2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Colorado

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	United States Air Force Academy	4124	13.93	1,250 – 1,460	0	63721	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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%. Undergraduates 4,124 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	Colorado College	2031	18.47	1,270 – 1,460	35281	47611	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is a common option. Undergraduates 2,031 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
3	Colorado School of Mines	5852	59.6	1,330 – 1,470	29785	82950	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 5,852 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
4	University of Denver	6619	77.29	1,240 – 1,410	43324	57118	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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.” Undergraduates 6,619 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
5	University of Colorado Boulder	32100	81.15	1,190 – 1,400	22640	54939	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 32,100 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
6	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	26500	88.57	1,070 – 1,300	19828	49748	#6 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 26,500 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
7	Regis University	2704	86.39	1,090 – 1,310	25062	64557	#7 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,704 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	Colorado Christian University	6730	83.28	1,010 – 1,210	26770	41623	#8 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 6,730 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
9	University of Northern Colorado	6480	93.63	970 – 1,200	19115	43756	#9 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 6,480 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
10	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus	14019	77.81	1,050 – 1,270	15303	52475	#10 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 14,019 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
11	University of Colorado Colorado Springs	9302	97.35	1,020 – 1,230	16816	45766	#11 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 9,302 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
12	Western Colorado University	3149	99.71	1,150 – 1,310	17709	40037	#12 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 3,149 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
13	Colorado Mesa University	9473	98.29	920 – 1,180	15076	39223	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 9,473 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
14	Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design	1888	87.27	990 – 1,160	27459	30280	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,888 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
15	Fort Lewis College	3320	93.23	1,060 – 1,260	16074	36352	#15 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,320 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
16	Naropa University	368	94	980 – 1,200	31491	21841	#16 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 368 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
17	Colorado State University Pueblo	5086	98.21	880 – 1,120	14188	43053	#17 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 5,086 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
18	Adams State University	1749	30.76	870 – 1,080	13800	38338	#18 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,749 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
19	Metropolitan State University of Denver	16430	99.14	910 – 1,140	13727	45391	#19 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 16,430 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
20	Colorado Mountain College	5494	75.38	--	6071	36307	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 5,494 Acceptance Rate 75.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $6,071 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,307