# Best Computer Science Colleges in Colorado

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 12 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-colorado

## Methodology

Computer Science programs in Colorado ranked by outcomes and program concentration

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

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.

## 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 | [University of Denver](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-denver) | Denver, CO | 77% | $71,155 | $36,131 | $21,844 | 0.31x |
| 4 | [Regis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/regis-university) | Denver, CO | 61% | $72,105 | $18,397 | $25,000 | 0.35x |
| 5 | [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 |
| 6 | [Western Colorado University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-colorado-university) | Gunnison, CO | 51% | $46,833 | $16,425 | $20,250 | 0.43x |
| 7 | [University of Colorado Boulder](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-colorado-boulder) | Boulder, CO | 75% | $69,738 | $25,346 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 8 | [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 |
| 9 | [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 |
| 10 | [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 |
| 11 | [Colorado State University Pueblo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-state-university-pueblo) | Pueblo, CO | 39% | $55,563 | $10,051 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 12 | [Community College of Aurora](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/community-college-of-aurora) | Aurora, CO | 31% | $44,592 | $8,656 | $10,500 | 0.24x |

## 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 Computer Science Colleges in Colorado." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-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/.