Top 3 AI & Machine Learning Programs in Colorado 2025
University of Colorado Boulder
483 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
214 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Colorado School of Mines
222 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Colorado has 15+ accredited AI and machine learning programs across public and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Colorado Boulder ranks #1 with strong federal research partnerships and $15M+ in AI funding
- 3.Colorado AI professionals earn median $118,500 annually—18% above national average (BLS Colorado 2024)
- 4.Denver tech hub provides 25,000+ software and AI engineering jobs with companies like Palantir, SendGrid, and Ibotta
- 5.In-state tuition averages $14,000 at public universities—40% below national average for AI programs
Artificial Intelligence Education in Colorado
Colorado has emerged as a leading destination for artificial intelligence education, combining strong public university research programs with a thriving tech ecosystem in Denver and Boulder. The state's AI programs emphasize practical applications in aerospace, energy, and environmental science—sectors where Colorado companies are global leaders.
For comparison with AI programs nationwide, see our national AI bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable AI programs guide. Those interested in career outcomes can explore our AI/ML engineer salary guide for detailed compensation data.
Colorado's unique advantages include proximity to federal research labs (NIST, NOAA, NCAR), strong industry partnerships with aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace, and a growing startup ecosystem in Denver's RiNo district. The state's emphasis on renewable energy and environmental technology creates unique AI application opportunities.
Colorado AI & Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | Public | $13,910 | 87% | — | 80.6 |
| 2 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | For-Profit | $12,100 | 89% | — | 75.9 |
| 3 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | Public | $18,390 | 79% | — | 71.4 |
| 4 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO | Public | $10,299 | 93% | — | 67.7 |
| 5 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | Public | $9,096 | 95% | — | 60.6 |
| 6 | United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | Public | $0 | — | — | 60.2 |
| 7 | Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | Private | $67,458 | — | — | 53.6 |
| 8 | University of Denver | Denver, CO | Private | $58,032 | — | — | 46.7 |
| 9 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | Public | $8,738 | — | — | 45 |
| 10 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | Public | $8,868 | — | — | 43.8 |
| 11 | Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, CO | Private | $26,668 | — | — | 43.4 |
| 12 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | Public | $8,592 | — | — | 41.5 |
| 13 | Regis University | Denver, CO | Private | $41,990 | — | — | 40.9 |
| 14 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | Public | $7,128 | — | — | 37.1 |
Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Colorado: Side-by-Side
| School | CU Boulder | Colorado School of Mines | Colorado Technical... | United States Air Force... | U of Denver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,910 | $18,390 | $12,100 | $0 | $58,032 |
| Graduation Rate | 87% | 79% | 89% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 483 | 222 | 114 | 75 | 54 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% | 60% | N/A | 14% | 71% |
| Type | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public | Private |
| Score | 80.6/100 | 71.4/100 | 69.3/100 | 63.2/100 | 49.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in Colorado
Colorado offers 8 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, Colorado School of Mines. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,008 in the Colorado market.
A bachelor's in artificial intelligence typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 CU Boulder | $13,910 | 87% | 483 | 80.6 |
| #2 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | 89% | 214 | 75.9 |
| #3 Colorado School of Mines | $18,390 | 79% | 222 | 71.4 |
Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in Colorado
For graduate study, Colorado offers 5 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Colorado reaching $157,872 or more.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | 89% | 114 | 69.3 |
| #2 CU Boulder | $13,910 | 87% | 171 | 80.6 |
| #3 Colorado School of Mines | $18,390 | 79% | 68 | 69.7 |
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in Colorado
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in Colorado are at University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($8,738/year), Metropolitan State University of Denver ($8,868/year), Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs ($12,100/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Colorado's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a 4-year degree costs approximately $34,952 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,008, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs in Colorado (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Colorado Colorado... | $8,738 | $34,952 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Metropolitan State... | $8,868 | $35,472 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | $48,400 | 1 years | For-Profit |
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,910 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 483 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 80.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 483 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 80.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (483 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
University of Colorado Boulder's MS-AI offers performance-based admissions requiring no bachelor's degree or extensive work experience, with flexible 8-week sessions and pay-as-you-go tuition. The program provides advanced theoretical understanding and practical skills in AI technologies while emphasizing ethics, bias mitigation, and societal impact.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,390 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 222 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 222 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (222 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Colorado School of Mines offers a unique Business Engineering and Management Science program that fuses rigorous analytical problem-solving of engineering with essential business acumen, preparing students with STEM aptitude to be leaders in a data- and technology-driven business world through systematic, data-driven approaches to complex organizational challenges.
