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Most Popular Master's Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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2023 Most Popular Master's Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

59 Schools Ranked

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Master's Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. This report analyzed 59 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which ones were the most popular master's degree programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah
22,759 Total Awards
$7,790 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Western Governors University to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a master’s degree in the Rocky Mountains Region . This large private not-for-profit school is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and it awarded 22,759 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Since the graduate programs at WGU are primarily online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Western Governors University

#2

University of Denver

Denver, Colorado
2,390 Total Awards
$53,943 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Denver is a great place for students working on their master’s degree. Located in Denver, Colorado, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 2,390 master’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

DU does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Denver

#3

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah
2,283 Total Awards
$8,068 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Utah. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. U of U is located in Salt Lake City, Utah and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,283 master’s degrees to qualified students.

Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at U of U. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 68% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Utah Report

2,029 Total Awards
$8,052 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent master’s degree programs at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Rocky Mountains Region . CU Anschutz is located in Denver, Colorado and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,029 master’s degrees to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Online graduate courses are available at CU Anschutz, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 75% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Report

#5

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado
1,745 Total Awards
$13,901 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent master’s degree programs at University of Colorado Boulder helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Rocky Mountains Region . Located in Boulder, Colorado, the large public school handed out 1,745 master’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

CU - Boulder does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 62% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of Colorado Boulder

1,650 Total Awards
$13,313 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado State University - Fort Collins came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Fort Collins, Colorado is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out master’s degrees to 1,650 students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Colorado State does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 67% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

1,623 Total Awards
$14,312 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular master’s degree programs. Colorado Springs, Colorado is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out master’s degrees to 1,623 students in 2020-2021.

Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#8

Colorado State University - Global Campus

Greenwood Village, Colorado
1,473 Total Awards

Colorado State University - Global Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a master’s degree. It came in at #8 on the list. Located in Greenwood Village, Colorado, the fairly large public school awarded 1,473 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Since the graduate programs at Colorado State University - Global Campus are primarily online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Colorado State University - Global Campus

#9

Boise State University

Boise, Idaho
1,075 Total Awards
$9,638 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, Boise State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. Boise State is a public institution located in Boise, Idaho. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,075 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Boise State. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 80% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Boise State University

#10

Regis University

Denver, Colorado
996 Total Awards
$15,079 Average Tuition & Fees

Regis University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Regis U is located in Denver, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 996 master’s degrees to qualified students.

Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Regis U does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 69% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Utah State University

Logan, Utah
993 Total Awards
$7,366 Average Tuition & Fees

Utah State University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular master’s degree programs. This large public school is located in Logan, Utah, and it awarded 993 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at USU. In 2019-2020 about 52% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Utah State University Report

961 Total Awards

With a ranking of #12, Brigham Young University - Provo did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. BYU is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Provo, Utah. It awarded 961 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since BYU does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Brigham Young University - Provo

#13

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado
893 Total Awards
$13,366 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Northern Colorado landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular master’s degree programs. University of Northern Colorado is a public institution located in Greeley, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 893 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at University of Northern Colorado. During the 2019-2020 year, about 81% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Northern Colorado Report

#14

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
569 Total Awards

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. UCCS is a public institution located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 569 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at UCCS. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 58% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

#15

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah
511 Total Awards
$8,294 Average Tuition & Fees

Southern Utah University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Cedar City, Utah, the fairly large public school handed out 511 master’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at Southern Utah University. In fact, around 96% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Southern Utah University Report

#16

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana
465 Total Awards
$6,892 Average Tuition & Fees

The University of Montana did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a master’s degree. It came in at #16 on the list. UM is located in Missoula, Montana and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 465 master’s degrees to qualified students.

Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that UM does offer online graduate classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 19% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#17

University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho
464 Total Awards
$9,912 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, University of Idaho did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. University of Idaho is a fairly large public school located in Moscow, Idaho that handed out 464 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 45% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at U of I. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of Idaho

#18

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, Colorado
456 Total Awards
$19,532 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #18, Colorado School of Mines did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. Located in Golden, Colorado, the medium-sized public school awarded 456 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

Mines does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 21% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Colorado School of Mines Report

#19

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho
452 Total Awards
$10,324 Average Tuition & Fees

Idaho State University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular master’s degree programs. ISU is a fairly large public school situated in Pocatello, Idaho. It awarded 452 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that ISU does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 82% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#20

University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming
446 Total Awards
$6,859 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Wyoming came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. UW is a public institution located in Laramie, Wyoming. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 446 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UW. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Wyoming Report

#21

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
408 Total Awards
$6,805 Average Tuition & Fees

Montana State University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. MSU Bozeman is a fairly large public school situated in Bozeman, Montana. It awarded 408 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at MSU Bozeman. In 2019-2020 about 77% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#22

Adams State University

Alamosa, Colorado
400 Total Awards
$9,853 Average Tuition & Fees

Adams State University ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Adams State is a public institution located in Alamosa, Colorado. The school has a small population, and it awarded 400 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Adams State does offer online graduate classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 97% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Adams State University Report

372 Total Awards
$10,364 Average Tuition & Fees

Metropolitan State University of Denver ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Metropolitan State University of Denver is a fairly large public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 372 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at MSU Denver. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Metropolitan State University of Denver

#24

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado
330 Total Awards
$14,626 Average Tuition & Fees

Colorado Christian University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. CCU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Lakewood, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 330 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CCU does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 95% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#25

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah
294 Total Awards
$8,647 Average Tuition & Fees

Weber State University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. WSU is a public institution located in Ogden, Utah. The school has a large population, and it awarded 294 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at WSU. In fact, around 80% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

View Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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