Choosing the Best School for You
After analyzing 25 schools in Colorado, we came up with our list of those that offered the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.
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 a bachelor's 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 bachelor's so we factor that into our rankings as well.
During their time at college, bachelor's degree seekers from schools in Colorado take out an average of $29,027.
The average amount taken out in student loans for graduates at a particular school may be crippling for those who earn less than average wages after graduation.
Additional Ranking Factors We Use
Our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools considers other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt.
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 bachelor's 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 Bachelor's Degree Schools in Colorado
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
1,066
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$66,901
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,861
Average Student Debt
Colorado School of Mines tops this year’s ranking as the best school for bachelor’s degrees in Colorado for overall quality. Golden, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,066 students in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $66,901 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,861 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $549.
Read full report on Colorado School of Mines
7,404
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,884
Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,305
Average Student Debt
Out of the 25 bachelor’s degree schools in Colorado that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Colorado Boulder landed the #2 spot on the list. CU - Boulder is a public institution located in Boulder, Colorado. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,404 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from CU - Boulder is $41,884 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $21,305 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $566.
Full University of Colorado Boulder Report
5,528
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,834
Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,939
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Colorado State University - Fort Collins helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Colorado. This large public school is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and it awarded 5,528 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State is $39,834 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $22,939. This translates to an average monthly payment of $397 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Full Colorado State University - Fort Collins Report
1,689
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,227
Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,738
Average Student Debt
A rank of #4 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in Colorado list means University of Denver is a great place for students working on their degree. DU is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Denver, Colorado. It awarded 1,689 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $40,227 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $22,738. This translates to an average monthly payment of $579 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Learn More About University of Denver
1,962
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$52,805
Average Early-Career Earnings
$34,082
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Colorado State University - Global Campus. It ranked #5 on our 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. Aurora, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 1,962 students in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University - Global Campus make an average of $52,805 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $34,082 after getting their degree.
Full Colorado State University - Global Campus Report
517
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$29,468
Average Early-Career Earnings
$18,289
Average Student Debt
Colorado College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. Colorado College is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 517 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College make an average of $29,468 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $18,289.
Full Colorado College Report
2,889
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,069
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,678
Average Student Debt
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking, coming in at #7. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a large public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 2,889 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from CU Anschutz is $40,069 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,678. Average monthly loan payments are around $251 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
2,032
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,005
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,901
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #8, University of Northern Colorado did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. Located in Greeley, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,032 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from University of Northern Colorado is $34,005 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $23,901. This translates to an average monthly payment of $281 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Full University of Northern Colorado Report
877
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,582
Average Early-Career Earnings
$35,399
Average Student Debt
Regis University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking, coming in at #9. Regis University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 877 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Regis U make an average of $44,582 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $35,399 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $373 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Learn More About Regis University
2,114
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,506
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,875
Average Student Debt
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking, coming in at #10. Colorado Springs, Colorado is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,114 students in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UCCS go into careers with an average salary of $39,506 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $23,875 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $289.
Full University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Report
808
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,195
Average Early-Career Earnings
$38,171
Average Student Debt
Colorado Christian University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. Colorado Christian University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Lakewood, Colorado that handed out 808 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from CCU is $41,195 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $38,171 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $366 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Colorado Christian University
33
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
Pueblo Community College landed the #12 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. Pueblo Community College is a public institution located in Pueblo, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 33 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Learn More About Pueblo Community College
2
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
Community College of Denver came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. CCD is a medium-sized public school situated in Denver, Colorado. It awarded 2 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Full Community College of Denver Report
577
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$29,800
Average Early-Career Earnings
$19,189
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #14, Fort Lewis College did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. FLC is located in Durango, Colorado and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 577 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from FLC go into careers with an average salary of $29,800 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $19,189. This translates to an average monthly payment of $223 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Full Fort Lewis College Report
3,153
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,930
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,691
Average Student Debt
Metropolitan State University of Denver ranked #15 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. Located in Denver, Colorado, the fairly large public school handed out 3,153 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $38,930 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,691 in student loans.
Full Metropolitan State University of Denver Report
386
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$28,542
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,341
Average Student Debt
Western Colorado University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. This small public school is located in Gunnison, Colorado, and it awarded 386 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Western make an average of $28,542 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,341 after getting their degree. Average monthly loan payments are around $272 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Western Colorado University
754
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,575
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,985
Average Student Debt
Colorado State University - Pueblo landed the #17 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. Colorado State University - Pueblo is a public institution located in Pueblo, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 754 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $38,575 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,985 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $194.
Read full report on Colorado State University - Pueblo
1,107
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,589
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,283
Average Student Debt
Colorado Mesa University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. This medium-sized public school is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and it awarded 1,107 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $37,589 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,283 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $194.
Read full report on Colorado Mesa University
317
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,008
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,051
Average Student Debt
Adams State University landed the #19 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. Adams State is a small public school situated in Alamosa, Colorado. It awarded 317 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Adams State go into careers with an average salary of $36,008 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,051 in student loans.
Read full report on Adams State University
149
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$46,693
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,396
Average Student Debt
Colorado Mountain College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. This medium-sized public school is located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and it awarded 149 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mountain College make an average of $46,693 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $16,396.
Read full report on Colorado Mountain College
Trinidad State Junior College did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking, coming in at #21.
Read full report on Trinidad State Junior College
14
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
Pikes Peak Community College landed the #22 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. PPCC is a public institution located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 14 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Learn More About Pikes Peak Community College
94
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$19,802
Average Early-Career Earnings
$37,125
Average Student Debt
Naropa University landed the #23 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. Naropa is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Boulder, Colorado. It awarded 94 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $19,802 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $37,125 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Naropa University
13
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
With a ranking of #24, Arapahoe Community College did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado list. Located in Littleton, Colorado, the fairly large public school handed out 13 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Read full report on Arapahoe Community College
27
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$46,409
Average Early-Career Earnings
$50,227
Average Student Debt
DeVry University - Colorado landed the #25 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Colorado ranking. Located in Westminster, Colorado, the small private for-profit school awarded 27 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from DeVry University - Colorado is $46,409 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $50,227. Average monthly loan payments are around $171 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on DeVry University - Colorado
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