Admission Prerequisites
- •three units of lab science (one unit must be physics or chemistry, both if available)
- •four units of college-prep/advanced math
- •Trigonometry and/or pre-calculus required prior to enrollment
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $82,500
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 114 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 69.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 114 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 69.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (114 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 14%
- • Ranking Score: 63.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 75 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (75 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (14% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers hands-on AI research including brain-computer interface technology for drone control, direct partnerships with Air Force Research Laboratory, and is ranked #1 in funded undergraduate research. Students work on cutting-edge capstone projects that shape practical AI applications for defense and aerospace challenges.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,032 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 54 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 49.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 54 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Design and implement machine learning systems for companies like Palantir, SendGrid, and aerospace firms
Analyze complex datasets for Denver's growing fintech and energy companies
Develop AI-powered applications for Colorado's aerospace and renewable energy sectors
Research Scientist
Conduct AI research at federal labs (NIST, NOAA, NCAR) or university research centers
AI Product Manager
Lead AI product development at Colorado startups and established tech companies
Colorado University Systems for AI Education
Colorado's public university system offers diverse pathways into artificial intelligence education, each with distinct strengths and focus areas. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right fit for your career goals and learning style.
The University of Colorado system anchors the state's AI research efforts. UC Boulder leads in federal research partnerships and climate applications, while UC Denver focuses on industry connections and practical skills. UC Colorado Springs offers smaller classes and personalized attention for students seeking a more intimate learning environment.
Colorado State University system provides excellent value with strong agricultural and renewable energy applications. CSU Fort Collins excels in AgTech and sustainable technology, while CSU Pueblo offers more affordable tuition with solid foundational programs. Both campuses maintain strong industry connections within Colorado's growing tech sector.
Colorado School of Mines stands apart as a specialized institution focusing on AI applications in engineering and earth sciences. While more expensive than other public options, Mines offers exceptional job placement rates and the highest starting salaries for AI graduates in the state.
- University of Colorado Boulder: Federal research partnerships, climate applications, $15M+ funding
- Colorado State University: Agricultural AI, renewable energy focus, strong industry ties
- Colorado School of Mines: Engineering applications, highest salaries, 95% job placement
- University of Denver: Private option with small classes and personalized attention
- Regional universities: Affordable options in Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo
Other Tech Degree Programs in Colorado
AI Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Massachusetts
Washington
Illinois
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality AI education at public universities
- Access to federal research labs and climate science applications
- Strong job market in aerospace, energy, and environmental technology
- Outdoor lifestyle with excellent work-life balance
- Opportunities in agricultural technology and renewable energy AI
- Maximum diversity of AI program options and specializations
- Highest possible starting salaries (California, New York)
- Large tech company headquarters and internship opportunities
- Extensive alumni networks in major tech hubs
- Research opportunities in biotech or finance applications
- Strongly consider UC Boulder for research opportunities and federal connections
- Explore CSU for agricultural and sustainable technology applications
- Consider Colorado School of Mines for highest salaries and specialized applications
- Take advantage of in-state tuition rates that are 40% below national averages
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado AI Programs
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Artificial Intelligence degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific artificial intelligence salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related AI Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Program enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data for 2023
Colorado-specific salary data for AI and software engineering roles, May 2024
State employment projections and industry growth data for tech sectors
University research expenditure data for AI and computer science programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.