Best
Colleges in Colorado Springs in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers preparation for managing organizations and making business decisions. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, human resources, and data analysis. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, operations manager, human resources specialist, or sales representative. Popular options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Technical University, and Pikes Peak State College, which offer business-related programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Colorado Springs, CO, offers coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and understanding behavior through classes and research experiences. Popular options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado College, which offer psychology study. Graduates pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources assistant, or research assistant; licensed counseling careers generally require graduate education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Colorado Springs offers access to technology-focused programs and employers. Courses commonly include programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build practical skills through projects, internships, and collaborative problem-solving. Popular options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, Colorado Technical University, and Pikes Peak State College. Graduates often pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or network administrators in diverse industries.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Colorado Springs combines psychology, ethics, human development, counseling theories, assessment, group counseling, and supervised practicum work. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers graduate study in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Colorado Christian University also has a Colorado Springs location. Graduates may pursue roles as school counselors, behavioral health technicians, case managers, or substance-use counselors; independent clinical practice generally requires a graduate degree, supervised experience, and state licensure for counselors.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Colorado Springs, CO, combines classroom learning, simulation, and clinical placements in healthcare settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and maternal-child, mental-health, and community nursing. Programs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak State College offer pathways from associate to bachelor's-level education. Graduates work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, or public health, supporting patient education, emergency care, and specialty-unit services.

Best Colleges in Colorado Springs, CO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median cost of studying is 16,163.5 overall, compared with 46,689.5 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-tier schools substantially more costly.
• An average of 91.2% of students receive financial aid overall, versus 57.5% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 57.5%. Schools receive an average of 10,829 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 12,683.4 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 4,386 men and 6,273.5 women.
• The average number of enrolled students is 11,594. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 480.5 and 558, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 45.0% overall and 72.8% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 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 or for women.
• When choosing a college, compare the cost with the availability of financial aid, and consider how graduation rates - both overall and by gender - fit your priorities. Also weigh the number of applicants, enrollment context, degree options, and whether a school's coeducational setting suits you.

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

For a student earning a degree in Colorado Springs, the average total cost is about $24,638. This figure is a helpful starting point for budgeting, though your actual bill depends on the institution, program, and living arrangements. Local options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College; compare each school's published cost of attendance and financial aid before choosing. Average cost components include:

• Tuition and fees: $22,056.50
• Room and board: $12,819.50
• Books and supplies: $1,372.50

Public and private campuses let you explore academic paths close to home and find a setting that feels right. Remember, financial aid, scholarships, commuting, or living at home can change your out-of-pocket amount. Ask admissions offices for net price estimates, and check whether transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses are included. Comparing options early can make planning less stressful and help you feel confident about your next step.

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

In Colorado Springs, a bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree at Pikes Peak State College typically takes two. At the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) or Colorado College, your timeline can vary with major requirements, course availability, and whether you attend full time. Many master's degrees take another one to two years.

Completion rates offer useful context: the average graduation rate is 45.0%, versus 72.8% at the top 10% of schools. Rates average 33.4% for men and 47.8% for women. These figures reflect completion, not an individual student's timeline.

Finish sooner with AP/IB or dual-enrollment credits, eligible transfer courses, summer classes, or an accelerated schedule. Ask an advisor at UCCS or Pikes Peak State College to map credits to requirements before enrolling. Planning can save time and tuition; part-time study or course sequencing may extend your timeline. Check course rotations each academic year.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Colorado Springs can use $45,146 as a median alumni salary benchmark. Graduates of top-10% schools have a higher median of about $48,766. Your own earnings will depend on your degree, career, experience, and employer.

In Colorado Springs, students may consider schools such as the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and Colorado College. These figures are general alumni benchmarks, not salary guarantees for graduates of either school or for a particular major. They offer a useful starting point as you compare programs and picture your next steps after graduation.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Colorado Springs

There are about six well-known colleges and higher-education institutions in Colorado Springs, including the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, Pikes Peak State College, Colorado Technical University, Nazarene Bible College, and IntelliTec College. The exact number depends on whether you count trade schools, specialized institutions, and individual campuses.

What is the main college in Colorado Springs?

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is the city's largest public university and a common answer to "main college." It offers a broad range of degree programs and sits near the foothills, with views of Pikes Peak. Colorado College is another major local institution, known for its liberal arts focus and distinctive block schedule.

Where do college students go in Colorado Springs?

Students often spend time around their campuses, downtown Colorado Springs, and nearby Old Colorado City for food, coffee, and events. For outdoor breaks, popular options include Garden of the Gods, local trails, and parks. The range of campus, city, and mountain activities makes it easy to find a change of pace between classes.

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

Colorado College is a small liberal arts institution in Colorado Springs, giving local students a residential campus option and access to the city's mountain setting. With 1,903 enrolled students, it reports an 18% acceptance rate and an 88% graduation rate. Total study cost is $70,224, while median alumni salary is $40,212. These figures suggest a selective, higher-cost choice with strong completion. Compare aid packages and program offerings to determine whether its close-knit academic environment fits your goals in Colorado Springs.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public university serving students seeking a broad campus-based education in Colorado Springs. Its enrollment of 11,153 offers a much larger community than Colorado College. UCCS reports a 97% acceptance rate and 47% graduation rate. Its total study cost is $23,155, and median alumni salary is $48,938. For a Colorado Springs resident, its local location can make commuting and staying connected to the region practical considerations. Review majors, housing, and financial aid before choosing.

Pikes Peak State College is a local college option for Colorado Springs students seeking a potentially practical route into higher education. With 12,556 enrolled students, it has a substantial student population. Its reported graduation rate is 21%, while acceptance rate data is unavailable. Total study cost is $16,658, and median alumni salary is $41,928. For residents, studying nearby may support continued ties to the community and reduce the need to relocate. Explore transfer pathways and degree options to match plans.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs is a university in Colorado Springs, offering local students a nearby option for pursuing higher education. It enrolls 31,830 students, the largest enrollment among the five schools listed. Its graduation rate is 19%, and acceptance rate information is unavailable. Total study cost is $12,090; median alumni salary is $48,364. The combination may appeal to students comparing cost and reported post-college earnings. Check specific programs, delivery format, and accreditation while planning your Colorado Springs education.

Nazarene Bible College is a faith-centered institution in Colorado Springs, potentially relevant to students looking for religious studies or ministry-oriented education. Its enrollment is 528, making it the smallest school in this group. Reported graduation and acceptance rates are unavailable. Total cost of studying is $10,032, and median alumni salary data is unavailable. For local students, remaining in Colorado Springs may make campus access straightforward. Check degree options and campus arrangements before applying, because some key outcomes remain publicly unreported.