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Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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2023 Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

212 Schools Ranked
$42,590 Average Earnings
$23,061 Avg Student Debt

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.

The Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 212 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which ones were the most popular 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
49,508 Total Awards
$62,838 Average Earnings
$26,218 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Western Governors University to be the most popular school for students in the Rocky Mountains Region . Salt Lake City, Utah is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 49,508 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WGU accumulate an average of $26,218 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, WGU graduates make an average of $62,838 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read full report on Western Governors University

12,591 Total Awards
$43,719 Average Earnings
$20,616 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Utah Valley University. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. UVU is located in Orem, Utah and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 12,591 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,616 in student loans.After graduating from UVU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,719 during the early years of their career. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Utah Valley University Report

#3

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado
9,728 Total Awards
$48,893 Average Earnings
$20,697 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Colorado Boulder. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. This large public school is located in Boulder, Colorado, and it awarded 9,728 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,697 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $566 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, CU - Boulder graduates make an average of $48,893 annually. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

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#4

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah
9,174 Total Awards
$51,388 Average Earnings
$22,086 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Utah helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Rocky Mountains Region . U of U is a public institution located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9,174 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from U of U accumulate an average of $22,086 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, U of U graduates make an average of $51,388 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Full University of Utah Report

8,028 Total Awards
$46,470 Average Earnings
$14,534 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Brigham Young University - Provo. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Brigham Young University - Provo is a large private not-for-profit school located in Provo, Utah that handed out 8,028 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,534 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from BYU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,470 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read full report on Brigham Young University - Provo

7,914 Total Awards
$45,865 Average Earnings
$23,304 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Colorado State University - Fort Collins did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, the large public school awarded 7,914 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,304 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $397 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Colorado State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,865 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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7,639 Total Awards
$37,650 Average Earnings
$15,533 Avg Student Debt

Brigham Young University - Idaho did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Rexburg, Idaho, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 7,639 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $15,533 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, BYU - I graduates make an average of $37,650 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

Utah State University

Logan, Utah
6,936 Total Awards
$42,623 Average Earnings
$18,083 Avg Student Debt

Utah State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. Utah State University is a large public school located in Logan, Utah that handed out 6,936 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,083 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from USU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,623 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Utah State University

6,864 Total Awards
$49,482 Average Earnings
$36,481 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs is a large private for-profit school located in Colorado Springs, Colorado that handed out 6,864 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs accumulate an average of $36,481 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $170, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs graduates make an average of $49,482 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read full report on Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs

#10

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah
6,445 Total Awards
$46,655 Average Earnings
$21,703 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Weber State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. WSU is located in Ogden, Utah and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 6,445 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $21,703 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, WSU graduates make an average of $46,655 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Weber State University

#11

Front Range Community College

Westminster, Colorado
6,238 Total Awards
$36,174 Average Earnings
$20,922 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Front Range Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Westminster, Colorado, the fairly large public school handed out 6,238 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,922 in student loans. During the early years of their career, FRCC graduates make an average of $36,174 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

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#12

Boise State University

Boise, Idaho
5,898 Total Awards
$42,749 Average Earnings
$26,461 Avg Student Debt

Boise State University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This large public school is located in Boise, Idaho, and it awarded 5,898 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,461 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $259 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Boise State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,749 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Boise State University Report

5,658 Total Awards
$56,691 Average Earnings
$28,012 Avg Student Debt

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. This large public school is located in Denver, Colorado, and it awarded 5,658 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,012 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $251. During the early years of their career, CU Anschutz graduates make an average of $56,691 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

#14

Salt Lake Community College

Salt Lake City, Utah
5,519 Total Awards
$36,151 Average Earnings
$13,438 Avg Student Debt

Salt Lake Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Salt Lake Community College is a public institution located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,519 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College accumulate an average of $13,438 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Salt Lake Community College graduates make an average of $36,151 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read full report on Salt Lake Community College

#15

University of Denver

Denver, Colorado
5,008 Total Awards
$51,736 Average Earnings
$25,437 Avg Student Debt

University of Denver ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Denver, Colorado, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 5,008 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from DU accumulate an average of $25,437 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $579, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, DU graduates make an average of $51,736 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Denver

#16

Colorado State University - Global Campus

Greenwood Village, Colorado
3,895 Total Awards
$59,059 Average Earnings
$31,798 Avg Student Debt

Colorado State University - Global Campus landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Colorado State University - Global Campus is located in Greenwood Village, Colorado and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,895 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,798 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Colorado State University - Global Campus graduates make an average of $59,059 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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3,635 Total Awards
$39,544 Average Earnings
$28,409 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan State University of Denver came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. MSU Denver is a public institution located in Denver, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,635 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,409 in student loans. During the early years of their career, MSU Denver graduates make an average of $39,544 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Metropolitan State University of Denver

#18

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado
3,559 Total Awards
$31,856 Average Earnings
$14,776 Avg Student Debt

Pikes Peak Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. This fairly large public school is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and it awarded 3,559 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,776 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, PPCC graduates make an average of $31,856 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Full Pikes Peak Community College Report

#19

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
3,410 Total Awards
$42,198 Average Earnings
$24,435 Avg Student Debt

Montana State University ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. MSU Bozeman is a public institution located in Bozeman, Montana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,410 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,435 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $305 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from MSU Bozeman, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,198 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Full Montana State University Report

#20

University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming
3,170 Total Awards
$44,258 Average Earnings
$21,087 Avg Student Debt

University of Wyoming ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, the fairly large public school handed out 3,170 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,087 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from UW, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,258 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Wyoming

#21

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana
3,113 Total Awards
$38,416 Average Earnings
$25,131 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, The University of Montana did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Missoula, Montana is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,113 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,131 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $275. Once they receive their degree, UM graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,416 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full The University of Montana Report

#22

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado
3,009 Total Awards
$40,180 Average Earnings
$23,336 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Colorado landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, Colorado and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,009 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from University of Northern Colorado accumulate an average of $23,336 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $281 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University of Northern Colorado graduates make an average of $40,180 annually. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Northern Colorado

#23

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah
2,812 Total Awards
$34,962 Average Earnings
$15,205 Avg Student Debt

Southern Utah University ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Cedar City, Utah, the fairly large public school handed out 2,812 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,205 in student loans.After graduating from Southern Utah University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,962 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read full report on Southern Utah University

#24

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho
2,831 Total Awards
$44,640 Average Earnings
$27,404 Avg Student Debt

Idaho State University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. ISU is a fairly large public school situated in Pocatello, Idaho. It awarded 2,831 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,404 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from ISU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,640 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read More…

#25

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
2,788 Total Awards
$44,256 Average Earnings
$24,627 Avg Student Debt

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. UCCS is a public institution located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,788 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UCCS accumulate an average of $24,627 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $289, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UCCS graduates make an average of $44,256 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read More…

Not only did these schools make the top 32 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Dixie State University

Saint George, Utah
#27

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, Colorado
#28

University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho
#30

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, Idaho
#31

Regis University

Denver, Colorado
#32

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, Colorado

View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:

Rank School Location
33 Mountainland Technical College Lehi, UT
34 Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO
35 Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO
36 Aims Community College Greeley, CO
37 North Idaho College Coeur d’Alene, ID
38 Davis Technical College Kaysville, UT
39 Snow College Ephraim, UT
40 Colorado Christian University Lakewood, CO
41 Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO
42 College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, ID
43 Community College of Denver Denver, CO

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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