Best Colleges in Colorado: 

Colorado is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Unsurprisingly, only a few students attend college in Colorado to take advantage of the Rocky Mountains and the state’s many outdoor activities. But which colleges in Colorado are the best?

According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 rankings, the top five colleges in Colorado are Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, and University of Colorado Denver. These rankings consider academic reputation, student selectivity, and graduation rates.

However, there are many other factors to consider when choosing the best college in Colorado for you. Some students may prioritize outdoor recreation opportunities, while others may be more interested in specific academic programs or the overall campus culture. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best colleges in Colorado and what makes each one unique.

University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder (C.U. Boulder) is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado. It is the flagship university of the University of Colorado system and is known for its strong programs in engineering, environmental studies, and business.

Value and Affordability

CU Boulder offers a good value for students seeking a top-notch education. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges, CU Boulder is ranked #97 among national universities. In-state tuition and fees are $13,106, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $38,284. The university also offers various scholarships and financial aid options to help students afford their education.

Net Price and Graduation Rates

The net price for attending C.U. Boulder is $21,423 for in-state students and $46,601 for out-of-state students. The university has a 70% six-year graduation rate, slightly above the national average.

Medicine and Research

CU Boulder is home to the Anschutz Medical Campus, which is located in Aurora, Colorado. The campus is home to the University of Colorado School of Medicine, one of the country’s top medical schools. The university is also known for its strong research programs, particularly in environmental science and renewable energy.

University Rankings

CU Boulder consistently ranks highly in various university rankings. In addition to its #97 ranking among national universities in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges, CU Boulder is also ranked #17 among public institutions in the same report’s College of Engineering and Applied Science rankings. The university is also ranked #42 among public institutions and #99 overall (including public, private, and for-profit universities) in the same report.

Overall, the University of Colorado Boulder is a top-tier university offering great value for students seeking a high-quality education. Its strong engineering, environmental studies, and business programs and excellent medical school and research programs make it a great choice for students looking to pursue a wide range of academic and career interests.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is one of the largest universities in the state, with a total enrollment of over 33,000 students.

Annual Cost

CSU’s annual tuition and fees for in-state students are $12,702 and $30,622 for out-of-state students. However, financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

CSU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 90 countries. The university offers over 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs across eight colleges.

SAT Range

CSU has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1130-1350.

Acceptance Rate

CSU has an acceptance rate of 81%, making it a moderately selective university. The university takes into account a variety of factors when evaluating applicants, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal characteristics.

Graduation Rate

CSU has a graduation rate of 74%, which is above the national average. The university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services.

Best Colleges in Colorado

CSU is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in Colorado and the nation. According to U.S. News & World Report, CSU is ranked #151 in the National Universities category for 2022-2023. In addition, Niche.com ranks CSU as the #4 Best College for Agricultural Sciences in America.

Universities

CSU is one of the top universities in Colorado, offering students a wide range of academic programs and opportunities. With a commitment to research and innovation, CSU is a leading institution in fields such as agriculture, engineering, and environmental science.

Colorado College

Colorado College is a private liberal arts college in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Established in 1874, the college offers undergraduate degrees in over 40 majors and minors. With an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students, Colorado College provides a small, tight-knit community for students seeking a personalized educational experience.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Colorado College for the 2023 academic year is $80,550, which includes tuition, room and board, and other fees. However, the college is committed to making education accessible to all students and offers need-based financial aid to those who qualify. In fact, 60% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the average award being $52,000.

Enrollment

Colorado College has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. students have ample opportunities to work closely with their professors and receive individualized attention.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of admitted students at Colorado College scored between 1370 and 1500 on the SAT, indicating a highly competitive admissions process. However, the college takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers factors beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Ranking Methodology

According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 rankings, Colorado College is ranked #24 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. The college also ranks #17 for Best Undergraduate Teaching and #5 for Best Value Schools. Niche.com ranks Colorado College as the #1 Best Liberal Arts College in Colorado and #19 in the nation. These rankings consider factors such as academic reputation, student outcomes, and student satisfaction.

