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Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical Univer..., Colorado School of Mines
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,754 to $58,032/year
Community College of Aurora offers the most affordable option at $3,754/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 1 associate's, 5 master's, 3 doctoral in Colorado
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Colorado community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, Ping Identity
Tech hubs in Denver and Boulder
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 31+ cities across Colorado
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Colorado Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 17 accredited artificial intelligence programs in Colorado using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Colorado Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in artificial intelligence, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Community College of Aurora, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Colorado offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,754/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $66,792 in Colorado.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Colorado's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among artificial intelligence schools in Colorado, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their artificial intelligence degrees in Colorado.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for artificial intelligence education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical Univer..., Colorado School of Mines, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Colorado artificial intelligence programs earn a median salary of $103,224, 5% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,738 to $58,032 annually, with an average of $23,147/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, with the highest reaching 89%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Colorado's leading technology employers. For students seeking artificial intelligence degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked artificial intelligence schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | Public | $8,738 | — | 64.1 |
| #7 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | Public | $8,868 | — | 62.0 |
| #8 | Regis University | Denver, CO | Private | $41,990 | — | 50.6 |
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 5 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Colorado Technical Univer..., U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Colorado earn a median salary of $121,440, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $22,234/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Colorado's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado is home to 3 doctoral programs in artificial intelligence, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, U of Denver are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Colorado PhD holders earning a median of $151,800, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Colorado programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing artificial intelligence degrees in Colorado, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $20,723/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $51,808/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,181/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $124,340 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $31,084 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in Colorado
State Aid Programs
The College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides $116 per credit hour for eligible Colorado residents at public institutions (CDHE COF). For full-time students (15 credits/semester), COF contributes $1,740/semester or $3,480/year. Lifetime maximum is 145 undergraduate credit hours. To receive COF, create an account and authorize your institution. Combined with need-based Colorado Student Grant and federal Pell Grant (up to $7,395 for 2025-26), in-state students can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Key Programs & Amounts
AI-specific scholarship opportunities: Tech companies with Colorado presence fund scholarships at partner universities - Google, Lockheed Martin, and Arrow Electronics all sponsor computing scholarships. The Colorado Promise programs at various institutions cover tuition for students with family income below $60,000-$70,000. CU Boulder's Promise program, CSU's Tuition+ Promise, and similar programs eliminate tuition for qualifying students. STEM-focused scholarships from professional organizations (ACM, IEEE) also apply to AI programs.
Institutional Scholarships
Graduate funding for AI programs: Research assistantships (RAs) and teaching assistantships (TAs) at CU Boulder cover tuition plus $25,000-$35,000 annual stipend for PhD students. MS students may receive partial funding. Industry-sponsored research in AI (Google, Lockheed Martin, NCAR partnerships) provides additional funding opportunities. Graduate students should apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships ($37,000/year stipend plus tuition) - AI/ML research proposals are highly competitive. Colorado's aerospace industry funds graduate research in autonomous systems and space AI.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, Colorado
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Colorado. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+959%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,774,135
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$131,818
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Artificial Intelligence Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Colorado metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Denver | $134K |
| Boulder | $128K |
| Colorado Springs | $121K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in Colorado
Find artificial intelligence jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Denver/Boulder
CODenver/Boulder is a growing tech hub with aerospace heritage, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Boulder, Westminster, Broomfield, Englewood, Littleton
Transfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in Colorado
State Transfer System
Colorado's gtPathways system facilitates transfer of general education courses between public institutions (CDHE gtPathways). However, AI-focused programs fall under Computer Science or Engineering, where gtPathways has limitations. Engineering and CS programs often require specific prerequisite sequences that may not transfer under general gtPathways agreements. Students should consult directly with their target university's engineering advising office before completing coursework at community college.
