# Best Data 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-data-science-colorado

## Methodology

Data 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

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.

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