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Key Takeaways
Best computer programming 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
Red Rocks Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,936/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 2 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
2 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
Computer Programming degree programs near 31+ cities across Colorado
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Colorado Computer Programming programs
We rank 18 accredited computer programming 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 Computer Programming Degree Programs in Colorado Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Red Rocks Community College, 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 $3,845/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 computer programming schools in Colorado, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Colorado.
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming 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 computer programming 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 computer programming degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked computer programming 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 Computer Programming Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 5 master's degree programs in computer programming, 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 computer programming schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Best Doctoral Computer Programming Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado is home to 3 doctoral programs in computer programming, 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 computer programming 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.
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $18,858/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $47,145/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,715/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $113,148 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $28,286 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Colorado
Most students don't pay sticker price. Between federal aid, state grants, scholarships, and employer programs, a computer programming degree in Colorado costs less than the published tuition. But you have to know what's available and hit the deadlines.
FAFSA first.
File the FAFSA as soon as it opens (October 1). Pell Grants go up to $7,395/year (2024-25) and don't need to be repaid. Federal Direct Loans have better terms than private loans. Work-study gives you part-time hours that fit your class schedule.
Colorado state aid: The Colorado state grants and other state programs offer grant money for Colorado residents at public universities. You'll need financial need and decent grades to qualify. Some states also have loan forgiveness for grads who stay and work in-state.
Tech scholarships: Google, Microsoft, and NSF all offer computer programming scholarships. Many target underrepresented groups in computing. Worth applying even if you think you won't get them.
Merit scholarships: Most Colorado universities have automatic merit awards based on GPA and test scores, from $1,000/year up to full tuition. Check each school's scholarship grid on their financial aid page. Your stats might be worth more at one school than another.
Employer tuition programs: Amazon's Career Choice covers up to $5,250/year. Starbucks, UPS, Walmart, and others have similar programs for part-time employees. If you're working, check what your employer offers before borrowing.
Other ways to cut costs: AP/CLEP exams let you skip courses ($3,000+ saved per course). Two years at community college first (associate's programs). Summer enrollment to graduate in three years. Living off-campus or at home. See our affordable Computer Programming programs for the cheapest options.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Colorado
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming 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.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+854%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,580,373
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.
$122,727
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
Computer Programming 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 Computer Programming Graduates in Colorado
Find computer programming jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming 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 Computer Programming Degrees in Colorado
Two years at community college, then transfer. You save $28,286+ and end up with the same bachelor's degree as someone who started at the four-year school. It's one of the smartest plays for a computer programming degree in Colorado. See associate's programs to get started.
How 2+2 works: Get your Associate of Science (AS) at a community college, then transfer into a bachelor's program. Most Colorado community colleges have pre-engineering or pre-CS tracks designed to line up with university requirements, so you don't waste credits. See our best Computer Programming bachelor's programs for top transfer destinations.
Transfer agreements: the state transfer system ensures core courses transfer between public institutions in Colorado. Many community colleges have guaranteed admission agreements with state universities. Keep a 3.0+ GPA and you're guaranteed a spot in the computer programming program.
Don't waste credits.
Talk to an advisor and follow the transfer guide for your target university from day one. Get Calculus I & II and intro Computer Programming done at the community college. Competitive programs want a 3.5+ GPA for transfer.
Cost: Community college in Colorado averages $4,715/year. Pell Grants and state aid can cover that entirely for eligible students. Some people finish their first two years debt-free, then only borrow for the university portion. See our affordable Computer Programming programs for cheap bachelor's completion options.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in Colorado?
Colorado has 10 accredited computer programming programs across 7 public and 2 private institutions, including 6 ABET-accredited programs. That covers everything from research flagships like University of Colorado Boulder to career-focused regional schools. Jump to rankings: Bachelor's Programs | Master's Programs | Online Options | Most Affordable.
The money is real. Computer Programming graduates in Colorado earn a median of $121,440, comparable to the national average (BLS OEWS). Entry-level roles start around $78,936, and experienced engineers hit $176,088+. The state's job market is growing at +22% through 2034, concentrated in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs. Compare programs in our best Computer Programming bachelor's programs.
In-state tuition averages $18,858/year at public universities, saving you $113,148 over four years compared to out-of-state rates. Community colleges start under $4,715/year with transfer pathways to four-year schools. See our affordable Computer Programming programs for the cheapest options.
Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, Ping Identity, Guild Education all hire out of Colorado schools, and many run internship pipelines straight into full-time roles. Some offer tuition reimbursement too. See our Computer Programming career outcomes guide for salary and employment data. Also check out programs in Utah and Arizona.
Computer Programming Job Growth in Colorado
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Software developers in Colorado earn a median of $121,440 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 15% projected growth through 2034. The BLS projects about 129,200 annual openings nationwide for software development roles. For more compensation data, see our software developer salary guide.
Most of that growth is in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity, with Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin hiring heavily.
By experience level: Entry-level computer programming roles in Colorado start at $78,936 (BLS data). Mid-career pays about $121,440. Senior engineers and tech leads hit $176,088+. AI/ML, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity roles often pay 20-40% above those numbers.
Who's hiring: Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, plus Ping Identity, Guild Education all recruit from Colorado schools. Expect competitive comp, signing bonuses, and relocation packages. Check LinkedIn, Indeed, and Built In for current listings.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Colorado
Online Programs
0 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $5,000
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Colorado?
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Colorado?
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Colorado?
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Colorado?
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in Colorado?
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in Colorado?
How long do computer programming degree programs take in Colorado?
What financial aid is available for computer programming degree students in Colorado?
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.