2026 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 2026 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 % 1.0% 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	94	18.47	1,270 – 1,460	36123	47611	#2 2026 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 – 30% of accepted students enroll. With over 80 undergraduate majors available, Political Science and Government, General is a common option. First Year Retention Rate 94 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 18.5% 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 2026 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	78.08	1,270 – 1,440	26231	54939	#4 2026 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 % 1.1% 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	89	77.81	1,270 – 1,430	45451	57118	#5 2026 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 89%. DU’s motto is “Pro Scientia et Religione,” or “For Knowledge and Spirit.” First Year Retention Rate 89 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score 1,270 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $45,451 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,118
6	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	86	88.54	1,100 – 1,310	21011	49748	#6 2026 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 86 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 88.5% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $21,011 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,748
7	Colorado Christian University	84	97.64	1,010 – 1,210	30940	41623	#7 2026 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 % 6.3% Acceptance Rate 97.6% 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	Colorado Mesa University	79	82.03	940 – 1,170	15590	39223	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO Located in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University accepted 82% 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 79 % 5.3% Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 940 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $15,590 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,223
9	University of Northern Colorado	76	85.85	970 – 1,200	19376	43756	#9 2026 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 76 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 85.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $19,376 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,756
10	Colorado State University Global	74	98.4	890 – 970	16510	65131	#10 2026 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
11	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus	73	74.68	1,000 – 1,240	14831	52475	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 75% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 79% of students attending the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 74.7% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $14,831 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,475
12	Aims Community College	72	0	--	8384	39696	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Aims Community College Greeley, CO First Year Retention Rate 72 % 14.3% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $8,384 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,696
13	Western Colorado University	72	99.71	1,150 – 1,310	17711	40037	#13 2026 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.” 420 student athletes, known as the Mountaineers, compete in the NCAA Division II with football Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Biology/Biological Sciences, General is a popular undergraduate major. First Year Retention Rate 72 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $17,711 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,037
14	Regis University	71	86.46	1,110 – 1,340	21618	64557	#14 2026 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 71 % 5.3% Acceptance Rate 86.5% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $21,618 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,557
15	University of Colorado Colorado Springs	68	97.35	1,020 – 1,230	16942	45766	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 73% of students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs currently receive institutional grant aid to make......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 97.4% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $16,942 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,766
16	Fort Lewis College	66	77.3	990 – 1,230	17114	36352	#16 2026 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 % 4.8% 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	Colorado State University Pueblo	64	94.9	1,010 – 1,240	13079	43053	#17 2026 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 95%. 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 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 94.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $13,079 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,053
18	Trinidad State College	64	0	--	12198	59213	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Trinidad State College Trinidad, CO First Year Retention Rate 64 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $12,198 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
19	Metropolitan State University of Denver	63	98.8	890 – 1,140	14584	45391	#19 2026 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 % 10.0% 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	Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design	54	100	990 – 1,160	31752	30280	#20 2026 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 % 6.9% 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
21	Adams State University	51	99.18	890 – 1,170	13340	38338	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Adams State University Alamosa, CO Found in Alamosa, Adams State University accepts 99% 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 21% of students will earn their degree in four years. Many......Read more First Year Retention Rate 51 % 7.3% Acceptance Rate 99.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $13,340 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,338
22	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs	51	91.79	--	16449	30406	#22 2026 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 % 15.9% Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,449 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,406
23	Colorado Mountain College	40	0	--	7631	36307	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Colorado Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO First Year Retention Rate 40 % 28.6% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $7,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,307