2027 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	United States Air Force Academy	97	14.09	1,240 – 1,450	0	63721	#1 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 78% of accepted students enroll. With a 7 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, it also boasts a very high first year retention rate of 97%. First Year Retention Rate 97 % Acceptance Rate 14.1% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
2	Colorado College	93.26	22.09	1,270 – 1,460	36123	47611	#2 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 – 26% of accepted students enroll. With over 80 undergraduate majors available, Business/Managerial Economics is a common option. First Year Retention Rate 93 % 0.4% Acceptance Rate 22.1% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $36,123 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,611
3	Colorado School of Mines	93	60.69	1,330 – 1,480	29925	82950	#3 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 First Year Retention Rate 93 % Acceptance Rate 60.7% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $29,925 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $82,950
4	University of Colorado Boulder	90	78.09	1,270 – 1,440	26231	54939	#4 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 Big Twelve Conference....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % Acceptance Rate 78.1% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,440 Avg. Net Price $26,231 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,939
5	University of Denver	88.97	85.38	1,200 – 1,390	45451	57118	#5 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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.” First Year Retention Rate 89 % 0.1% Acceptance Rate 85.4% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $45,451 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,118
6	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	88	88.63	1,070 – 1,300	21011	49748	#6 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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. First Year Retention Rate 88 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $21,011 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,748
7	Colorado Christian University	84	100	1,010 – 1,210	30940	41623	#7 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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. First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $30,940 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,623
8	University of Northern Colorado	78	94.5	960 – 1,200	19376	43756	#8 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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.” 93% of UNC students receive institutional grant aid—$5,393 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. First Year Retention Rate 78 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 94.5% SAT Score 960 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $19,376 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,756
9	Colorado Mesa University	77.3	83.14	930 – 1,170	15590	39223	#9 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO Located in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University accepted 83% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $40 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 57% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 1.8% Acceptance Rate 83.1% SAT Score 930 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $15,590 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,223
10	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus	76	77.61	950 – 1,220	14831	52475	#10 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO Although the Anschutz Medical Campus is located in Aurora, it’s considered a consolidated entity with the University of Colorado Denver campus. Denver has one of the largest graduate classes in the state, and Anschutz is one of the largest academic health centers throughout the Rocky Mountain region....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 77.6% SAT Score 950 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $14,831 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,475
11	Colorado State University Global	74	98.4	890 – 970	16510	65131	#11 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Colorado State University Global Denver, CO Found in Denver, Colorado State University Global accepts 98% of applicants and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 10% of students attending Colorado State University Global currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score 890 – 970 Avg. Net Price $16,510 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,131
12	Western Colorado University	73	95.61	1,150 – 1,310	17711	40037	#12 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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.” 460 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. First Year Retention Rate 73 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 95.6% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $17,711 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,037
13	Aims Community College	72	100	--	8384	50742	#13 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Aims Community College Greeley, CO Found in Greeley, Aims Community College accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 32% of students attending Aims Community College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 72% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,384 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,742
14	Regis University	72	84.61	1,140 – 1,310	21618	64557	#14 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 First Year Retention Rate 72 % 0.6% Acceptance Rate 84.6% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $21,618 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,557
15	University of Colorado Colorado Springs	70.4	96.66	1,000 – 1,240	16942	45766	#15 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs is one of the four schools that are part of the University of Colorado system. The campus motto is “Let Your Light Shine” in Greek. Students can earn up to a Doctor's degree, and many undergraduates study Business Administration and Management, General. First Year Retention Rate 70 % 3.0% Acceptance Rate 96.7% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,942 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,766
16	Fort Lewis College	66	77.32	990 – 1,230	17114	36352	#16 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Fort Lewis College Durango, CO Found in Durango, Fort Lewis College accepts 77% of applicants and charges $40 for undergraduate applications. About 61% of students attending Fort Lewis College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 990 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $17,114 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,352
17	Trinidad State College	64	99.84	--	12198	59213	#17 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 59% of students attending Trinidad State College currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 64% and 0% of students will graduate in four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % Acceptance Rate 99.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,198 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
18	Colorado State University Pueblo	63.59	98.39	900 – 1,130	13079	43053	#18 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 83% of students at Colorado State University Pueblo will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score 900 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $13,079 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,053
19	Metropolitan State University of Denver	63	98.8	890 – 1,140	14584	45391	#19 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 unknown for undergraduate applications. About 38% of students attending Metropolitan State University of Denver will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % Acceptance Rate 98.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $14,584 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,391
20	Lamar Community College	62.9	100	--	12317	31813	#20 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Lamar Community College Lamar, CO Based in Lamar, Lamar Community College’s acceptance rate is 100% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 69% of students at Lamar Community College will receive institutional grant aid. 62% of students continued their studies at Lamar Community College after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,317 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,813
21	Community College of Aurora	61	100	--	8352	38842	#21 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Community College of Aurora Aurora, CO Located in Aurora, Community College of Aurora accepts 100% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 16% of students at Community College of Aurora currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 61%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,352 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,842
22	Colorado Mountain College	60.38	100	--	7631	36307	#22 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO Based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College’s acceptance rate is 100% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 27% of students at Colorado Mountain College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % 151.6% Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $7,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,307
23	Front Range Community College	60	100	--	12014	40548	#23 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,014 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,548
24	Naropa University	54	100	980 – 1,200	27873	21841	#24 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Naropa University Boulder, CO Based in Boulder, Naropa University accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 83% of students attending Naropa University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 54 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 980 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $27,873 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $21,841
25	Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design	54	100	990 – 1,160	31752	30280	#25 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Lakewood, CO Found in Lakewood, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 43% of students at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college......Read more First Year Retention Rate 54 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 990 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $31,752 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,280
26	Adams State University	51	30.76	870 – 1,080	13340	38338	#26 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 82% of students attending Adams State University will receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 51% and 19% of students will earn their degree in four years. Many......Read more First Year Retention Rate 51 % Acceptance Rate 30.8% SAT Score 870 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $13,340 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,338
27	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs	51	91.79	--	16449	30406	#27 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO Found in Colorado Springs, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs’s acceptance rate is 92% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 26% of students at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs will receive grant aid from the school. At Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs,......Read more First Year Retention Rate 51 % Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,449 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,406
28	Colorado Northwestern Community College	49.32	95.99	--	12891	59213	#28 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Colorado Northwestern Community College Rangely, CO Located in Rangely, Colorado Northwestern Community College’s acceptance rate is 96% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 77% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 49 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 96.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,891 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
29	Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora	46	100	--	35947	59213	#29 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora Aurora, CO Located in Aurora, Arizona College of Nursing-Aurora accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $49 for undergraduate applications and . About 0% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 46% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 46 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $35,947 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213