Home to 17 ranked institutions, Colorado offers a diverse higher education landscape where 71% are public universities, ranging from specialized technical schools like Colorado School Of Mines to comprehensive research universities. Graduates earn a median of $57,496 ten years after enrollment—$1,679 higher than the national average, demonstrating the state's strong focus on career-oriented education.
Colorado graduates earn between $28,720 and $97,335 ten years after enrollment, with Colorado School Of Mines leading at nearly $100,000 in median earnings. The top three performers—Colorado School Of Mines ($97,335), University Of Colorado Boulder ($69,738), and University Of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ($64,270)—showcase how program selection directly impacts long-term career outcomes.
While Colorado School Of Mines dominates the rankings with the highest Azimuth Score of 0.8, its 59% acceptance rate makes it surprisingly accessible for such strong graduate outcomes. This combination of excellence and reasonable admission standards positions it as both the state's top performer and most strategic choice for students seeking elite-level career preparation without extremely competitive admissions.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Colorado School Of MinesPublic | Golden, CO | $97,335 Median Earnings (10yr) | $19,231 | 59.7% | 79.4% |
| #2 | Boulder, CO | $69,738 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,251 | 83.3% | 75.0% | |
| #3 | Denver, CO | $64,270 Median Earnings (10yr) | $16,135 | 77.8% | 47.4% | |
| #4 | Fort Collins, CO | $60,543 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,333 | 89.6% | 66.9% | |
| #5 | Denver, CO | $52,093 Median Earnings (10yr) | $12,364 | 99.1% | 29.9% | |
| #6 | Colorado Springs, CO | $54,659 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,562 | 96.6% | 45.3% | |
| #7 | Pueblo, CO | $55,563 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,687 | 99.8% | 38.0% | |
| #8 | Greeley, CO | $52,231 Median Earnings (10yr) | $14,505 | 86.4% | 51.3% | |
| #9 | Colorado CollegePrivate | Colorado Springs, CO | $65,222 Median Earnings (10yr) | $9,732 | 20.0% | 86.0% |
| #10 | Adams State UniversityPublic | Alamosa, CO | $44,372 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,130 | — | 31.6% |
| #11 | Regis UniversityPrivate | Denver, CO | $72,105 Median Earnings (10yr) | $18,252 | 87.3% | 61.1% |
| #12 | University Of DenverPrivate | Denver, CO | $71,155 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,820 | 71.2% | 78.0% |
| #13 | Colorado Mesa UniversityPublic | Grand Junction, CO | $45,823 Median Earnings (10yr) | $11,547 | 81.4% | 41.5% |
| #14 | Fort Lewis CollegePublic | Durango, CO | $46,349 Median Earnings (10yr) | $17,272 | 93.2% | 43.1% |
| #15 | Lakewood, CO | $50,416 Median Earnings (10yr) | $21,073 | — | 55.3% | |
| #16 | Gunnison, CO | $46,833 Median Earnings (10yr) | $10,573 | 97.5% | 50.7% | |
| #17 | Naropa UniversityPrivate | Boulder, CO | $28,720 Median Earnings (10yr) | $20,428 | 94.0% | 46.0% |
