Best Colleges in Colorado

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Best Accredited Colleges

#1 Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO

$29528

88%

With high-quality undergraduate programs in more than 40 fields of study, Colorado College tops our ranking of the best colleges in Colorado. In addition to bachelor's degree in areas like economics, history, and molecular biology, students at CC can also pursue a master's degree in teaching or literacy development. The college's block schedule allows students to engage with a single subject for 3.5 weeks, meaning they do not need to juggle the demands of multiple classes and assignments at the same time. Undergraduate students complete 32 blocks over the course of four years; this unique schedule gives them more flexibility to participate in service and experiential learning opportunities offered by the college. While all applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, CC does not require prospective students to submit results from a standardized entrance exam. During the admissions process, students can also apply for a variety of forms of financial aid. For example, the college's Leadership Scholarship provides $5,000 in support each semester to students who excel academically and demonstrate a strong commitment to community service.

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#2 University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

$15003

48%

Founded in 1889, the University of Northern Colorado offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and 120 graduate programs to roughly 13,500 students. Alongside classes at its four campus locations, UNC offers dozens of fully online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas like business administration, educational psychology, and nursing. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Roughly 25% of UNC students transfer from another school, and the university waives its ACT or SAT requirement for prospective students who have more than 24 transferable credits. To enroll in a graduate program, you typically must have a bachelor's degree and take an entrance exam like the GRE. UNC offers substantial financial support to its students, largely on the basis of academic merit, community service, and/or area of study. For example, military veterans pursuing a master's in chemistry can apply for a scholarship valued at $10,000, and the Amy Smart Memorial Scholarship provides $2,000 in aid each year to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.

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#3 Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO

$14309

33%

While most students at Colorado Mesa University study full time on campus, the university offers evening and online classes to support the needs of working professionals and other nontraditional learners. Fully online undergraduate programs are available in elementary education, radiologic sciences, and sport management. Graduate students can also earn online degrees in business administration and nursing. CMU is also committed to lifelong learning. Through the university's Community Education Center, students can take noncredit courses in subjects like beekeeping, financial planning, and graphic design. The Golden Scholars program ensures that students over the age of 60 receive significant tuition discounts for personal enrichment courses. While lifelong learning programs at CMU have open-door admission policies, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate to seek an undergraduate degree at the university. CMU also requires undergraduate applicants to submit results from the ACT or SAT. Prospective graduate students generally must have a bachelor's degree and take the GRE.

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#4 University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

$15427

43%

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs creates high-quality educational opportunities for many financially disadvantaged students and members of the armed forces. For example, roughly one-third of the student population at the university comes from low-income families, and another 20% of students have either served in the military or are in a military family. The university offers more than 70 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields of study like communication, economics, mechanical engineering, and the performing arts. Students also have the option to pursue fully online degrees in areas such as criminal justice, education, and healthcare sciences. The undergraduate application process requires a high school diploma or the equivalent and ACT or SAT scores. While UCCS does not set strict requirements for admission, most successful applicants have a high school GPA of at least 3.0 and an ACT score of 20 or higher. Consideration is given to special circumstances, as explained in the candidate's admission essay and letters of recommendation.

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#5 Western State Colorado University

Gunnison, CO

$16790

41%

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Western State Colorado University serves just over 3,000 learners. Its comparatively small size allows the university to provide more personalized attention and more responsive services to its students. For example, through Western's peer academic leaders program, juniors and seniors help new students navigate the enrollment process, access a variety of institutional resources, and choose a major. Students at the university can choose from more than 100 majors in subjects like art history, data analytics, marketing, and photography. In addition, accelerated programs at Western allow students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in areas such as environmental management and sport science in five years. Undergraduate applicants must submit official high school or GED transcripts and scores from the ACT or SAT. Most admitted students have a high school GPA of 2.95 or higher. All prospective students receive automatic consideration for the university's Merit Scholarship -- an annual award that provides up to $4,500 to in-state students and $10,000 to out-of-state students.

