Rankings / By State

Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 12 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$62,842

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

58%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$20,114

Avg. Net Price

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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.

Key Findings

Colorado School of Mines graduates earn an average of $97,335, the highest in the state.

The average graduation rate across these schools is 58%, highlighting varying levels of student success.

University of Colorado Boulder has a lower net price of $25,346 compared to Colorado College's $33,375.

The lowest graduation rate here is 47% at the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 12

Avg. earnings at 10yr $62,842

Avg. graduation rate 58%

Avg. net price $20,114

Avg. median debt $20,154

How We Ranked

Computer Science 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 School of Mines

Golden, CO

Graduation81%

Earnings$97,335

Net Price$28,690

View full profile →

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO

Graduation87%

Earnings$65,222

Net Price$33,375

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 School of Mines

Golden, CO · 6,155 students · Public

With a focus on engineering and applied sciences, Colorado School of Mines in Golden attracts students passionate about solving real-world problems. The school has a strong graduation rate of 81%, reflecting its commitment to student success and preparation for the workforce.

61% accepted 81% graduate $97,335 earnings

Colorado's full profile

Colorado College

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

Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, is known for its unique block plan, allowing students to immerse themselves in one course at a time. With a small student body of just over 2,000 and a high graduation rate of 87%, it fosters a close-knit academic environment where students can thrive both personally and academically.

18% accepted 87% graduate $65,222 earnings

Colorado's full profile

University of Denver

Denver, CO · 6,025 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in the heart of Denver, the University of Denver offers a dynamic educational experience with a strong emphasis on research and global engagement. With a graduation rate of 77%, students are likely to find the support they need to succeed academically while also enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and opportunities.

78% accepted 77% graduate $71,155 earnings

University's full profile

Regis University

Denver, CO · 2,627 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earnings figure of $72,105 a decade after graduation, Regis University in Denver is a notable choice for those seeking a strong return on investment. This private nonprofit institution fosters a supportive environment, with 32% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to helping those from lower-income backgrounds succeed.

86% accepted 61% graduate $72,105 earnings

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · 15,002 students · Public

Metropolitan State University of Denver, serving over 15,000 students, is a hub of opportunity in the heart of Denver. Known for its urban campus and commitment to inclusivity, it attracts a diverse student population, though the graduation rate of 31% highlights some challenges in student retention.

99% accepted 31% graduate $52,093 earnings

Metropolitan's full profile

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · 1,586 students · Public

In the picturesque town of Gunnison, Western Colorado University is a small public institution with a close-knit community of about 1,586 students. With a graduation rate of 51%, it focuses on providing personalized attention to its students, which can make a significant difference for those who thrive in smaller settings.

100% accepted 51% graduate $46,833 earnings

Western's full profile

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · 31,939 students · Public

Nestled in the scenic city of Boulder, this university is known for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs. With nearly 32,000 students, it offers a diverse array of majors and has a graduation rate of 75%, indicating solid student support systems in place.

78% accepted 75% graduate $69,738 earnings

University's full profile

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO · 10,519 students · Public

The University of Colorado Denver and Anschutz Medical Campus is an urban institution that caters to a wide-ranging student population, particularly those interested in health sciences and professional programs. Though the graduation rate is lower at 47%, the university's focus on practical skills and community engagement is evident in its diverse offerings.

75% accepted 47% graduate $64,270 earnings

University's full profile

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · 25,538 students · Public

With over 25,500 students, Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a vibrant hub for those looking to balance academic rigor with a lively campus culture. The university’s commitment to sustainability and research is evident, with students actively engaging in hands-on projects that tackle real-world issues.

89% accepted 67% graduate $60,543 earnings

Colorado's full profile

#10

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · 8,697 students · Public

Located in the scenic city of Colorado Springs, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs serves a diverse student body of nearly 8,700. With a graduation rate of 46%, this public university offers a vibrant campus life and a variety of programs that cater to a wide range of interests, attracting students from different backgrounds.

97% accepted 46% graduate $54,659 earnings

University's full profile

#11

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · 3,042 students · Public

Colorado State University Pueblo is home to a diverse student population of around 3,000, where students can thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. The 39% graduation rate might raise eyebrows, but it reflects the challenges many students face while balancing academic and personal commitments, making success stories all the more meaningful.

95% accepted 39% graduate $55,563 earnings

Colorado's full profile

#12

Community College of Aurora

Aurora, CO · 3,250 students · Public

Community College of Aurora is an ideal stepping stone for students looking to transition smoothly into higher education or gain technical skills. With a smaller student body of 3,250, it fosters a close-knit community where personalized attention from faculty is the norm, enhancing the learning experience.

31% graduate $44,592 earnings

Community's full profile

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

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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