Rankings / By State

Best Biology Colleges in Colorado

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 14 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$58,087

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

57%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$19,389

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a college for a biology program involves more than just picking a campus. Students and families are weighing factors like graduation rates, earning potential, and the overall value of their investment. In Colorado, the options vary significantly, with 13 institutions offering biology programs.

What sets these schools apart are the outcomes that really matter for biology students: earnings after graduation, graduation rates, debt levels, and mobility. The list below shows how these colleges stack up, highlighting not just their academic rigor, but also their real-world results. For instance, while some schools might offer lower net prices, they may not provide the same return on investment.

Take Colorado College and the University of Colorado Boulder, for example. Colorado College has a graduation rate of 87% and average earnings of $65,222, while Boulder graduates 75% of its students but has a slightly higher earning potential at $69,738. These differences illustrate the trade-offs students must consider when evaluating their options, encouraging a deeper look into how each school aligns with their personal and financial goals.

Key Findings

Colorado College graduates earn an average of $65,222, making it the top performer in this list.

The average graduation rate across these schools is 54%, with Colorado College leading at 87%.

University of Colorado Denver has the lowest net price at $11,900, but a lower graduation rate of 47%.

Western Colorado University has the lowest earnings at $46,833, highlighting the importance of program outcomes.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 14

Avg. earnings at 10yr $58,087

Avg. graduation rate 57%

Avg. net price $19,389

Avg. median debt $20,516

How We Ranked

Biology programs in Colorado ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO

Graduation87%

Earnings$65,222

Net Price$33,375

View full profile →

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO

Graduation51%

Earnings$46,833

Net Price$16,425

View full profile →

University of Denver

Denver, CO

Graduation77%

Earnings$71,155

Net Price$36,131

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO · 2,014 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 87%, Colorado College has a strong track record of helping students complete their degrees. The unique block plan allows students to immerse themselves in one subject at a time, fostering deep understanding and engagement. This approach attracts students who thrive in a dynamic and interactive learning environment, making it a vibrant campus filled with active learners.

18% accepted 87% graduate $65,222 earnings

Colorado's full profile

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · 1,586 students · Public

Nestled in the scenic Gunnison Valley, Western Colorado University has a welcoming environment that invites exploration and growth. With a 100% acceptance rate, this public university supports a diverse student body, making it an accessible option for many who seek a supportive educational experience in the mountains.

100% accepted 51% graduate $46,833 earnings

Western's full profile

University of Denver

Denver, CO · 6,025 students · Private nonprofit

Located in the vibrant city of Denver, the University of Denver is a private nonprofit school that fosters a strong sense of community and academic rigor. With a solid graduation rate of 77%, students here have access to promising career pathways that reflect in their median earnings of $71,155 ten years after graduation.

78% accepted 77% graduate $71,155 earnings

University's full profile

Regis University

Denver, CO · 2,627 students · Private nonprofit

In the heart of Denver, Regis University presents a blend of academic excellence and personal growth within a supportive environment. With a graduation rate of 61%, students benefit from a values-based education that prepares them for both professional success and personal development, reflected in the impressive median earnings of $72,105 after ten years.

86% accepted 61% graduate $72,105 earnings

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · 5,598 students · Public

University of Northern Colorado offers a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and student support, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to excel. With a graduation rate of 51%, it shows a commitment to helping students succeed in their academic journeys.

86% accepted 51% graduate $52,231 earnings

University's full profile

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · 15,002 students · Public

Metropolitan State University of Denver is perfectly situated in the heart of a vibrant city, giving students access to a wealth of internships and job opportunities. The urban setting enhances the college experience, allowing students to engage with the community while pursuing their studies.

99% accepted 31% graduate $52,093 earnings

Metropolitan's full profile

Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO · 3,079 students · Public

Nestled in the scenic town of Durango, Fort Lewis College provides a unique blend of academic rigor and outdoor adventure. The school’s commitment to experiential learning resonates with students who appreciate a hands-on approach to education, particularly in fields related to the environment and outdoor activities.

77% accepted 39% graduate $46,349 earnings

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · 25,538 students · Public

Colorado State University in Fort Collins is home to a large, engaged student population of nearly 25,600. With a graduation rate of 67%, the university offers a wide range of programs that cater to various interests. This public institution is particularly appealing to students looking for a lively campus atmosphere that promotes both academic and social involvement.

89% accepted 67% graduate $60,543 earnings

Colorado's full profile

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO · 10,519 students · Public

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a unique blend of healthcare-focused programs in a bustling urban setting. With a diverse student body of over 10,500, this public university is especially appealing to those interested in fields like medicine, nursing, and public health. The acceptance rate of 75% means that many students have the opportunity to join a community that prioritizes health and wellness education.

75% accepted 47% graduate $64,270 earnings

University's full profile

#10

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · 31,939 students · Public

Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Boulder is known for its strong emphasis on research and a vibrant campus culture. With a graduation rate of 75%, students here are encouraged to engage deeply in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The university attracts those who seek a well-rounded college experience, balancing rigorous academics with outdoor adventures and social activities.

78% accepted 75% graduate $69,738 earnings

University's full profile

#11

Adams State University

Alamosa, CO · 1,250 students · Public

With around 1,250 students, Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, offers a close-knit community where individuals can foster meaningful relationships. The school has a diverse student body, with 38% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to accessibility and support for those from lower-income backgrounds. This environment can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive in smaller settings and value personal connections with peers and faculty.

36% graduate $44,372 earnings

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · 8,697 students · Public

Set against the backdrop of the stunning Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a unique blend of academic opportunities and outdoor adventure. While the graduation rate sits at 46%, the university is committed to helping students reach their full potential, with nearly a third of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a strong support system for those from lower-income backgrounds.

97% accepted 46% graduate $54,659 earnings

University's full profile

#13

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · 3,042 students · Public

With a 95% acceptance rate and a focus on accessibility, Colorado State University Pueblo welcomes a diverse range of students. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement, making it a great choice for those who thrive in practical environments.

95% accepted 39% graduate $55,563 earnings

Colorado's full profile

#14

United States Air Force Academy

USAF Academy, CO · 4,114 students · Public

14% accepted 88% graduate

United's full profile

When comparing the data, a notable pattern emerges between Colorado College and Western Colorado University. Colorado College leads with an impressive 87% graduation rate and average earnings of $65,222. In contrast, Western Colorado University’s graduation rate is only 51%, and its graduates earn significantly less, at $46,833. This stark difference underscores the importance of not just attending college, but attending a college that supports student success.

As you sift through these 13 schools, consider what factors matter most to you. Are you prioritizing a strong graduation rate over a lower net price? Or is earning potential more important than campus culture? Identify your own priorities, and use the data here to match them against what each institution offers. This approach will help you make a decision that aligns with your personal and financial goals.

Ultimately, this data reflects a broader trend in higher education: the path from college to stable employment is not guaranteed. For families, the decision about which school to choose can impact not just finances, but long-term quality of life. One family’s choice to invest in a higher-earning program could lead to a different future than another's decision to prioritize cost. The stakes are significant, and informed choices today can set the foundation for a successful tomorrow.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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