Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in Colorado
- 16
- Schools
- $54,585
- Avg. Earnings
- 52%
- Avg. Graduation
- $20,012
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,764
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 16 schools run from $28,720 to $72,105, a 2.5× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Colorado State University Pueblo delivers the most for the money: roughly $55,563 in median earnings against $10,051 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Community College of Denver is the lowest-cost school here at $9,450 a year in net price.
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Colorado College graduates 87% of its students, versus a 52% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Colorado College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.28× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Colorado College ($65,222 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Regis University ($72,105), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Community College of Denver costs $9,450 a year and University of Denver costs $36,131. Yet their graduates earn $39,095 and $71,155, nowhere near the $26,681 price gap.
- On value, Colorado State University Pueblo beats Regis University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Colorado State University Pueblo and Colorado College. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $55K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Colorado College #1 overall | $65,222 ▲ +19% vs avg | $33,375 | 87% | 75 |
| 2 University of Denver #2 overall | $71,155 ▲ +30% vs avg | $36,131 | 77% | 68 |
| 3 Metropolitan State University of Denver #3 overall | $52,093 ▼ -5% vs avg | $15,327 | 31% | 66 |
| $52,231 ▼ -4% vs avg | $17,760 | 51% | 66 | |
| $72,105 ▲ +32% vs avg | $18,397 | 61% | 65 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in Colorado
This analysis ranks 16 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,585 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 52% and an average net price of $20,012.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Colorado State University Pueblo — Net Price: $10,051 | Graduation Rate: 39%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Colorado College — 87% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Regis University — Median alumni earnings: $72,105
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$53,445
Median earnings (10yr)
49%
Median graduation rate
$17,528
Median net price
1.1%
Avg. mobility rate
Psychology, social work, and counseling programs train a workforce in high and rising demand. Mental-health needs, child and family services, and an aging population all pull for licensed practitioners. The work is essential and licensure-gated. Pay is modest, which makes the economics of the degree unusually sensitive to cost.
Across the 16 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $53,445 ten years after they first enrolled, about $5,445 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 49%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $17,528 a year, with about $20,360 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 28% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.1%.
What we’re seeing: demand is strong and growing, but the salary ceiling means affordability decides the return. With median earnings around $53,445 and a median net price of $17,528, the best value comes from programs that keep debt well below early-career pay.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Colorado College lands at #1 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $65,222 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,375 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Denver lands at #2 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $71,155 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,131 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Metropolitan State University of Denver lands at #3 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $52,093 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,327 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Northern Colorado lands at #4 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $52,231 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,760 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Regis University lands at #5 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $72,105 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,397 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Colorado Christian University lands at #6 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $50,416 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,500 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Western Colorado University lands at #7 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $46,833 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,425 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Adams State University lands at #8 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,372 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,980 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Fort Lewis College lands at #9 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $46,349 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,296 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Denver, CO · 75% accepted · $11,900 net
Why it ranks #10
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus lands at #10 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $64,270 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,900 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of Colorado Boulder lands at #11 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $69,738 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,346 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Fort Collins, CO · 89% accepted · $21,279 net
Why it ranks #12
Colorado State University-Fort Collins lands at #12 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $60,543 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,279 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Colorado Springs, CO · 97% accepted · $15,788 net
Why it ranks #13
University of Colorado Colorado Springs lands at #13 with a 56/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $54,659 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,788 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Naropa University lands at #14 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $28,720 a decade after enrolling, 47% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,179 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Colorado State University Pueblo lands at #15 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,563 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,051 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Community College of Denver lands at #16 with a 48/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $39,095 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,450 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 16 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for a psychology degree is a pivotal decision for many students. In Colorado, several schools stand out for their strong psychology programs and promising outcomes. With an average earning potential of $55,715 for graduates in the state, these institutions offer a range of opportunities for students eager to enter the field.
What sets the top psychology colleges apart are their graduation rates, average earnings, and manageable debt levels. Schools like the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado College illustrate this well, showcasing that strong academic support can lead to higher graduation rates and better earning potential. The list below highlights institutions that have demonstrated success in these key areas, allowing students to make informed choices.
For instance, the University of Denver leads in earnings with a remarkable $71,155, but it comes with a higher net price of $36,131. In contrast, Colorado College offers a solid earning potential of $65,222 with a lower debt burden. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial as you consider your options in Colorado's psychology landscape.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 9 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.1%. Adams State University leads the group at 1.9%, with Regis University (1.6%) and University of Denver (1.4%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 5.7% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Adams State University leads at 12.9%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 23.4% across this list. University of Denver posts the highest success rate at 47.3%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.70 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Colorado College reaches 1.88, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Despite having lower overall earnings, Colorado State University-Fort Collins has a more affordable net price of $21,279 compared to the University of Denver's $36,131. This difference highlights the importance of balancing potential earnings against the cost of education, especially for students who may prioritize lower debt.
As you compare schools, consider what factors matter most to you. Do you value a higher graduation rate or lower debt? Are you willing to invest more upfront for potentially higher earnings later? Reflecting on your personal priorities will help you weigh this data meaningfully, ensuring you choose a school that aligns with your goals and circumstances.
The path from college to a stable career is shaped by both the institution and the individual. Choosing a school with strong outcomes can significantly impact your future. One decision can influence your earning potential and overall quality of life, making it essential to approach this choice with a clear understanding of your priorities and the realities of the job market.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Psychology Colleges in Colorado: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Colorado ranking? +
Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Colorado ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $65,222 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 87% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Regis University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $72,105 ten years after enrollment, well above the $54,585 average across the 16 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Colorado State University Pueblo leads: graduates earn a median $55,563 against net price of about $10,051 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Colorado College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 87%, compared with a 52% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $20,012 a year across the 16 ranked schools with cost data. Community College of Denver is among the most affordable at roughly $9,450. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Psychology Colleges in Colorado ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 16 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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