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#6 Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO

$25198

50%

In addition to its faith-based programs in biblical studies and youth ministry, Colorado Christian University offers roughly 100 degrees in subjects like computer information systems, international business, music education, and theater. The university also offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school GPA of 2.8 or higher. CCU also requires applicants to score above 20 on the ACT (or a comparable score on the SAT). Prospective students must also submit a spiritual recommendation from a pastor or church leader who can attest to their Christian testimony and potential for spiritual growth. CCU provides several merit-based scholarships. For instance, the university's World Changers Scholarship covers all tuition for select undergraduate students who hold a high school GPA of 3.8 or above. The President's Scholarship, valued at $15,000 per year, supports students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

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#7 Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, CO

$6426

26%

While Red Rocks Community College does not offer bachelor's degrees, the college holds transfer agreements with all public colleges and universities in Colorado. Students who earn select associate degrees and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better receive guaranteed admission and junior status at any of these four-year schools. Transfer-eligible associate programs allow students to explore subjects like anthropology, elementary teacher education, political science, and geology. A fully online general education associate degree is also specifically designed for graduates who plan to transfer their credits into a bachelor's program. RRCC operates an open-door admission policy and admits anyone above the age of 17. Although you do not need a high school diploma or GED certificate to start taking classes, RRCC does require prospective students to take a placement exam in order to assess their readiness to study at the college level. Students who receive a low score on this exam may need to take developmental coursework before enrolling in an associate program.

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#8 Johnson & Wales University-Denver

Denver, CO

$25202

57%

In addition to the university's facilities in Charlotte, Miami, and Providence, JWU operates a campus in Denver that serves students throughout Colorado and other states in the West. The university's College of Online Education also enables students to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree from any location with an internet connection. On-campus programs in Denver provide instruction in subjects like addiction counseling, food and beverage industry management, hotel and resort management, and organizational psychology. JWU also offers a 3+3 law program that allows students to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a juris doctorate while saving a full year's worth of tuition. JWU emphasizes the importance of work-placed learning and requires all of its undergraduate students to participate in an internship. While internship coordinators maintain relationships with businesses throughout the greater Denver area, online students may need to find a suitable partner in their own community. To apply to an undergraduate program, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, JWU does not require applicants to submit entrance exam scores.

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#9 Naropa University

Boulder, CO

$24823

31%

Teaching and learning at Naropa University combines Eastern wisdom with traditional Western scholarship. In addition to programs in elementary education and environmental studies, the university offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as contemplative art therapy, yoga studies, and clinical mental health counseling. Low-residency programs in ecopsychology and creative writing also allow students to complete the majority of their coursework online. Naropa prides itself on offering contemplative educational opportunities. The three core tenets of contemplative education are rigorous academics, meditation and mindfulness, and experiential learning. Online and on-campus students are strongly encouraged to gain insight and skills through volunteerism and internships. Undergraduate applicants with a high school GPA of 3.0 or better do not need to submit test scores. Prospective students with a lower GPA may still qualify for provisional admission based on a personal essay and a consultation with the admissions department. All graduate applicants must take the GRE.

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#10 Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, CO

$7229

23%

Colorado Mountain College creates an affordable higher education experience for its students. Learners at the college take out $8,000 less in student loans than the average four-year student in Colorado, and CMC charges 76% less in fees than the average public school in the state. The college also offers special tuition rates to certain groups, like a 25% discount to veterans, military personnel, and their families. Students can pursue technical certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees in subjects like avalanche science, leadership and management, and sustainability studies. The college's virtual campus also allows learners to take dozens of courses online. Additionally, all students at CMC participate in an internship, applying their learning in a practical setting and growing their professional network. To apply, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. If you have not taken the ACT or SAT, you must schedule a time to sit for the ACCUPLACER placement exam.

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#11 Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO

$18208

40%

Fort Lewis College provides more degrees to Native American students than any other four-year college or university in the nation, and the college provides a full tuition waiver to members of qualifying Native American and Alaskan Native tribes. FLC also offers steep tuition discounts to students from states that participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, along with a host of merit- and need-based scholarships. Academic programs at FLC cover subjects like adventure education, entrepreneurship and small business administration, journalism, and sociology. While the college does not currently administer any fully online programs, individual classes are available online and in a hybrid format. Students can also enroll in an accelerated post-baccalaureate program to quickly qualify for a Colorado state teaching license. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and submit results from the ACT or SAT. While the minimum high school GPA required for admission is 2.0, most admitted students have a GPA of 3.0 or above.

