor's degrees, nine offer master's degrees, and six offer doctor's degrees.
• There are eight coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, weigh cost and financial aid against academic outcomes such as graduation rates, and consider how acceptance rates, test scores, enrollment, and available degree levels fit your needs. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher average costs and graduation rates, while the overall group has a higher average share of students receiving financial aid.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in Denver, CO, is $24,839.38. Treat this as a starting point: your actual expenses will vary by school, degree program, housing choice, and whether you commute or live near campus.

• Tuition and fees: The average is $22,084, a major part of planning for a degree at institutions such as Metropolitan State University of Denver or the University of Colorado Denver.
• Room and board: The reported average is $16,946.83. Living with family, sharing housing, or choosing campus housing can change what you spend in Denver.
• Books and supplies: The reported average is $1,112.57. Compare course material costs and look for used or digital options where available.

These are separate reported averages, so don't add them together to estimate your total. The University of Denver is another popular local option, and comparing each school's current cost estimates can help you build a realistic budget. With a clear plan, you can focus on the exciting parts of earning your degree while preparing for the costs of studying close to home.

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

In Denver, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two; master's programs commonly add one or two years. At the University of Denver, CU Denver, and Metropolitan State University of Denver, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and whether you study full time. For many students balancing work or family, a longer path is normal - and reaching graduation remains an achievable goal.

The average graduation rate is 43.67%; among the top 10% of schools, it is 68.5%. Rates are 39.67% for men and 46.17% for women, showing that completion outcomes vary. You may finish sooner by transferring eligible credits, earning credit through AP/IB or exams, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated program. Confirm policies with your campus adviser before enrolling. A degree map can help you move faster while keeping your schedule manageable and protecting your progress.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Denver, CO, earn a median alumni salary of about $53,614. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median rises to approximately $77,238, showing the potential for a strong payoff from your degree.

Your earnings will depend on your field, experience, and chosen school. If you're considering popular Denver options such as the University of Denver, CU Denver, or Metropolitan State University of Denver, compare programs and career paths to find the best fit for your goals.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Denver?

Using "university" to mean a major institution with a Denver campus, there are four: the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, the University of Colorado Denver, and Regis University. The total can differ if you also count specialized colleges, seminaries, or campuses just outside Denver's city limits.

What is the largest university in Denver?

Metropolitan State University of Denver is generally the largest by student enrollment. Its urban campus sits in the heart of downtown, alongside other higher-education institutions, giving students convenient access to city life and shared campus amenities. Enrollment figures change over time, so comparisons may vary by year and by whether a count includes all student types.

How many universities are there in Denver?

For a prospective student, the useful takeaway is that Denver offers several distinct university experiences rather than one dominant campus environment. Some institutions emphasize a traditional residential setting, while others are closely integrated with downtown. When comparing options, check each school's current campus location and programs, since nearby colleges are sometimes casually described as being "in Denver."

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

Located in downtown Denver, the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus combines an urban university setting with health-sciences programs at its Aurora campus. It enrolls 23,458 students, and its 75% acceptance rate may offer prospective students a relatively accessible entry point. The reported graduation rate is 46%. Annual total study cost is $28,368, while median alumni salary is $53,600. For Denver residents, the campuses provide access to city opportunities and a distinct medical-campus environment nearby for study and training options.

The University of Denver is a private university located in the city, offering students a campus-based experience alongside Denver's cultural and professional opportunities. Enrollment is 11,499, with a 78% acceptance rate and a 76% graduation rate. Its reported total study cost is $60,048, the highest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $53,628. Students weighing a Denver degree can compare that cost with the university's stronger reported completion rate and access to internships, employers, and city life nearby.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public, urban university on the Auraria campus, placing students near downtown Denver and its transit, arts, and employment options. It enrolls 18,421 students and reports a 99% acceptance rate, while its graduation rate is 32%. Total study cost is $28,695, and median alumni salary is $50,946. For students seeking an accessible Denver-based option, these figures offer useful context; consider how completion outcomes and career goals fit your plans before choosing a college here.

Regis University is a private Jesuit institution in northwest Denver, offering a smaller university setting than the city's largest campuses. Its enrollment is 4,372, acceptance rate is 86%, and graduation rate is 61%. The reported total study cost is $23,700, and median alumni salary is $75,585, the highest figure among the five schools listed. For Denver-area students, Regis may be worth comparing for its location, campus scale, and reported alumni earnings alongside affordability and the programs you want to study.

Colorado State University Global is an online public university, a format that can suit Denver students balancing work, family, or other commitments. It enrolls 10,257 students and has a 98% acceptance rate; no graduation-rate figure is available in the supplied data. Its total study cost is $9,000, the lowest listed, and median alumni salary is $66,283. Rather than commuting to a Denver campus, students can study remotely, while comparing program fit, support services, and flexibility before enrolling in their field.