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Best Data Science Colleges in Colorado

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 12 schools · Agent Insights
12
Schools Analyzed
$62,842
Avg. Earnings (10yr)
58%
Avg. Graduation Rate
$20,114
Avg. Net Price

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Data science has become a hot topic in higher education, with more students interested in the skills needed for a growing field. This list highlights the best data science colleges in Colorado, where students can find programs that not only teach technical skills but also deliver solid outcomes. The average earnings for graduates from these institutions stand at $62,842, reflecting the potential return on investment from these programs.

What sets these schools apart is their focus on important outcomes such as graduation rates, earnings, and student debt levels. The list below ranks the institutions based on these factors, so you can see which schools provide the best opportunities for students entering the data science field. As you review the data, consider how each college's metrics align with your own educational and financial goals.

For example, the Colorado School of Mines leads with impressive earnings of $97,335 and an 81% graduation rate, but it comes with a significant net price of $28,690. In contrast, the University of Colorado Denver offers a lower net price of $11,900 but has a much lower graduation rate of 47%. This contrast highlights the trade-offs students face when choosing a program that balances cost with potential outcomes.

Key Findings

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

The average graduation rate among these schools is 58%, with Colorado College at 87%.

Students at the University of Colorado Denver face a low net price of $11,900 but only a 47% graduation rate.

Colorado College has a lower average earning potential of $65,222 compared to the leading institution.

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

Data 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.

$15K$68K$120K$0$50KNET PRICEColorado SchoolColorado CollegeUniversity ofRegis UniversityMetropolitan State

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Colorado School of Mines81%Colorado College87%University of Denver77%Regis University61%Metropolitan State Unive…31%Western Colorado Univers…51%University of Colorado B…75%University of Colorado D…47%Colorado State Universit…67%University of Colorado C…46%Colorado State Universit…39%Community College of Aur…31%

Top 3

#1

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO

Graduation81%
Earnings$97,335
Net Price$28,690

View full profile →
#2

Colorado College

Colorado Springs, CO

Graduation87%
Earnings$65,222
Net Price$33,375

View full profile →
#3

University of Denver

Denver, CO

Graduation77%
Earnings$71,155
Net Price$36,131

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

#1

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · 6,155 students · Public

With a focus on engineering and applied sciences, Colorado School of Mines attracts students who are passionate about solving real-world problems. Located in Golden, CO, this public university is home to 6,155 students who benefit from its strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning.
61% accepted 81% graduate $97,335 earnings
Colorado's full profile
#2

Colorado College

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

Colorado College, a private nonprofit institution in Colorado Springs, has a unique approach to learning with its block plan, allowing students to focus on one course at a time. This model fosters deep engagement and adaptability, attracting a diverse group of students eager to immerse themselves in their studies.
18% accepted 87% graduate $65,222 earnings
Colorado's full profile
#3

University of Denver

Denver, CO · 6,025 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Denver, nestled in the heart of Denver, hosts about 6,000 students in a private nonprofit setting. It has a solid graduation rate of 77%, indicating strong support for students from enrollment to completion, which is crucial for those investing in a four-year degree.
78% accepted 77% graduate $71,155 earnings
University's full profile
#4

Regis University

Denver, CO · 2,627 students · Private nonprofit

Regis University in Denver has a strong focus on student success, reflected in its 61% graduation rate. With a median earning of $72,105 a decade after graduation, many students find solid career paths after completing their degrees here.
86% accepted 61% graduate $72,105 earnings
Regis's full profile
#5

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO · 15,002 students · Public

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a large public institution that prides itself on accessibility, welcoming almost all applicants with a 99% acceptance rate. Despite a graduation rate of just 31%, many students find their paths through various programs, with median earnings at $52,093 ten years after graduation.
99% accepted 31% graduate $52,093 earnings
Metropolitan's full profile
#6

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · 1,586 students · Public

Nestled in the scenic town of Gunnison, Western Colorado University draws students who appreciate both outdoor activities and a tight-knit campus culture. With a graduation rate of 51%, students find themselves supported in their academic journeys, leading to median earnings of $46,833 ten years after they leave.
100% accepted 51% graduate $46,833 earnings
Western's full profile
#7

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · 31,939 students · Public

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Boulder is a vibrant hub for over 31,900 students. This public institution emphasizes innovation and research across various disciplines, making it an excellent choice for students looking to explore diverse academic interests in a stunning natural setting.
78% accepted 75% graduate $69,738 earnings
University's full profile
#8

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO · 10,519 students · Public

The University of Colorado Denver, which includes the Anschutz Medical Campus, is a bustling urban institution with over 10,500 students. It offers a wide range of programs, particularly in healthcare and professional fields, making it a practical choice for students interested in making a difference in their communities.
75% accepted 47% graduate $64,270 earnings
University's full profile
#9

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · 25,538 students · Public

With a vibrant campus in Fort Collins, Colorado State University is home to over 25,000 students who thrive in a diverse academic environment. The school has a graduation rate of 67%, showcasing its commitment to helping students complete their degrees and succeed in their careers.
89% accepted 67% graduate $60,543 earnings
Colorado's full profile
#10

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · 8,697 students · Public

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs delivers a vibrant campus life with a diverse student body of nearly 8,700. While the graduation rate is 46%, the median earnings ten years post-graduation reach $54,659, indicating that many graduates find their footing in the workforce over time.
97% accepted 46% graduate $54,659 earnings
University's full profile
#11

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · 3,042 students · Public

Located in Pueblo, Colorado State University Pueblo is a welcoming campus with around 3,000 students. Although the graduation rate is 39%, the school has a 95% acceptance rate, making it accessible for a wide range of applicants who are eager to earn their degree and improve their lives.
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 serves a smaller student body of about 3,250, making it a more intimate setting for learners. Despite a graduation rate of 31%, the college offers a pathway for students to begin their higher education journey, particularly for those seeking flexible options and affordable education.
31% graduate $44,592 earnings
Community's full profile

When we look closely at the data, a significant difference emerges between schools like the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado Denver. While Mines boasts an impressive graduation rate of 81% and high earnings of $97,335, Denver’s graduation rate is just 47% with a lower earning potential of $64,270. This suggests that the higher investment in Mines may yield better long-term returns, making it a strong candidate for those who can afford it.

As you weigh your options, consider how these metrics align with your personal priorities such as program fit, campus atmosphere, and financial circumstances. If affordability is your primary concern, schools like the University of Colorado Denver may appeal due to their lower net prices, but you should also assess the implications of lower graduation rates and overall earning potential. Make a list of what matters most to you and use this data to help guide your decision.

Ultimately, the choices made today can shape a family's future. When students graduate from a school with strong outcomes, they tend to secure stable positions in the workforce, contributing to their financial independence. With careful consideration and the right information, you can make a decision that not only fits your current needs but also supports your long-term goals.

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). →

DK

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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