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#12 Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO

$25472

78%

The Colorado School of Mines prepares graduates to work as engineers and scientists. The college offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in fields such as biochemistry, computer science, environmental engineering, and petroleum engineering. Fully online graduate programs in space resources are also available, with additional distance education programs currently pending accreditation. Mines emphasizes the importance of applied research and hands-on learning experiences. The college partners with government agencies like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to give students the opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice. To apply to Mines as an undergraduate student, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applicants must also submit results from the ACT or SAT. Admission requirements for graduate programs vary, though you generally need to have a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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#13 Colorado State University-Pueblo

Pueblo, CO

$14988

35%

CSU-Pueblo is one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the state, with a student body that contains nearly 50% minority students. Learners at the university also benefit from small class sizes, with 80% of classes made up of 30 or fewer learners. At the Pueblo campus, students can choose from nearly 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas like automotive industry management, exercise science, industrial engineering, and nonprofit administration. The university also hosts fully online programs in construction management and sociology. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 high school GPA, though most admitted students have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. CSU-Pueblo also requires prospective students to submit ACT or SAT results and recommends that applicants score at least 14 on all subsections of the ACT or at least 380 on all subsections of the SAT. All applicants receive automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships. For example, the university's Presidential Scholarship provides $8,000 in annual aid to students who graduated in the top 2% of their high school class or scored higher than 30 on the ACT.

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#14 University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

$20323

69%

CU Boulder is the flagship institution of the University of Colorado System. Each year, the university issues more than 7,000 degrees across roughly 150 unique fields of study. Through Boulder Connect, students can also pursue fully online graduate degrees and certificates in areas like engineering management and philosophy. The university places a premium on affordability, and the CU Boulder Guarantee ensures that undergraduate students pay the same tuition rate during all four years of their undergraduate program. In addition, all applicants receive automatic consideration for a variety of institutional scholarships. For example, the Regent Scholarship provides $1,000 in aid to Colorado high school graduates, while the Boulder Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship offers $25,000 in total to out-of-state students with a high school GPA of 3.85 and above. First-year applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit results from the ACT or SAT. Prospective graduate students typically need to have a bachelor's degree and a sufficiently high score on an entrance exam, such as the GRE or GMAT.

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#15 University of Denver

Denver, CO

$35163

75%

Through partnerships with various organizations across metropolitan Denver, the University of Denver creates hands-on learning opportunities for its students. For example, law students from the university work at community legal clinics, while social work students advocate for the welfare and education of Native American children living in Colorado. Education students hone skills in local classrooms, and environmental students help conserve the state's parks and green spaces. DU offers degrees for many career paths. Undergraduate programs cover subjects such as applied computing, religious studies, construction project management, and strategic communication. Graduate students explore topics such as developmental psychology, international security, and supply chain management. The university also offers an online bachelor's completion program and two master's degrees through its College of Business. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and DU encourages prospective students to take the ACT or SAT. To enroll in a graduate program, you must have a bachelor's degree. In recent years, students at the university have received more than $170 million in financial aid each year.

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#16 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO

$14586

45%

CU Denver awards more master's and doctoral degrees than any other public institution in the state. In addition to its campus in downtown Denver, the university operates a medical school in nearby Aurora and an additional satellite campus in suburban Parker. Students can also earn a degree entirely at a distance through CU Online. Courses of study available at the university include civil engineering, international business, public health, and women and gender studies. The Anschutz medical campus offers additional degrees in areas like health administration, nursing, pharmacy, and dental medicine. Admission requirements vary considerably depending on the type of program, but undergraduate applicants generally must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, and graduate applicants need a bachelor's degree. Schools and colleges at the university also offer numerous scholarships to incoming students. For example, the Engineering Learning Community Scholarship provides up to $20,000 in aid to first-year engineering students.