In summary, Colorado College is a highly selective liberal arts college that provides a personalized educational experience for its students. Despite the high cost of attendance, the college is committed to making education accessible to all students through need-based financial aid. With a small student-to-faculty ratio and a highly competitive admissions process, Colorado College is a top choice for students seeking a rigorous and rewarding undergraduate education.

University of Denver

The University of Denver (D.U.) is a private research university in Denver, Colorado. It is one of the best colleges in Colorado, ranking #105 in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News.

Annual Cost

D.U.’s tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $56,439. However, the university offers financial aid to eligible students, including need-based grants, merit scholarships, and work-study programs.

Enrollment

As of fall 2021, the total enrollment at D.U. is 12,931, with 5,774 undergraduate students and 7,157 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at D.U. are between 1270 and 1440. However, the university takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers factors beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Programs and Rankings

D.U. offers more than 300 academic programs across its 10 schools and colleges, including the Daniels College of Business, the Sturm College of Law, and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. The university is renowned for its business, law, and social science programs.

In addition to its overall ranking as one of the best colleges in Colorado, DU has also received recognition for specific programs, such as:

Overall, the University of Denver is a top-tier university offering diverse academic programs, a supportive community, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

University of Colorado Springs

University of Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a public university in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is one of the four campuses of the University of Colorado system. UCCS is known for its quality education, research opportunities, and affordable tuition.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending UCCS varies depending on whether the student is a resident of Colorado or not. For the academic year 2022-2023, in-state tuition and fees at UCCS are $10,942, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $30,752. However, the actual cost of attendance may vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and textbooks.

Enrollment

UCCS has an enrollment of around 12,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. The university offers more than 45 undergraduate majors, 24 master’s programs, and 8 doctoral programs across its six colleges.

SAT Range

UCCS has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 91%. The average SAT score range for admitted students is between 1070-1290.

Best Colleges in Colorado

UCCS is consistently ranked among the best colleges in Colorado by various publications. In the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, UCCS is ranked #331-440 in National Universities. The university is also ranked #16 in Top Public Schools and #162 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

Universities

UCCS is part of the University of Colorado system, including the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Colorado Denver, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The system is known for its research programs and has a combined enrollment of over 70,000 students.

Overall, UCCS is a great choice for students looking for quality education at an affordable price. With its wide range of programs and research opportunities, it is no surprise that UCCS is consistently ranked among the best colleges in Colorado.

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a public research university in Golden, Colorado. It was founded in 1874 and is known for its strong focus on engineering and applied science programs. According to U.S. News Best Colleges, Colorado School of Mines is ranked #77 in National Universities and #3 in Best Engineering Schools in the United States.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Colorado School of Mines for the academic year 2023-2024 is estimated to be around $38,500 for in-state students and $62,000 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board.

Enrollment

As of Fall 2021, Colorado School of Mines had a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,491 students. The student body is diverse, coming from all 50 states and over 70 countries.

SAT Range

The SAT range for admitted Colorado School of Mines students is 1270-1440. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1370-1470 on the SAT.

Science and Research

Colorado School of Mines is known for its strong focus on science and research. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate engineering, applied science, mathematics, and computer science programs. The university also has several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Space Resources, the Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center, and the Colorado Fuel Cell Center.

Best Colleges in Colorado

Colorado School of Mines is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in Colorado. According to Niche, Colorado School of Mines is ranked #1 in Best Colleges for Engineering in America, #4 in Best Value Colleges in America, and #7 in Top Public Universities in America.

Universities

Colorado School of Mines is part of the University of Colorado system,including four state campusese. The University of Colorado system is known for its strong focus on research and innovation and is home to several research centers and institutes.

Regis University

Regis University is a private Jesuit Catholic university located in Denver, Colorado. It is known for its strong academic programs, commitment to social justice, and personalized approach to education. Regis University offers over 130 degrees and programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

Annual Cost

According to U.S. News Best Colleges, the annual cost of attendance for Regis University is $43,140. However, the university offers financial aid and scholarships to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses.

Enrollment

As of Fall 2022, Regis University has a total enrollment of 7,901 students, with 4,245 undergraduate and 3,656 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members.

