# Best Bachelor's Programs in Colorado

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-06-12 | Schools: 18 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-colorado

## Methodology

Bachelor's programs in Colorado ranked by outcomes and mobility

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a bachelor's program in Colorado can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options to consider. With 17 schools to explore, each offers distinct pathways to launch a career. One figure stands out: the average earnings for graduates from these programs is $57,496, a solid starting point for understanding potential outcomes.

The schools on this list separate themselves through key metrics like earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and mobility. For instance, the Colorado School of Mines leads the pack with an impressive $97,335 in earnings and an 81% graduation rate. As you review the rankings below, consider how these factors align with your own priorities and future goals.

Take Colorado College and the University of Colorado Denver as examples. While Colorado College offers a higher graduation rate at 87%, its net price is also steeper at $33,375 compared to Denver's more affordable $11,900. This contrast highlights a significant tradeoff: investing more upfront for potentially better completion rates or opting for a more economical option with lower graduation success.

## Key Findings

- Colorado School of Mines graduates earn an average of $97,335, the highest in the state.
- Colorado College has an 87% graduation rate, significantly above the state average of 55%.
- The University of Colorado Denver has the lowest net price at $11,900, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students.
- Colorado State University graduates earn $60,543, reflecting the diverse earning potential across programs.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Colorado School of Mines](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-school-of-mines) | Golden, CO | 81% | $97,335 | $28,690 | $23,000 | 0.24x |
| 2 | [Colorado College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-college) | Colorado Springs, CO | 87% | $65,222 | $33,375 | $18,257 | 0.28x |
| 3 | [Regis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/regis-university) | Denver, CO | 61% | $72,105 | $18,397 | $25,000 | 0.35x |
| 4 | [University of Denver](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-denver) | Denver, CO | 77% | $71,155 | $36,131 | $21,844 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [University of Northern Colorado](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-northern-colorado) | Greeley, CO | 51% | $52,231 | $17,760 | $20,470 | 0.39x |
| 6 | [Metropolitan State University of Denver](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/metropolitan-state-university-of-denver) | Denver, CO | 31% | $52,093 | $15,327 | $21,500 | 0.41x |
| 7 | [Western Colorado University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-colorado-university) | Gunnison, CO | 51% | $46,833 | $16,425 | $20,250 | 0.43x |
| 8 | [Fort Lewis College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fort-lewis-college) | Durango, CO | 39% | $46,349 | $17,296 | $18,389 | 0.4x |
| 9 | [Colorado Mesa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-mesa-university) | Grand Junction, CO | 41% | $45,823 | $15,103 | $22,000 | 0.48x |
| 10 | [University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-colorado-denveranschutz-medical-campus) | Denver, CO | 47% | $64,270 | $11,900 | $20,500 | 0.32x |
| 11 | [University of Colorado Boulder](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-colorado-boulder) | Boulder, CO | 75% | $69,738 | $25,346 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 12 | [Adams State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/adams-state-university) | Alamosa, CO | 36% | $44,372 | $12,980 | $19,500 | 0.44x |
| 13 | [Colorado State University-Fort Collins](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-state-university-fort-collins) | Fort Collins, CO | 67% | $60,543 | $21,279 | $20,000 | 0.33x |
| 14 | [University of Colorado Colorado Springs](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-colorado-colorado-springs) | Colorado Springs, CO | 46% | $54,659 | $15,788 | $20,000 | 0.37x |
| 15 | [Colorado State University Pueblo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-state-university-pueblo) | Pueblo, CO | 39% | $55,563 | $10,051 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 16 | [Colorado Christian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-christian-university) | Lakewood, CO | 60% | $50,416 | $29,500 | $28,312 | 0.56x |
| 17 | [United States Air Force Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/united-states-air-force-academy) | USAF Academy, CO | 88% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 18 | [Naropa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/naropa-university) | Boulder, CO | 42% | $28,720 | $29,179 | $24,712 | 0.86x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Bachelor's Programs in Colorado." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-06-12. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-colorado

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.