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#17 Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO

$12175

28%

MSU Denver charges less than other large colleges and universities in the state, and it is also one of the state's most diverse institutions; more than 8,600 students of color make up nearly 45% of the overall student body. The university is also ranked as one of Colorado's best schools for veterans and currently educates approximately 1,000 former members of the military. Students can pursue bachelor's, master's, and graduate degrees and certificates in subjects such as addiction studies, geospatial sciences, cybersecurity, and public affairs and administration. MSU Denver also offers hundreds of online and hybrid courses, making it an attractive option for students who cannot attend classes during the day or regularly commute to campus. Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit results from a standardized entrance exam. The average admitted student had a high school GPA between 2.61 and 3.41, along with an ACT score between 18 and 23.

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#18 Regis University

Denver, CO

$25615

71%

While it is firmly rooted in the Jesuit institution, Regis University welcomes students from all faith backgrounds and prepares learners for careers in fields like biomedical science, criminal justice, elementary education, and physical therapy. In addition to the university's expansive online offerings, students in many programs can also follow accelerated tracks, earning their degree as soon as they demonstrate mastery of core competencies and skills. Regardless of how they study, learners at Regis benefit from a variety of support services. For example, online and on-campus students can work one-on-one with tutors to review lessons, complete assignments, and prepare for exams. A free online writing center provides personalized feedback on essays and research papers, while academic success workshops help students develop skills related to time management, organization, and test taking. To apply to Regis as an undergraduate student, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. The university also requires applicants to share results from the ACT or SAT.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colleges in Colorado?

Colorado is home to several top-notch colleges and universities. Some of the best colleges in Colorado include the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, University of Denver, Colorado College, and Colorado School of Mines.

2. How do I apply to colleges in Colorado?

To apply to colleges in Colorado, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, provide letters of recommendation, write a personal statement or essay, and pay an application fee. Each college may have specific requirements, so it's important to check their websites for detailed instructions.

3. What is the cost of tuition at Colorado colleges?

The cost of tuition at Colorado colleges varies depending on the institution and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. On average, in-state tuition for public colleges in Colorado ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition can be around $25,000 to $40,000 per year. Private colleges tend to have higher tuition costs.

4. Are there scholarships available for Colorado colleges?

Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for students attending colleges in Colorado. Many colleges offer their own scholarships based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, or financial need. Additionally, there are external scholarships provided by organizations, foundations, and businesses specifically for Colorado students.

5. What majors and programs are offered at Colorado colleges?

Colorado colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs to cater to diverse interests and career goals. Some popular areas of study include business, engineering, computer science, environmental science, psychology, biology, and arts and humanities. It's best to explore the websites of individual colleges to see the full list of majors and programs they offer.

6. Can I visit the campuses of Colorado colleges?

Yes, most Colorado colleges welcome prospective students to visit their campuses. You can schedule campus tours, attend information sessions, and even sit in on classes to get a feel for the college environment. It's recommended to contact the admissions office of the college you're interested in to arrange a visit.

7. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Colorado colleges?

The student-to-faculty ratio at Colorado colleges varies depending on the institution. Generally, smaller colleges tend to have lower student-to-faculty ratios, providing more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. Larger universities may have higher ratios, but they often offer a wider range of academic programs and resources.

8. Are there opportunities for internships and job placements in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado offers numerous opportunities for internships and job placements. The state is home to a thriving job market, particularly in industries such as technology, healthcare, energy, and outdoor recreation. Many colleges in Colorado have strong connections with local businesses and organizations, providing students with internship and job placement assistance.

9. What is the campus life like at Colorado colleges?

The campus life at Colorado colleges is vibrant and diverse. Most colleges offer a wide range of student clubs, organizations, and activities to cater to various interests. Additionally, Colorado's natural beauty provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. The college experience in Colorado is a perfect blend of academics and outdoor adventure.

10. Can international students apply to colleges in Colorado?

Absolutely! Colorado colleges welcome applications from international students. International students need to follow the same application process as domestic students, but they may have additional requirements such as English language proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS) and obtaining a student visa. It's recommended for international students to reach out to the international admissions office of their desired college for specific guidance.