SAT Range

Regis University is a test-optional school, meaning students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. However, students who choose to submit scores can expect a middle 50% SAT range of 1080-1290.

Best Colleges in ColoradoVarious publications consistently rank Regis Universityd as one of the best colleges in Colorads. According to Niche, Regis University is ranked #4 for Best College Food, #5 for Best Colleges for Communications, and #6 for Best College Campuses in Colorado. It is also ranked #250 in National Universities by U.S. News Best Colleges.

Universities

Regis University is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and the Council of Independent Colleges. The Higher Learning Commission accredits it and offers a variety of ABET- and GAC-accredited programs.

Overall, Regis University offers a strong academic experience with a commitment to social justice and personalized attention for students. Its location in Denver, Colorado, provides students with access to a vibrant city and numerous opportunities for internships and career development.

University of Colorado, Denver

The University of Colorado, Denver, is a public research university in Denver, Colorado. It is one of the best colleges in Colorado and offers over 100 degrees in 8 schools. The university is known for its flexible formats and relevant education that empowers graduates to achieve their goals.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending the University of Colorado, Denver, varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. In-state tuition and fees are around $11,800, while out-of-state tuition and fees are approximately $31,000.

Enrollment

The University of Colorado, Denver, has an enrollment of approximately 8,600 undergraduate students. Admissions are competitive, with an acceptance rate of 66%. The university is a mid-size institution that offers a diverse range of majors, including business, nursing, and biology.

SAT Range

The University of Colorado, Denver’s SAT range is 1070-1290. This range is lower than some of the other universities in Colorado, such as the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus and the University of Colorado Anschutz. However, the University of Colorado, Denver, still offers a strong academic program and is a great option for students who want to attend one of the best colleges in Colorado.

Metropolitan State University of Denver

The University of Colorado, Denver, and the Metropolitan State University of Denver are located in Denver, Colorado. These two universities are often compared due to their location and similar offerings. However, the University of Colorado, Denver, is known for its research programs and flexible formats, while the Metropolitan State University of Denver focuses more on undergraduate education.

In summary, the University of Colorado, Denver, is a top-ranking public research university offering diverse majors and flexible formats. While the SAT range is lower than some other universities in Colorado, the University of Colorado, Denver, still offers a strong academic program and is a great option for students who want to attend one of the best colleges in Colorado.

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a public national university located in Greeley, Colorado. It is one of the best colleges in Colorado, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Here is some information about UNC:

UNC is known for its strong programs in education, business, and performing arts. The university also offers a variety of other majors, including nursing, psychology, and biology.

UNC has a diverse student body, with nearly 25% of students identifying as Hispanic/Latinx and around 42% being first-generation college graduates. The university is committed to providing all students an inclusive and welcoming environment.

UNC has various resources to help students succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services. The university also offers several extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and community service opportunities.

Overall, UNC is a great choice for students looking for a quality education at an affordable price. Its strong programs, diverse student body, and commitment to student success make it one of the top universities in Colorado.

Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It is one of the top universities in Colorado and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Enrollment

As of 2023, Colorado Mesa University has an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1. The university offers over 100 academic programs and has a diverse student body.

Annual Cost

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the annual cost of attendance for in-state students at Colorado Mesa University is $9,962, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $21,054. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses.

SAT Range

The average SAT score range for admitted students at Colorado Mesa University is 980-1170. However, the university has a test-optional policy, meaning students can choose not to submit their SAT scores during admissions.

Rankings

Colorado Mesa University is consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in Colorado. In the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News, it is ranked #12 in the Regional Colleges West category. Additionally, Niche.com ranks Colorado Mesa University as the #9 Best College Food in Colorado, #10 for Best College Campuses in America, and #11 for Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Colorado.

Conclusion

Colorado Mesa University is a top-tier public university in Colorado that offers a wide range of academic programs and has a diverse student body. With its affordable tuition fees, test-optional policy, and excellent rankings, it is an excellent choice for students pursuing higher education in Colorado.

 

Best Colorado Colleges by Major