2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
When pursuing a college degree in today's world, there are many different options to choose from. College Factual has developed its Best Associate Degree Colleges in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking as one thing you can use to help make this decision.
What's on This Page: * Our Methodology
Choosing the Best School for You
Our analysis looked at 50 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to determine which ones have the best associate degree programs. Our ranking for the best schools is based on objective factors. We steer clear of subjective measures since they don't give a clear picture when determining how one school compares to another. The following gives more info on what goes into our ranking factors and why we consider those factors.
Average Early-Career Salaries
To determine the overall quality of a graduate school, one factor we look at is the average early-career salary of those receiving an associate degree from the school. That is, everyone wants their degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.
Student Loan Borrowing
Students may also take on a lot of debt while working on their associate so we factor that into our rankings as well.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients from schools in the Rocky Mountains Region have accumulated an average of $20,997 in student debt.
We consider this number in conjunction with average post-graduation earnings to gauge the difficulty associate recipients will have paying back their loans.
Additional Ranking Factors We Use
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Associate Degree Schools ranking.
These factors include things like the educational resources, the demand associated with the school, whether or not the school offers online classes, and the student body caliber - just to name a few.
Find out more about our best schools ranking methodology
Other Rankings
Are you more interested in the top associate degree schools in your area? Try narrowing this list
by location. Also, check out our other
college rankings to help you with your college decision.
Top Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
5,538
Associate Degrees Awarded
$35,314
Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,737
Average Student Debt
Our 2024 rankings named Utah Valley University the best school in the Rocky Mountains Region in terms of overall quality for students working on their associate degree. This large public school is located in Orem, Utah, and it awarded 5,538 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $35,314 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $9,737 in student loans.
Learn More About Utah Valley University
1,203
Associate Degrees Awarded
$34,493
Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,168
Average Student Debt
Out of the 50 associate degree schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Utah State University landed the #2 spot on the list. This large public school is located in Logan, Utah, and it awarded 1,203 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $34,493 during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $13,168 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Utah State University
3,079
Associate Degrees Awarded
$33,673
Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,435
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Weber State University. The school came in at #3 in the Rocky Mountains Region on this year’s best associate degree schools ranking. Located in Ogden, Utah, the large public school awarded 3,079 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $33,673 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $17,435.
Read full report on Weber State University
1,662
Associate Degrees Awarded
$19,434
Average Early-Career Earnings
$7,222
Average Student Debt
Out of the 50 associate degree schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Brigham Young University - Idaho landed the #4 spot on the list. BYU - I is located in Rexburg, Idaho and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,662 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from BYU - I is $19,434 during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $7,222 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Brigham Young University - Idaho
209
Associate Degrees Awarded
$35,778
Average Student Debt
The excellent associate degree programs at Colorado Christian University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in the Rocky Mountains Region. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Lakewood, Colorado, and it awarded 209 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Associate students leave the school with an average of $35,778 in student loans.
Learn More About Colorado Christian University
757
Associate Degrees Awarded
$17,704
Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,714
Average Student Debt
Southern Utah University ranked #6 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Southern Utah University is a fairly large public school located in Cedar City, Utah that handed out 757 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a associate degree from Southern Utah University make an average of $17,704 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $11,714 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Southern Utah University
117
Associate Degrees Awarded
$25,867
Average Early-Career Earnings
$15,702
Average Student Debt
Montana State University landed the #7 spot on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Located in Bozeman, Montana, the fairly large public school handed out 117 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from MSU Bozeman is $25,867 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $15,702 in student loans.
Read full report on Montana State University
1,857
Associate Degrees Awarded
$37,072
Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,184
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #8, Front Range Community College did quite well on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Westminster, Colorado, the fairly large public school awarded 1,857 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from FRCC make an average of $37,072 a year. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $22,184 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Front Range Community College
3,436
Associate Degrees Awarded
$36,791
Average Early-Career Earnings
$10,907
Average Student Debt
Salt Lake Community College did quite well in the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking, coming in at #9. Salt Lake City, Utah is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 3,436 students in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a associate degree from Salt Lake Community College go into careers with an average salary of $36,791 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $10,907 in student loans.
