Most
Popular Colleges in Denver in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Denver offers preparation for organizational leadership and decision-making. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business analytics, and entrepreneurship. Popular local options include the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Regis University. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, operations supervisor, or management trainee across Denver's diverse industries, including technology, healthcare, tourism, and the finance sector.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Denver, CO, introduces students to human behavior, research methods, cognition, development, social psychology, and mental health. Programs combine lectures, statistics, laboratory work, and internships. Popular options include the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Regis University. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, research assistant, human resources specialist, or community outreach worker. Clinical psychologist positions usually require graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Denver, CO, combines programming, mathematics, and problem-solving. Courses typically include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build projects and gain experience through internships with technology employers. Popular Denver colleges offering computer science programs include the University of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Regis University. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, or cybersecurity specialists.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Denver, Colorado, typically combines psychology foundations, supervised practice, and preparation for professional licensure. Common courses include counseling theories, human development, multicultural counseling, ethics, assessment, group therapy, and research methods. The University of Denver and Regis University are well-known local options for counseling-focused graduate study. Graduates may work as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, mental health clinicians, substance-use counselors, or career counselors, depending on their degree, supervised experience, and licensure requirements in Colorado.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Denver, Colorado, combines classroom learning with clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Courses commonly include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, mental-health nursing, and ethics. Programs also develop communication, assessment, and patient-care skills. Denver-area options include Regis University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Denver College of Nursing. Graduates may qualify for licensure as registered nurses and pursue jobs in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, or public health.

Best Colleges in Denver, CO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $28,368.0, compared with $47,506.8 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $19,138.8.
• An average of 99.0% of students receive financial aid, versus 87.2% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 87.2%. Schools receive an average of 10,312.4 applicants, while top-10% schools average 17,244.0 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 4,804.0 and the median number of female applicants is 6,463.0.
• Average test scores are 1,152.5 on the SAT and 23.4 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 13,601.4. The average numbers of enrolled men and women are 539.4 and 647.4, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 53.75%, compared with 71.5% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 47.0% for men and 57.0% for women.
• Among the institutions represented, 0 offer associate's degrees, 5 offer bachelor's degrees, 5 offer master's degrees, and 3 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 5 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, test scores, enrollment, and graduation outcomes. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and more applicants, while the overall average graduation rate is lower than the top-10% rate; consider which factors best fit your academic and financial priorities.

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

For a student in Denver, the available estimate puts average total study costs at about $29,962.20 per year. That is a budgeting starting point - not a guaranteed bill or the total price of completing an entire degree. Your actual cost can vary with school, housing choice, aid, and enrollment. At University of Denver, CU Denver, or Metropolitan State University of Denver, compare each program's cost-of-attendance details before deciding; the figures below are city-level averages, not school-specific quotes. Scholarships, grants, and commuting can make planning feel more manageable and help you focus on finding a good fit.

• Tuition and fees average $29,036.
• Room and board average $17,400.40; living at home or choosing shared housing may change this expense.
• Books and supplies average $921.60, so set aside funds for course materials.
• The reported total is lower than these listed costs combined, so treat the amounts as separate averages rather than an itemized bill.

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 often takes two. At the University of Denver, CU Denver, or Metropolitan State University of Denver, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you study full time. Many students take longer when balancing work, family, or finances, so a flexible pace is common - not a setback. Graduation figures offer useful context: the average graduation rate is 53.75%, compared with 71.5% among the top 10% of schools. Average rates are 48.75% for men and 56.75% for women; these figures describe completion outcomes, not a guaranteed personal timeline.

To shorten your route, ask an adviser about:

• Applying transfer or AP/IB credits toward degree requirements.
• Taking summer courses or heavier loads, if manageable.
• Choosing an accelerated or competency-based pathway when offered.
• Meeting early with an adviser to map prerequisites and avoid delayed classes.

Salary

A useful earnings benchmark for college graduates in Denver, CO, is a median alumni salary of $53,628. Graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni salary have a higher median of $71,864 - a promising target as you plan your education and career in the Denver area.

Your own earnings will depend on your field, experience, and employer. Denver students can explore options at institutions such as the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the University of Denver, then compare programs and career paths that fit their goals.

People also ask

What is the most attended college in Denver?

By student enrollment, Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is generally the largest college based in Denver, with roughly 20,000 students in recent years. Its large, diverse student community and central location make it a lively option for students who want access to downtown, internships, and city life.

What is the richest university in Denver?

If "richest" means the size of its endowment, the University of Denver (DU) is generally considered Denver's wealthiest university, with an endowment valued at around $1 billion in recent public reporting. Endowment size does not indicate what every student will pay or receive in aid, so compare individual financial-aid offers as well.

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

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus enrolls 23,458 students and reports a 46% graduation rate and 75% acceptance rate. Its campuses offer a Denver university experience alongside health-sciences study at Anschutz in nearby Aurora. For a student living in Denver, the listed total cost of $28,368 offers a useful budgeting reference, while the median alumni salary is $53,600. Consider whether your intended program is based downtown or at Anschutz before planning commuting and campus life carefully.

University of Denver enrolls 11,499 students, with a 76% graduation rate and 78% acceptance rate. This private university offers a campus-based option in Denver, making it convenient to explore for a local student seeking to remain near home. Its listed total study cost of $60,048 is the highest among these five schools, so compare financial aid and housing needs carefully. The median alumni salary is $53,628. Weigh the comparatively strong graduation rate against cost, program fit, and your campus experience.

Regis University has 4,372 enrolled students, a 61% graduation rate, and an 86% acceptance rate. The Jesuit university in Denver offers a smaller-campus setting than several larger institutions in this comparison, which may appeal if you want a more close-knit academic environment while staying in the metro area. Its total listed study cost is $23,700, and its median alumni salary of $75,585 is the highest among these five schools. Denver residents should compare program availability, commute, and net price carefully.

Colorado State University Global enrolls 10,257 students and has a 98% acceptance rate; graduation-rate data were not available. Its online-focused model can suit Denver residents who need flexibility to study around work or family commitments, though you should confirm that your chosen program matches your goals. The listed total cost of $9,000 is the lowest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $66,283. Compare fees, course schedules, and student support before deciding whether remote learning fits you well.

Metropolitan State University of Denver enrolls 18,421 students and reports a 32% graduation rate with a 99% acceptance rate. This public university gives Denver-based students a large, locally accessible option, with a broad student community and a comparatively open admissions rate. Its listed total study cost is $28,695, and median alumni salary is $50,946. If you live in Denver, consider how your major, class schedule, and commuting plans fit together, and compare the cost with expected financial aid before enrolling.