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.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	United States Air Force Academy	4114	14.09	1,240 – 1,450	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 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%. Undergraduates 4,114 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	2031	18.47	1,270 – 1,460	36123	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, Political Science and Government, General is a common option. Undergraduates 2,031 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	University of Colorado Boulder	32244	78.08	1,270 – 1,440	26231	54939	#3 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 Big Twelve Conference....Read more Undergraduates 32,244 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
4	Colorado School of Mines	6195	60.69	1,330 – 1,480	29925	82950	#4 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 6,195 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
5	University of Denver	6614	77.81	1,270 – 1,430	45451	57118	#5 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 89%. DU’s motto is “Pro Scientia et Religione,” or “For Knowledge and Spirit.” Undergraduates 6,614 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 Christian University	8200	97.64	1,010 – 1,210	30940	41623	#6 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 8,200 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
7	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	26221	88.54	1,100 – 1,310	21011	49748	#7 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 26,221 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
8	Regis University	2689	86.46	1,110 – 1,340	21618	64557	#8 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 2,689 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
9	University of Northern Colorado	6480	85.85	970 – 1,200	19376	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.” 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. Undergraduates 6,480 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	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus	13921	74.68	1,000 – 1,240	14831	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 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 Undergraduates 13,921 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
11	Western Colorado University	3148	99.71	1,150 – 1,310	17711	40037	#11 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. Biology/Biological Sciences, General is a popular undergraduate major. Undergraduates 3,148 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
12	University of Colorado Colorado Springs	9302	97.35	1,020 – 1,230	16942	45766	#12 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 73% 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 $16,942 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,766
13	Colorado Mesa University	9473	82.03	940 – 1,170	15590	39223	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 9,473 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
14	Fort Lewis College	3392	77.3	990 – 1,230	17114	36352	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,392 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
15	Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design	2061	100	990 – 1,160	31752	30280	#15 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 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 Undergraduates 2,061 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
16	Colorado State University Pueblo	5086	94.9	1,010 – 1,240	13079	43053	#16 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 5,086 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
17	Adams State University	1605	99.18	890 – 1,170	13340	38338	#17 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,605 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
18	Metropolitan State University of Denver	17274	98.8	890 – 1,140	14584	45391	#18 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 unknown for undergraduate applications. About 38% of students attending Metropolitan State University of Denver will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 17,274 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
19	Nazarene Bible College	527	48.07	--	0	37119	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Colorado Nazarene Bible College Colorado Springs, CO Undergraduates 527 Acceptance Rate 48.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,119
20	Naropa University	339	100	980 – 1,200	27873	21841	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 339 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
21	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs	28246	91.79	--	16449	30406	#21 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 28,246 Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,449 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,406
22	Colorado Mountain College	5494	0	--	7631	36307	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Colorado Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, CO Undergraduates 5,494 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $7,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,307