2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado

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The two-year student loan default rate measures how many graduates from the institution go into default on their student loans with two years of graduation. This is a complicated metric with many factors, but in general colleges and universities with high student loan default rates may indicate that students have trouble finding employment or well-paying jobs after college. This may mean that the institution has a less-established reputation with employers or that it graduates a higher percentage of students with degrees in lower-wage fields of study.

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Rank	Institution	Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year)	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	United States Air Force Academy	0	13.93	1,250 – 1,460	0	63721	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO Students who complete the United States Air Force Academy’s four year program receive commissions as second lieutenants along with their bachelor’s degrees. The USAFA is extremely selective, and 79% of accepted students enroll. With a 7 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, it also boasts a very high first year retention rate of 96%. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) -- Acceptance Rate 13.9% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
2	University of Denver	1.4	77.29	1,240 – 1,410	43324	57118	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado University of Denver Denver, CO The University of Denver is home to the Evans Memorial Chapel, the oldest building on campus and the oldest Protestant church in the city. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 and a first year retention rate of 88%. DU’s motto is “Pro Scientia et Religione,” or “For Knowledge and Spirit.” Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.4 % Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $43,324 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,118
3	Colorado College	1.5	18.47	1,270 – 1,460	35281	47611	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado College Colorado Springs, CO Scientia et Disciplina is the Latin motto of Colorado College which means “Learning through Hard Work.” It’s an extremely selective school – 30% of accepted students enroll. With over 80 undergraduate majors available, Political Science and Government, General is a common option. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.5 % Acceptance Rate 18.5% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $35,281 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,611
4	Denver College of Nursing	1.5	87.5	--	0	59213	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Denver College of Nursing Denver, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.5 % Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
5	Colorado School of Mines	1.8	59.6	1,330 – 1,470	29785	82950	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO The programs offered at Colorado School of Mines are all focused on energy and environment, so all available majors are in STEM fields. The Orediggers are led on by their mascots Marvin the Miner and Blaster the Burro....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.8 % Acceptance Rate 59.6% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,470 Avg. Net Price $29,785 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $82,950
6	University of Colorado Colorado Springs	2.2	97.35	1,020 – 1,230	16816	45766	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO Located in Colorado Springs, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs accepted 97% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $50 to apply. Approximately 63% of students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs currently receive institutional grant aid to make......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.2 % Acceptance Rate 97.4% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $16,816 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,766
7	Regis University	2.4	86.39	1,090 – 1,310	25062	64557	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Regis University Denver, CO Regis University was originally in Las Vegas, Nevada, when it opened in 1877, with the apt name of Las Vegas College. It moved only 10 years later, and received its current name in 1991....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.4 % Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $25,062 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,557
8	Naropa University	2.8	94	980 – 1,200	31491	21841	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Naropa University Boulder, CO Based in Boulder, Naropa University accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 93% of students attending Naropa University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.8 % Acceptance Rate 94.0% SAT Score 980 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $31,491 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $21,841
9	Colorado State University Global	3.4	98.4	890 – 970	12475	65131	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado State University Global Aurora, CO Found in Aurora, Colorado State University Global accepts 98% of applicants and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 6% of students attending Colorado State University Global currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 74%....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.4 % Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score 890 – 970 Avg. Net Price $12,475 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,131
10	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	3.9	88.57	1,070 – 1,300	19828	49748	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO The flagship university of Colorado, CSU’s mascot is Cam the Ram. Popular sports on campus include Football, Basketball, and Track and Field and Cross Country (combined), among others. Business Administration and Management, General is the most popular major at the school by far. CSU has a 17 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.9 % Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $19,828 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,748
11	Colorado Christian University	4.1	83.28	1,010 – 1,210	26770	41623	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado Christian University Lakewood, CO Colorado Christian University has a first year retention rate - 84%%. Unlike many schools who use Latin in their mottos, CCU takes inspiration from the Greeks. “χαρις και αληθεια” translates to mean “Grace and Truth.” Mental Health Counseling/Counselor is a popular area of study. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.1 % Acceptance Rate 83.3% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,770 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,623
12	University of Northern Colorado	4.3	93.63	970 – 1,200	19115	43756	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO Also known as UNC, the university’s motto is "Sapientia in aeternum est" or “Wisdom is eternal.” 82% of UNC students receive institutional grant aid—$5,686 on average. Klawz the Bear is the school's mascot, and their colors are navy blue and gold. Notable alumni of UNC include musicians, champion athletes, and politicians. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.3 % Acceptance Rate 93.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $19,115 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,756
13	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus	4.5	77.81	1,050 – 1,270	15303	52475	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO Based in Denver, the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus’s acceptance rate is 78% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 83% of students attending the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.5 % Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $15,303 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,475
14	University of Colorado Boulder	4.6	81.15	1,190 – 1,400	22640	54939	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO The Boulder campus is the flagship school of the University of Colorado system. It was actually founded a few months before Colorado became a state in 1876. Athletes, called the Buffaloes, are part of the Pacific-12 Conference....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.6 % Acceptance Rate 81.2% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $22,640 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,939
15	Western Colorado University	4.8	99.71	1,150 – 1,310	17709	40037	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Western Colorado University Gunnison, CO Western Colorado University’s motto is “Potestas ad Ministrandum,” which is Latin for “The Power to Serve.” 420 student athletes, known as the Mountaineers, compete in the NCAA Division II with football Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Business Administration and Management, General is a popular undergraduate major. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.8 % Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $17,709 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,037