How Transfers Work
Strategic transfer planning for AI programs:
- 1Complete calculus through differential equations at community college (MATH 1401, 1402, 2301)
- 2Take discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and probability/statistics
- 3Complete CS1 and CS2 (data structures) - verify specific course requirements with target university
- 4Build Python programming skills with AI-relevant projects
- 5Maintain 3.5+ GPA for competitive admission to CU Boulder Engineering
- 6Consider summer research programs (REUs) to strengthen graduate applications
Transfer Planning Tips
Community college pathways: Arapahoe Community College, Front Range Community College, and Community College of Denver all offer pre-engineering and CS transfer programs. The Associate of Science in Computer Science at these institutions is designed for four-year transfer. Complete in two years for approximately $5,000-$7,000 total (after COF stipend), then transfer to CU Boulder or CSU for upper-division AI coursework. This pathway saves $20,000-$30,000 compared to starting at a four-year university. Online community college options allow flexible scheduling for working students.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in Colorado?
Industry & Workforce
Colorado is a major AI hub, with the Denver-Boulder corridor experiencing 35% growth in AI/ML job postings since 2023 (Colorado Technology Association 2024 Report). The state's tech workforce of 129,040 workers includes a rapidly growing AI segment, driven by both established tech giants and innovative startups. Google's Boulder office houses significant machine learning operations, while companies like The Aerospace Corporation and Lockheed Martin are pioneering AI applications in defense and space systems. Colorado ranks as the third most concentrated tech economy nationally, creating exceptional opportunities for AI specialists (CompTIA State of Tech Workforce 2025).
Salary Outlook
AI salaries in Colorado are exceptional.
Machine Learning Engineers in Boulder command $151,000-$226,000 annually at top employers, with AI Research Scientists earning even higher at specialized firms (Levels.fyi). Data Scientists with AI focus earn a median of $140,000 in Denver, while entry-level AI positions start around $95,000-$110,000. The national median for AI-related roles is approximately $150,000, but Colorado's combination of competitive salaries and lower cost-of-living compared to California or New York means greater purchasing power for AI professionals.
Regional Tech Hubs
Colorado's AI ecosystem spans multiple industries.
Beyond traditional tech, Colorado leads in aerospace AI (autonomous systems, satellite intelligence), healthcare AI (medical imaging, drug discovery), and clean energy AI (smart grid optimization, renewable energy prediction). The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder applies AI to climate modeling and weather prediction. CU Boulder's AI research programs collaborate with NIST Boulder on AI standards and safety. This diverse application landscape means AI graduates can pursue careers beyond Silicon Valley-style tech companies. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national AI rankings.
Artificial Intelligence Job Growth in Colorado
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Employment Outlook
Colorado's AI job market shows exceptional growth.
The BLS projects 36% growth for AI-related occupations (data scientists, machine learning engineers) from 2024-2034, far exceeding the national average (BLS Occupational Outlook). Colorado's tech industry added 47,440 net new jobs over five years, with AI roles representing an increasing share. The state's defense sector drives significant AI demand: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon all seek AI specialists for autonomous systems, predictive maintenance, and intelligence analysis. Google Boulder has expanded its ML engineering team, while Amazon's Denver operations hire AI talent for Alexa and AWS AI services.
Salaries by Metro
Metro-specific AI opportunities:
- Boulder: AI/ML hub with Google, Twitter/X labs, and 50+ AI startups. Machine Learning Engineers earn $151,000-$226,000. Strong university-industry pipeline from CU Boulder's AI programs. Venture capital actively funds AI ventures.
- Denver: Corporate AI adoption drives demand. Data Scientists with AI skills earn $125,000-$160,000. Major employers include Arrow Electronics, Ibotta, and Guild Education applying AI to business problems.
- Colorado Springs: Defense AI dominates. NORAD and Space Force installations seek AI specialists with security clearances. Lockheed Martin pays $129,300-$213,400 for senior AI roles. Clearance-eligible candidates have significant advantages.
High-Growth Sectors
High-growth AI sectors in Colorado: autonomous aerospace systems (drones, satellites, missile defense), natural language processing (enterprise chatbots, document analysis), computer vision (medical imaging, security applications), and predictive analytics (energy grid optimization, supply chain). Colorado's unique position in aerospace means AI graduates can work on advanced autonomous systems unavailable elsewhere. The state's renewable energy leadership creates opportunities in AI for grid management and clean tech. For related career paths, explore machine learning programs, data science rankings, or computer science programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in Colorado
Online Programs
0 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,200
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Colorado salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.