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Most Popular Schools in Colorado

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2023 Most Popular Schools in Colorado

82 Schools Ranked
$43,554 Average Earnings
$24,662 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Schools in Colorado ranking. Our analysis looked at 82 schools in Colorado to see which programs were the most popular 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

University of Colorado Boulder

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

Our 2023 rankings named University of Colorado Boulder the most popular school in Colorado for students working on their degree. CU - Boulder is a public institution located in Boulder, Colorado. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9,728 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,697 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $566, assuming you 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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7,914 Total Awards
$45,865 Average Earnings
$23,304 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 82 schools in Colorado that were part of this year’s ranking, Colorado State University - Fort Collins landed the # 2 spot on the list. Fort Collins, Colorado is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 7,914 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,304 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $397, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Colorado State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,865 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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

Out of the 82 schools in Colorado that were part of this year’s ranking, Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs landed the # 3 spot on the list. This large private for-profit school is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and it awarded 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.After graduating from Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,482 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

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#4

Front Range Community College

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

Out of the 82 schools in Colorado that were part of this year’s ranking, Front Range Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. 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.

Read full report on Front Range Community College

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Colorado list. CU Anschutz is a public institution located in Denver, Colorado. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5,658 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,012 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $251. Once they receive their degree, CU Anschutz graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $56,691 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

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#6

University of Denver

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

University of Denver landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Denver, Colorado, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 5,008 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,437 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $579, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from DU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,736 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on University of Denver

#7

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 ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Colorado list. Colorado State University - Global Campus is a public institution located in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,895 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Colorado State University - Global Campus accumulate an average of $31,798 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Colorado State University - Global Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,059 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Colorado State University - Global Campus

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

Metropolitan State University of Denver ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Colorado list. MSU Denver is a fairly large public school situated in Denver, Colorado. It awarded 3,635 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MSU Denver accumulate an average of $28,409 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from MSU Denver, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,544 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Metropolitan State University of Denver Report

#9

Pikes Peak Community College

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

Pikes Peak Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #9 on the list. PPCC is a fairly large public school situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It awarded 3,559 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,776 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, PPCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,856 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

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#10

University of Northern Colorado

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

University of Northern Colorado came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Colorado ranking. University of Northern Colorado is a public institution located in Greeley, Colorado. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,009 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from University of Northern Colorado accumulate an average of $23,336 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $281, assuming you 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. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

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#11

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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. UCCS is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,788 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from UCCS accumulate an average of $24,627 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $289. Once they receive their degree, UCCS graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,256 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Report

#12

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, Colorado
2,595 Total Awards
$39,357 Average Earnings
$16,642 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Pueblo Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Pueblo, Colorado, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,595 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,642 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Pueblo Community College graduates make an average of $39,357 annually. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

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2,419 Total Awards
$26,698 Average Earnings
$16,032 Avg Student Debt

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Colorado ranking. This medium-sized private for-profit school is located in Boulder, Colorado, and it awarded 2,419 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,032 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $146. During the early years of their career, Escoffier - Boulder graduates make an average of $26,698 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder Report

#14

Regis University

Denver, Colorado
2,297 Total Awards
$53,795 Average Earnings
$32,679 Avg Student Debt

Regis University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Colorado list. Regis U is a private not-for-profit institution located in Denver, Colorado. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,297 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,679 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $373, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Regis U graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,795 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

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#15

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, Colorado
2,151 Total Awards
$53,516 Average Earnings
$17,601 Avg Student Debt

Red Rocks Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Colorado ranking. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,151 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,601 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Red Rocks Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,516 during the early year of their career. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Red Rocks Community College

#16

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado
1,887 Total Awards
$38,493 Average Earnings
$23,997 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Colorado Mesa University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Grand Junction, Colorado is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,887 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,997 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $176.After graduating from Colorado Mesa, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,493 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Full Colorado Mesa University Report

#17

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, Colorado
1,676 Total Awards
$72,191 Average Earnings
$26,133 Avg Student Debt

Colorado School of Mines ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Colorado list. Located in Golden, Colorado, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,676 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Mines accumulate an average of $26,133 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $549, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Mines graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $72,191 during the early year of their career. Around 30% of those degree recipients were women.

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#18

Aims Community College

Greeley, Colorado
1,501 Total Awards
$37,230 Average Earnings
$15,026 Avg Student Debt

Aims Community College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Aims Community College is located in Greeley, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,501 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Aims Community College accumulate an average of $15,026 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Aims Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,230 during the early year of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Aims Community College Report

#19

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado
1,379 Total Awards
$42,552 Average Earnings
$38,001 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Christian University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Colorado Christian University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Lakewood, Colorado that handed out 1,379 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $38,001 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $366 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, CCU graduates make an average of $42,552 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

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#20

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado
1,446 Total Awards
$44,074 Average Earnings
$16,264 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Mountain College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Colorado list. Colorado Mountain College is a medium-sized public school located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado that handed out 1,446 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,264 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Colorado Mountain College graduates make an average of $44,074 annually. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Colorado Mountain College Report

#21

Community College of Denver

Denver, Colorado
1,130 Total Awards
$38,525 Average Earnings
$19,587 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Denver came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Colorado ranking. Located in Denver, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,130 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CCD accumulate an average of $19,587 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, CCD graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,525 during the early year of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

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#22

United States Air Force Academy

USAF Academy, Colorado
1,057 Total Awards

United States Air Force Academy did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in USAF Academy, Colorado, the small public school handed out 1,057 degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 28% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on United States Air Force Academy

#23

Adams State University

Alamosa, Colorado
946 Total Awards
$40,945 Average Earnings
$26,227 Avg Student Debt

Adams State University came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Colorado ranking. This small public school is located in Alamosa, Colorado, and it awarded 946 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,227 in student loans.After graduating from Adams State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,945 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Adams State University Report

923 Total Awards
$42,728 Average Earnings
$24,825 Avg Student Debt

Colorado State University - Pueblo ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Colorado list. Colorado State University - Pueblo is a medium-sized public school located in Pueblo, Colorado that handed out 923 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,825 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $194, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Colorado State University - Pueblo graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,728 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Colorado State University - Pueblo Report

#25

Community College of Aurora

Aurora, Colorado
838 Total Awards
$39,128 Average Earnings
$19,207 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Community College of Aurora did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. CCA is a medium-sized public school situated in Aurora, Colorado. It awarded 838 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,207 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CCA graduates make an average of $39,128 annually. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Community College of Aurora Report

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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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