16	Fort Lewis College	5.6	93.23	1,060 – 1,260	16074	36352	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Fort Lewis College Durango, CO Found in Durango, Fort Lewis College accepts 93% of applicants and charges $40 for undergraduate applications. About 68% of students attending Fort Lewis College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.6 % Acceptance Rate 93.2% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $16,074 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,352
17	Adams State University	7.2	30.76	870 – 1,080	13800	38338	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Adams State University Alamosa, CO Found in Alamosa, Adams State University accepts 31% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 76% of students attending Adams State University will receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 56% and 20% of students will earn their degree in four years. Many......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 7.2 % Acceptance Rate 30.8% SAT Score 870 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $13,800 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,338
18	Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design	7.4	87.27	990 – 1,160	27459	30280	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Lakewood, CO Found in Lakewood, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and . About 66% of students at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 7.4 % Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 990 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $27,459 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,280
19	Concorde Career College-Aurora	7.8	100	--	16376	40181	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Concorde Career College-Aurora Aurora, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 7.8 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,376 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,181
20	Platt College-Aurora	8.3	36.36	--	37696	59213	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Platt College-Aurora Greenwood Village, CO Located in Greenwood Village, Platt College-Aurora accepted 36% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $75 for undergraduate applications. About 0% of students attending Platt College-Aurora currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 8.3 % Acceptance Rate 36.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $37,696 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
21	Colorado Mountain College	9.6	75.38	--	6071	36307	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO Based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College’s acceptance rate is 75% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 35% of students at Colorado Mountain College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 9.6 % Acceptance Rate 75.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $6,071 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,307
22	Metropolitan State University of Denver	10.7	99.14	910 – 1,140	13727	45391	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO Based in Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s acceptance rate is 99%. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications. About 39% of students attending Metropolitan State University of Denver will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 10.7 % Acceptance Rate 99.1% SAT Score 910 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $13,727 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,391
23	Nazarene Bible College	11	94	--	0	37119	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Nazarene Bible College Colorado Springs, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 11.0 % Acceptance Rate 94.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,119
24	Colorado State University Pueblo	11.3	98.21	880 – 1,120	14188	43053	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, CO Found in Pueblo, Colorado State University Pueblo’s acceptance rate is 98%. They request $25 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. Approximately 86% of students at Colorado State University Pueblo will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 11.3 % Acceptance Rate 98.2% SAT Score 880 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $14,188 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,053
25	Colorado Mesa University	12	98.29	920 – 1,180	15076	39223	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO Located in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University accepted 98% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $40 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 52% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 12.0 % Acceptance Rate 98.3% SAT Score 920 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $15,076 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,223
26	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs	13.1	91.79	--	14784	30406	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 13.1 % Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,784 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,406
27	Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora	13.3	100	--	0	32840	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora Aurora, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 13.3 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $32,840
28	Arapahoe Community College	16	100	--	9786	43676	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Arapahoe Community College Littleton, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 16.0 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,786 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,676
29	Front Range Community College	16.2	100	--	9256	40548	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Front Range Community College Westminster, CO Located in Westminster, Front Range Community College’s acceptance rate is 100%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 0% of students attending Front Range Community College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 16.2 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,256 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,548
30	Red Rocks Community College	16.9	86.43	--	9250	41495	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 16.9 % Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,250 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,495
31	Pikes Peak State College	18.3	86.43	--	9311	35799	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 18.3 % Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,311 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,799
32	Aims Community College	19.7	100	--	7651	39696	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Aims Community College Greeley, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 19.7 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $7,651 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,696
33	Morgan Community College	20.8	99.14	--	9416	59213	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Morgan Community College Fort Morgan, CO Located in Fort Morgan, Morgan Community College accepts 99% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 34% of students at Morgan Community College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 20.8 % Acceptance Rate 99.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,416 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
34	Trinidad State College	23.2	99.84	--	11323	36025	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Trinidad State College Trinidad, CO Based in Trinidad, Trinidad State College accepts 100% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 49% of students attending Trinidad State College currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 60% and 0% of students will graduate in four......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 23.2 % Acceptance Rate 99.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,323 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,025
35	Pueblo Community College	24.5	86.43	--	10969	33368	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Pueblo Community College Pueblo, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 24.5 % Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $10,969 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,368
36	Community College of Denver	24.7	89.59	--	9526	59213	#36 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Colorado Community College of Denver Denver, CO Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 24.7 % Acceptance Rate 89.6% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,526 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213