Rankings / By State
Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado
- 15
- Schools
- $59,571
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,344
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,810
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $39,095 at the low end to $97,335 at the top. That 2.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
Pikes Peak State College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $40,796 against $6,007 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is Pikes Peak State College, at $6,007 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: United States Air Force Academy graduates 88% of its students, well above the 55% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Pikes Peak State College: graduates owe only 0.22× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Pikes Peak State College ($6,007/yr) and University of Denver ($36,131/yr) produce graduates earning $40,796 and $71,155 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $30,124 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Pikes Peak State College outperforms Colorado School of Mines: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: United States Air Force Academy graduates 88% of its students versus 18% at Community College of Denver. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Pikes Peak State College and United States Air Force Academy. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $61K within a decade, and software developer roles are projected to grow 25%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Colorado School of Mines #1 overall | $97,335 ▲ +63% vs avg | $28,690 | 81% | 83 |
| 2 Colorado College #2 overall | $65,222 ▲ +9% vs avg | $33,375 | 87% | 74 |
| 3 Regis University #3 overall | $72,105 ▲ +21% vs avg | $18,397 | 61% | 73 |
| $71,155 ▲ +19% vs avg | $36,131 | 77% | 72 | |
| $52,093 ▼ -13% vs avg | $15,327 | 31% | 71 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado
This analysis ranks 15 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $59,571 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $18,344.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Pikes Peak State College — Net Price: $6,007 | Graduation Rate: 22%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: United States Air Force Academy — 88% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Colorado School of Mines — Median alumni earnings: $97,335
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$58,053
Median earnings (10yr)
51%
Median graduation rate
$16,107
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Technology hiring rewards ability over credentials more than any other field on this site. Toolchains turn over every few years, so computing and data-science programs compete on employer connections, project-based learning, and curriculum currency. The programs that teach fundamentals and learning agility produce the graduates who last.
The median graduation rate across these 15 schools is 51%. Median graduate earnings reach $58,053 ten years after enrollment, roughly $10,053 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $16,107 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $20,125. Some 23% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.4%.
In tech, what you can do matters more than where you studied. Graduates on this list earn a median of $58,053 ten years after enrollment. Programs with industry partnerships, co-op placements, and current curricula keep delivering through a cyclical hiring market.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Colorado School of Mines lands at #1 with a 83/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $97,335 a decade after enrolling, 63% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,690 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Colorado College lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $65,222 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,375 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Regis University lands at #3 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $72,105 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,397 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Denver lands at #4 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $71,155 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,131 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Metropolitan State University of Denver lands at #5 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $52,093 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,327 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Western Colorado University lands at #6 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $46,833 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,425 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Colorado Boulder lands at #7 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $69,738 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,346 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Denver, CO · 75% accepted · $11,900 net
Why it ranks #8
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus lands at #8 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $64,270 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,900 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Colorado State University Pueblo lands at #9 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,563 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,051 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Fort Collins, CO · 89% accepted · $21,279 net
Why it ranks #10
Colorado State University-Fort Collins lands at #10 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $60,543 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,279 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Colorado Springs, CO · 97% accepted · $15,788 net
Why it ranks #11
University of Colorado Colorado Springs lands at #11 with a 62/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $54,659 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,788 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Pikes Peak State College lands at #12 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,796 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,007 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Community College of Aurora lands at #13 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $44,592 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,656 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
United States Air Force Academy lands at #14 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by social mobility (68/100). Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Community College of Denver lands at #15 with a 48/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $39,095 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,450 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 14 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Software Developers and related roles — a field with $132,270 median pay and 25% projected growth.
See the Software Developer career guide →Selecting a computer science program can feel daunting, especially in a state like Colorado, known for its growing tech scene. With 12 schools offering strong programs, students and families have plenty of options to consider. The average earnings for graduates in this field are about $62,842, making the choice even more significant.
What separates the standout schools from others on this list? Key metrics like earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall program concentration matter most. For instance, the top school here boasts an impressive $97,335 in earnings and an 81% graduation rate, while the lower-performing institutions show varying degrees of success in these areas. Understanding these figures can help prospective students make informed decisions.
Take the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado Boulder, for example. The former offers graduates significantly higher earnings at $97,335 compared to Boulder’s $69,738, but it comes with a higher net price of $28,690 compared to Boulder’s $25,346. This contrast in earnings and costs will resonate differently depending on each student's financial situation and career aspirations.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 6 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.4%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Colorado School of Mines leads the group at 2.5%, with Regis University (1.6%) and University of Denver (1.4%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 4.3% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Metropolitan State University of Denver enrolls the most, at 6.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 36.2% across the list, peaking at 64% at Colorado School of Mines.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.77, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Colorado College is highest at 1.88.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we look at the data, one clear pattern emerges: the Colorado School of Mines outperforms the others significantly in earnings with $97,335, paired with an 81% graduation rate. In contrast, the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has a much lower graduation rate of just 47% and earnings of $64,270, showcasing a potential risk for students considering their long-term return on investment.
Now that you’ve seen the rankings, it’s essential to weigh this information against your own circumstances. Consider factors like your preferred location, the program's specific focus, and how the campus environment aligns with your needs. Think about financial aid options and how much debt you’re willing to take on versus potential earnings after graduation.
Ultimately, this data illustrates the crucial role these choices play in shaping a stable future. For many families, choosing the right college isn’t just about academics; it’s about securing a path to financial stability and career satisfaction. With so much at stake, it’s vital to approach this decision thoughtfully.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado ranking? +
Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $97,335 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 81% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Colorado School of Mines posts the highest median earnings on this list: $97,335 ten years after enrollment, well above the $59,571 average across the 14 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Pikes Peak State College leads: graduates earn a median $40,796 against net price of about $6,007 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
United States Air Force Academy has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 88%, compared with a 55% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,344 a year across the 14 ranked schools with cost data. Pikes Peak State College is among the most affordable at roughly $6,007. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 15 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
