Best
Colleges in Colorado in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Colorado offers preparation for careers across industries, with programs emphasizing practical management skills and business needs. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, finance, business law, organizational behavior, operations, and data analysis. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, operations manager, human resources specialist, or financial associate. Popular Colorado options include the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University in Fort Collins, the University of Denver, and Colorado Mesa University.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Colorado combines coursework in human behavior with opportunities for research and fieldwork. Courses include introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive processes, and abnormal psychology. Graduates pursue roles such as research assistant, behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources specialist, or social services coordinator; becoming a licensed psychologist requires education and supervised training. Popular Colorado options include the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, and University of Denver.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Colorado offers access to programs at the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Denver. Typical coursework includes programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, databases, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Many programs emphasize projects, internships, and research. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, web developers, or quality assurance engineers. Colorado's technology sector provides varied opportunities.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Colorado combines coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, multicultural practice, assessment, and group therapy, with supervised field experience. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, mental health counselors, addiction counselors, or career advisors, depending on degree level, licensure, and specialization. Popular Colorado options include the University of Denver, Colorado State University, University of Colorado Denver, Regis University, and Adams State University. Compare programs for accreditation, fieldwork, and licensure preparation.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Colorado combines coursework and clinical rotations. Courses include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical care, maternal-child health, mental-health nursing, and leadership. Students develop patient-care, communication, and clinical-decision skills while preparing for licensure. Popular Colorado options include the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado State University Pueblo, Regis University, and the University of Northern Colorado. Graduates often work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, or long-term care facilities.

Best Colleges in Colorado Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,240.0, compared with 38,156.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure higher by 19,916.8.
• An average of 98.5% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 80.7% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 80.7%. Schools receive an average of 11,781.95 applicants, compared with 20,753.9 applicants at top 10% schools. The median applicant counts are 3,749.0 men and 3,513.5 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,161.64 and the average ACT score is 24.47.
• The average number of enrolled students is 8,960.34. The average number of enrolled men is 701.05, while the average number of enrolled women is 798.21.
• The average graduation rate is 47.46%, compared with 79.0% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 37.0% for men and 46.0% for women.
• There are 22 institutions offering associate's degrees, 38 offering bachelor's degrees, 28 offering master's degrees, and 15 offering doctor's degrees.
• There are 38 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total costs and financial aid to understand likely affordability, and consider acceptance rates and applicant numbers when assessing admissions selectivity. Also weigh graduation rates, degree offerings, enrollment figures, and the reported SAT and ACT averages against your own priorities. The top 10% figures show that higher applicant numbers and graduation rates coincide with higher median costs and a lower average percentage of students receiving financial aid, so consider these measures together rather than relying on any one statistic.

How much does studying at a college in Colorado cost?

The average reported cost of studying in Colorado is $22,464.14, a useful starting point as you plan for a degree. The supplied figures also report average tuition and fees of $17,169.53, room and board of $15,026.83, and books and supplies of $1,325.79.

These averages should not be added together: totals can reflect different schools, student arrangements, or calculation methods. Your actual bill depends on where you enroll, whether you live on campus, and your program.

At institutions such as the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University in Fort Collins, or the University of Denver, compare each school's published cost of attendance before deciding.

These campuses offer distinct settings, from Boulder's mountain-town energy to Denver's urban opportunities, so you can match your budget with the experience you want.

Check residency rates, scholarships, grants, housing, meal plans, and course-related expenses; Colorado residents may find different tuition rates than out-of-state students. A little comparison can make a big difference, and financial-aid offices can help you build a plan.

How long does it take to finish college in Colorado?

In Colorado, a full-time student typically needs about four years to earn a bachelor's degree, while an associate degree often takes two years. At the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University in Fort Collins, or the University of Denver, your pace depends on course load, major requirements, and whether you attend year-round. Across Colorado schools, the average graduation rate is 47.46%; among the top 10% of schools, it is 79%. The average is 42.74% for men and 50.2% for women.

To finish sooner, consider:

• Bring AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits accepted by your college, reducing the courses you need to take.
• Transfer eligible credits from a Colorado community college, after checking they meet your program's requirements.
• Take summer classes or heavier course loads, or choose an accelerated program that fits your schedule and budget.
• Meet with an adviser early to map prerequisites and keep your graduation plan clear and motivating.

Salary

Graduates in Colorado can expect a median alumni salary of about $47,791. For graduates of top-10% schools, the median is about $60,209. These figures offer a useful starting point as you weigh the cost of a degree against the opportunities it could open up.

Your actual earnings will depend on your field, experience, and where you work. Colorado students may study at institutions such as the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, the Colorado School of Mines, or the University of Denver, then pursue careers across the state's varied industries. Your major and career path can make a big difference, so compare programs and consider internships and other practical experience as you plan.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Colorado?

By student enrollment, the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University in Fort Collins are generally the two largest. The third spot can vary by year and by how enrollment is counted, with Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver among the next-largest. If you're comparing options, check each school's latest enrollment figures alongside programs and campus setting.

How many colleges are there in Colorado?

There isn't one fixed count, because totals depend on whether you include only degree-granting colleges and universities or also trade schools, specialized institutions, and separate campuses. A reasonable estimate is around 60 degree-granting institutions statewide. Colorado offers a mix of public universities, community colleges, and private colleges, giving students options across different regions and academic goals.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Colleges Ranking in Colorado Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers students an urban education connected to Denver's professional and cultural opportunities, with health sciences especially prominent through its Anschutz campus. It enrolls 23,458 students and has a 46% graduation rate and 75% acceptance rate. Estimated total study cost is $28,368, while median alumni salary is $53,600. For Colorado-based students, its location can offer access to internships, hospitals, and public transit, alongside diverse academic and community settings across the Denver metro area and beyond.

Set against the Flatirons, the University of Colorado Boulder combines a major research university experience with an active campus culture and access to Colorado's outdoor recreation. It enrolls 39,233 students, with a 74% graduation rate and 78% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $41,212, and median alumni salary reaches $53,665. Colorado residents may value its Boulder setting, broad academic offerings, and nearby technology and research employers. Consider housing and transportation expenses when budgeting for life in this popular college town.

Colorado School of Mines in Golden is a specialized public research institution known for engineering, applied science, and energy- and earth-related fields. Its 7,951 students experience an 82% graduation rate and 61% acceptance rate. The total cost of studying is $42,840, while median alumni salary is $81,447, the highest among these five schools. For Colorado-based students, Golden's location offers proximity to Denver-area employers and mountain recreation. The rigorous technical focus may suit learners seeking career-oriented study and strong earning potential.

Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, is a private liberal arts institution recognized for its distinctive Block Plan, which lets students focus on one course at a time. It enrolls 1,903 students and reports an 88% graduation rate, alongside a selective 18% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $70,224, and median alumni salary is $40,212. For Colorado-based applicants, its Colorado Springs setting offers mountain access and a close-knit campus community. Compare the high cost with financial aid and the academic format.

The University of Northern Colorado, based in Greeley, is a public university offering a broad range of undergraduate programs and a student experience outside the state's largest metro areas. It enrolls 8,824 students, with a 51% graduation rate and an 86% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $24,125, and median alumni salary is $45,368. Colorado residents may appreciate the lower listed cost and Greeley's community setting. Explore academic support, housing, and travel options to determine whether it fits your goals.