# Best Master's Programs in Colorado

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 27 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-colorado

## Methodology

Master's programs in Colorado ranked by graduate outcomes

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

Choosing a master's program in Colorado means weighing options among schools that excel in graduate outcomes. With 26 master's programs in the state, prospective students face a range of choices that could shape their future careers and earnings. The average earnings for graduates from these programs sit at $52,128, providing a solid benchmark as we consider the best options.

The schools on this list stand out based on key metrics: earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and overall completion rates. It's important to note how these factors affect graduates' success in the job market. For example, while some schools may have higher graduation rates, others may offer significantly greater earning potential, which can influence long-term financial stability.

Take Colorado School of Mines and University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, for instance. Colorado School of Mines graduates earn an impressive $97,335 on average, while Denver's graduates earn $64,270. The tradeoff here is evident: Mines has a higher net price at $28,690, but its earning potential suggests a strong return on investment. This contrast highlights the importance of aligning personal financial situations with academic goals as you explore your options.

## Key Findings

- Colorado School of Mines graduates earn an average of $97,335, the highest among the ranked schools.
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus has a graduation rate of only 47%, significantly lower than the state average of 47%.
- Front Range Community College has the lowest average earnings at $45,910, but also the lowest net price of $13,031.
- Graduates from Colorado College have a graduation rate of 87%, one of the highest in the state.

## 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 | [Regis University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/regis-university) | Denver, CO | 61% | $72,105 | $18,397 | $25,000 | 0.35x |
| 4 | [University of Denver](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-denver) | Denver, CO | 77% | $71,155 | $36,131 | $21,844 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [University of Northern Colorado](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-northern-colorado) | Greeley, CO | 51% | $52,231 | $17,760 | $20,470 | 0.39x |
| 6 | [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 |
| 7 | [Western Colorado University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-colorado-university) | Gunnison, CO | 51% | $46,833 | $16,425 | $20,250 | 0.43x |
| 8 | [Fort Lewis College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fort-lewis-college) | Durango, CO | 39% | $46,349 | $17,296 | $18,389 | 0.4x |
| 9 | [Colorado Mesa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-mesa-university) | Grand Junction, CO | 41% | $45,823 | $15,103 | $22,000 | 0.48x |
| 10 | [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 |
| 11 | [University of Colorado Boulder](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-colorado-boulder) | Boulder, CO | 75% | $69,738 | $25,346 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 12 | [Trinidad State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trinidad-state-college) | Trinidad, CO | 55% | $36,475 | $10,772 | $8,908 | 0.24x |
| 13 | [Colorado Mountain College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-mountain-college) | Glenwood Springs, CO | 27% | $44,127 | $7,813 | $9,000 | 0.2x |
| 14 | [Adams State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/adams-state-university) | Alamosa, CO | 36% | $44,372 | $12,980 | $19,500 | 0.44x |
| 15 | [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 |
| 16 | [Pikes Peak State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pikes-peak-state-college) | Colorado Springs, CO | 22% | $40,796 | $6,007 | $9,000 | 0.22x |
| 17 | [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 |
| 18 | [Front Range Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/front-range-community-college) | Westminster, CO | 33% | $45,910 | $13,031 | $12,251 | 0.27x |
| 19 | [Colorado State University Pueblo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-state-university-pueblo) | Pueblo, CO | 39% | $55,563 | $10,051 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 20 | [Arapahoe Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arapahoe-community-college) | Littleton, CO | 28% | $48,341 | $11,571 | $11,884 | 0.25x |
| 21 | [Morgan Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morgan-community-college) | Fort  Morgan, CO | 45% | $39,429 | $9,266 | $8,501 | 0.22x |
| 22 | [Red Rocks Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/red-rocks-community-college) | Lakewood, CO | 35% | $46,288 | $9,044 | $9,500 | 0.21x |
| 23 | [Colorado Christian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colorado-christian-university) | Lakewood, CO | 60% | $50,416 | $29,500 | $28,312 | 0.56x |
| 24 | [United States Air Force Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/united-states-air-force-academy) | USAF Academy, CO | 88% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 25 | [Pueblo Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pueblo-community-college) | Pueblo, CO | 34% | $37,434 | $12,045 | $10,000 | 0.27x |
| 26 | [Community College of Denver](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/community-college-of-denver) | Denver, CO | 18% | $39,095 | $9,450 | $12,495 | 0.32x |
| 27 | [Naropa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/naropa-university) | Boulder, CO | 42% | $28,720 | $29,179 | $24,712 | 0.86x |

## 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 Master's Programs in Colorado." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.