Most
Affordable Colleges in Colorado Springs in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Colorado Springs, CO, offers training in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, business law, and organizational behavior. At the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Technical University, and Pikes Peak State College, students can find business programs suited to goals and degree levels. Coursework often includes analytics, human resources, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales manager, or operations coordinator.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Colorado Springs, Colorado offers pathways. Typical coursework includes research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, cognition, social psychology, and counseling. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and evidence-based practice. Popular local options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College. Graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, research assistant, or human resources coordinator.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Colorado Springs, CO offers options at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Colorado College, and Colorado Technical University's local campus. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build problem-solving skills through hands-on practical projects and internships with technology and aerospace employers. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, web developer, or IT support professional.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Colorado Springs, CO, prepares students to support people through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Coursework often includes counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical experience. Local options include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and Colorado Christian University's Colorado Springs location. Graduates may pursue licensure and work as professional mental health counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, or family and community service providers.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Colorado Springs offers associate and bachelor's degree pathways with clinical practice. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, community health, and medical-surgical nursing. Students develop communication, critical-thinking, and evidence-based care skills through labs and supervised placements. Local colleges include the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Beth-El College of Nursing and Pikes Peak State College. Graduates often become registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, schools, or long-term care facilities.

Best Colleges in Colorado Springs, CO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 16,658.0, compared with 51,396.4 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure substantially higher.
• On average, 91.9% of students receive financial aid, compared with 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 male applicants is 4,386.0, compared with 6,273.5 female applicants.
• 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 43.75%, compared with 75.7% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 31.5% for men and 36.5% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, five offer bachelor's degrees, three offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• There are five coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total study costs and financial aid availability, and consider acceptance rates, applicant numbers, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates. The figures show that the top 10% schools have higher costs and applicant numbers, lower average financial aid coverage, and higher graduation rates, so weigh those factors against your budget and educational priorities.

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

The average total cost of studying for a degree in Colorado Springs, CO, is $26,431.80. This gives you a starting point as you compare local options such as the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College. Your actual bill will vary by institution, program, enrollment status, and living arrangements, so treat the figure as an average rather than a guaranteed price.

• Average tuition and fees: $22,529.60.
• Average room and board: $12,819.50.
• Average books and supplies: $1,372.50.

These categories are useful for planning, but they should not be added to the total-cost figure, since the provided averages may reflect different calculations or student groups. In Colorado Springs, compare each school's current cost estimate and ask whether it includes housing, meal plans, fees, and course materials. If you live at home or qualify for grants, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower, making a local degree feel more within reach.

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

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, an associate's degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, while a bachelor's degree typically takes four years at a traditional pace. At local options such as the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College, your timeline depends on program requirements, course availability, and whether you attend full time. Planning early can make this path feel more manageable and help you stay motivated.

The average graduation rate is 43.75%, compared with 75.7% for schools in the top 10%. Average rates are 41.75% for men and 44.75% for women, showing that completion is possible but persistence and support matter, though rates vary by school and student.

To finish sooner, consider:

• Bring eligible AP/IB or transfer credits, after confirming acceptance.
• Take summer or heavier course loads if your schedule and finances allow.
• Ask about accelerated courses and degree maps to avoid extra semesters.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Colorado Springs, CO, have a median alumni salary of about $45,146. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is about $48,766. These figures offer a useful sense of potential earnings, though your own salary can vary with your field, experience, and chosen career.

Colorado Springs students can explore options such as the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak State College. Your degree and career path matter: salaries in fields like business, healthcare, and technology may differ substantially, so it's worth comparing programs with the jobs you hope to pursue.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Colorado Springs?

It depends on the school, your residency, and how many credits you take. For a Colorado resident attending full time, tuition and mandatory fees at a local community college may be roughly $4,000-$6,000 per academic year; at a four-year public university, they may be around $12,000-$14,000. Housing, books, and other expenses are extra, so check each school's current cost estimate.

What college in Colorado Springs has the lowest tuition?

For many Colorado residents, Pikes Peak State College is likely the lowest-cost local option, especially for students starting with lower-division courses. Community-college tuition is generally less than tuition at a four-year university, though the exact total depends on your program, credits, and residency status. It's a practical way to begin college close to home and keep costs manageable.

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

University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers students in Colorado Springs a broad public university experience, with programs across fields such as business, engineering, health, and liberal arts. Its 11,153 enrolled students create a sizable campus community. The graduation rate is 47%, and the acceptance rate is 97%. Total study cost is $23,155; median alumni salary is $48,938. For local students, staying in the city can make commuting and exploring nearby internships convenient while pursuing a degree close to home locally.

Pikes Peak State College is a public community college in Colorado Springs, offering a practical route to higher education through associate degrees, career training, and transfer preparation. It enrolls 12,556 students, the largest enrollment among these five schools. Its graduation rate is 21%; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Estimated total study cost is $16,658, and median alumni salary is $41,928. For Colorado Springs residents, the college may provide a comparatively affordable local starting point before transferring or entering the workforce.

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs (CTU) is a career-oriented university with a strong focus on applied and professional education. It enrolls 31,830 students, the highest total among the five institutions listed. Its graduation rate is 19%; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Total study cost is $12,090, while median alumni salary is $48,364. For students in Colorado Springs, its local presence can make pursuing a degree without relocating appealing, particularly for those seeking flexible pathways connected to career advancement and practical skills development.

Nazarene Bible College is a small faith-based institution in Colorado Springs focused on biblical and ministry education. With 528 enrolled students, it offers an intimate setting within Colorado's larger higher-education community. The reported total study cost is $10,032, the lowest among the five schools listed. Graduation-rate, acceptance-rate, and median alumni salary figures are unavailable. For Colorado Springs students pursuing religious studies or ministry preparation, its location offers a way to study and build community without leaving the area.

Colorado College is a private liberal arts college in Colorado Springs, known for its intensive Block Plan, in which students focus on one course at a time. It enrolls 1,903 students and reports an 88% graduation rate and an 18% acceptance rate, making admission highly selective. Total study cost is $70,224, the highest among these five schools; median alumni salary is $40,212. For local students, its small campus and distinctive academic structure offer an immersive degree experience in Colorado Springs.