Best
Colleges in Denver in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Denver, CO, offers access to a lively business community and internships across finance, healthcare, technology, and hospitality. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, management, business law, finance, organizational behavior, and data analysis. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as management trainee, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, financial analyst, operations supervisor, or business development associate. Popular local options include the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Regis University as well.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Denver offers opportunities to explore human behavior, cognition, development, research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Students gain experience through labs, internships, or community placements. Denver institutions such as the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver offer psychology programs. Graduates may pursue roles including behavioral health technician, case manager, research assistant, human resources specialist, or social services worker; clinical practice generally requires graduate education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Denver, Colorado, combines programming fundamentals with opportunities to connect classroom learning to technology, healthcare, aerospace, and business sectors. Typical courses include data structures, algorithms, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular options include the University of Denver, the University of Colorado Denver, and Metropolitan State University of Denver. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or database administrators, with internships helping build experience.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Denver, CO typically includes courses in counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, multicultural practice, and research with fieldwork. Programs prepare students for school or clinical mental health settings depending on specialization and licensure requirements. Denver-area schools include the University of Denver, Regis University, and the University of Colorado Denver. Graduates work as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, behavioral health therapists, substance-use counselors, or case managers in clinics, schools, and agencies.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Denver, Colorado, combines learning, simulation, and clinical placements in healthcare settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, and community health. Schools include Denver College of Nursing, Regis University, and Metropolitan State University of Denver. Graduates may qualify for licensure after required exams and pursue roles such as registered nurse, clinic nurse, long-term-care nurse, or public-health nurse in hospitals, clinics, and community agencies.

Best Colleges in Denver, CO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 21,063.5, compared with 38,100.9 at schools in the top 10%, so students should weigh the higher cost of these top-ranked schools against their goals and budgets.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 99.0% of students overall and 87.2% at top-10% schools. Although aid is common in both groups, the overall rate is higher.
• The average acceptance rate is 87.2%. Schools receive an average of 10,312.4 applicants, while top-10% schools average 17,244.0; the median applicant counts are 4,804.0 men and 6,463.0 women.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,152.5 and 23.4, respectively. The average number of enrolled students is 9,615.25, including averages of 539.4 enrolled men and 647.4 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 43.67%, compared with 68.5% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rates are 35.0% for men and 42.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 3 offer associate's degrees, 8 offer bachelor's degrees, 9 offer master's degrees, and 6 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 8 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should compare total cost and financial aid, consider admissions competitiveness and available degree levels, and weigh graduation outcomes alongside test scores and enrollment figures to identify a school that fits their budget and educational priorities.

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

The average total cost of studying in Denver, CO, is $24,839.38, which gives you a useful starting point for planning a degree.

The reported average tuition and fees are $22,084.00, while average room and board costs $16,946.83, and books and supplies add about $1,112.57. These figures are separate averages, so don't simply add them to the total; your actual bill depends on the school, living arrangements, and program.

At the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, or the University of Colorado Denver, compare each school's current cost estimate and financial-aid options before deciding. A bachelor's degree typically takes several years, so use $24,839.38 as a study-cost benchmark, not the full degree price. Ask schools about in-state rates, scholarships, grants, and transfer credits. A semester budget that includes housing and transportation can help you plan confidently while keeping room for the campus experiences you're looking forward to with excitement.

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

In Denver, CO, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree commonly takes two years. Your actual timeline can stretch if you attend part time, change majors, or need prerequisite courses. At CU Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Denver, check each program's course sequence before planning. The reported average graduation rate is 43.67%, rising to 68.5% for the top 10% of schools. The averages are 39.67% for men and 46.17% for women, highlighting how valuable guidance and a supportive campus can be.

You may finish sooner by:

• Transfer prior college or exam credits after confirming how your Denver program applies them toward degree requirements.
• Take summer courses or a manageable heavier load to earn credits year-round, if scheduling and finances permit.
• Ask advisers about accelerated or online options, then map prerequisites early to avoid delays and protect your momentum.

Salary

Graduates in Denver, CO can expect a median alumni salary of about $53,614. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is about $77,238. These figures are useful benchmarks, not guaranteed starting salaries; your earnings can vary with your field, experience, and employer.

Denver students can explore programs at the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Denver, among others. Choosing a program aligned with your career goals - and building relevant experience through internships or local work - can help you make the most of the city's opportunities after graduation.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Denver?

There isn't one fixed number, because counts depend on whether you include community colleges, seminaries, and specialized or technical schools, as well as institutions just outside the city. Denver has several major colleges and universities, including the University of Denver, CU Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Regis University, and the Community College of Denver.

What is the main college in Denver?

There isn't an official "main" college. The University of Denver is a well-known private university, while CU Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver are prominent public institutions in the city center. Which one feels like the best fit depends on what you want to study, your budget, and whether you prefer a traditional campus or an urban setting.

Where do college students go in Denver?

Students spend time around their campuses and in nearby neighborhoods. In central Denver, popular areas to explore include Downtown, Capitol Hill, and South Broadway, with cafés, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Students also enjoy the city's parks and outdoor spaces, and many head toward the foothills for hiking or mountain day trips.

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

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus enrolls 23,458 students and offers access to urban academic and health sciences opportunities across Denver and nearby Aurora. Its 46% graduation rate and 75% acceptance rate provide useful context as you compare options. Total cost of studying is $28,368, while median alumni salary is $53,600. For a Denver-based student, its city setting supports commuting, internships, and exploring Colorado's cultural and professional communities while pursuing a range of undergraduate and graduate programs throughout the region.

University of Denver is a private university with a residential campus in Denver's south-central area, offering students a traditional college experience close to city internships, arts, and outdoor recreation. It enrolls 11,499 students, has a 76% graduation rate and 78% acceptance rate, and reports a total cost of studying of $60,048. Median alumni salary is $53,628. For Denver-area applicants, this established campus combines local convenience with academic programs and connections across the city's business and cultural communities and beyond the region.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university based on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver, placing students near transit, civic institutions, and the city's museums and employers. It serves 18,421 students, with a 32% graduation rate and a 99% acceptance rate. The total cost of studying is $28,695, and median alumni salary is $50,946. Its urban setting may suit Denver-based students seeking accessible public higher education and opportunities to connect coursework with real-world experiences throughout the metropolitan area.

Regis University is a Jesuit university in northwest Denver, known for a values-centered education and a close-knit campus environment. It enrolls 4,372 students, reports a 61% graduation rate and an 86% acceptance rate, and lists total costs of studying of $23,700. Median alumni salary is $75,585. For a student already living in Denver, Regis offers a local campus option with smaller-school scale, community engagement, and access to professional opportunities across the city while pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in Denver itself.

Colorado State University Global is a public university designed around online learning, making it a flexible option for Denver residents who need to balance study with work or family commitments. It enrolls 10,257 students and has a 98% acceptance rate; no graduation-rate data is available. Total cost of studying is $9,000, and median alumni salary is $66,283. Rather than commuting to a traditional campus, local students can pursue coursework remotely while remaining connected to Denver's employment market, community, and local networks.