Full Salt Lake Community College Report
536
Associate Degrees Awarded
$39,128
Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,250
Average Student Debt
Community College of Aurora came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Aurora, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 536 students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from CCA make an average of $39,128 a year. Associate students leave the school with an average of $13,250 in student loans.
Read full report on Community College of Aurora
466
Associate Degrees Awarded
$25,985
Average Early-Career Earnings
LDS Business College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. LDS Business College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Salt Lake City, Utah that handed out 466 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a associate degree from LDS Business College make an average of $25,985 per year during the early years of their career.
Learn More About LDS Business College
505
Associate Degrees Awarded
$38,811
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,605
Average Student Debt
Idaho State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Idaho State University is a fairly large public school located in Pocatello, Idaho that handed out 505 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from ISU is $38,811 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $23,605.
Full Idaho State University Report
668
Associate Degrees Awarded
$36,126
Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,642
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #13, Aims Community College did quite well on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Greeley, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 668 students in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a associate degree from Aims Community College go into careers with an average salary of $36,126 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $13,642 in student loans.
Learn More About Aims Community College
128
Associate Degrees Awarded
The University of Montana - Western did quite well in the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking, coming in at #14. Dillon, Montana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 128 students in 2020-2021.
Read full report on The University of Montana - Western
717
Associate Degrees Awarded
$44,526
Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,123
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #15, Community College of Denver did quite well on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Denver, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 717 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $44,526 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $21,123.
Read full report on Community College of Denver
256
Associate Degrees Awarded
$38,847
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,425
Average Student Debt
The University of Montana came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Missoula, Montana, and it awarded 256 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a associate degree from UM make an average of $38,847 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $23,425 in student loans.
Full The University of Montana Report
197
Associate Degrees Awarded
$47,585
Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,850
Average Student Debt
Otero Junior College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Otero Junior College is a small public school located in La Junta, Colorado that handed out 197 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Otero JC is $47,585 during the early years of their career. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $20,850 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Otero Junior College
1,741
Associate Degrees Awarded
$31,856
Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,238
Average Student Debt
Pikes Peak Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. PPCC is a fairly large public school situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It awarded 1,741 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $31,856 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $17,238 in student loans.
Full Pikes Peak Community College Report
545
Associate Degrees Awarded
$26,331
Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,349
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #19, Colorado Mountain College did quite well on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Colorado Mountain College is a public institution located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 545 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a associate degree from Colorado Mountain College make an average of $26,331 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $11,349.
Learn More About Colorado Mountain College
222
Associate Degrees Awarded
Adams State University landed the #20 spot on the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Adams State University is a small public school located in Alamosa, Colorado that handed out 222 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
Learn More About Adams State University
128
Associate Degrees Awarded
$42,671
Average Early-Career Earnings
$12,462
Average Student Debt
Morgan Community College did quite well in the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking, coming in at #21. Located in Fort Morgan, Colorado, the small public school handed out 128 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Morgan Community College make an average of $42,671 a year. Associate students leave the school with an average of $12,462 in student loans.
Read full report on Morgan Community College
734
Associate Degrees Awarded
$39,868
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,592
Average Student Debt
Pueblo Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Pueblo Community College is located in Pueblo, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 734 associate degrees to qualified graduate students.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Pueblo Community College make an average of $39,868 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $16,592.
Read full report on Pueblo Community College
222
Associate Degrees Awarded
$40,266
Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,427
Average Student Debt
Trinidad State Junior College did quite well in the 2024 Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking, coming in at #23. Located in Trinidad, Colorado, the small public school awarded 222 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Trinidad State Junior College make an average of $40,266 a year. Associate students leave the school with an average of $17,427 in student loans.
Full Trinidad State Junior College Report
627
Associate Degrees Awarded
$51,088
Average Early-Career Earnings
$14,125
Average Student Debt
Red Rocks Community College ranked #24 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Red Rocks Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Lakewood, Colorado. It awarded 627 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Red Rocks Community College is $51,088 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $14,125 in student loans.
Read full report on Red Rocks Community College
734
Associate Degrees Awarded
$31,376
Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,129
Average Student Debt
North Idaho College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. North Idaho College is a small public school located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho that handed out 734 associate degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from NIC make an average of $31,376 a year. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $13,129 after getting their degree.
Full North Idaho College Report
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