Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Colorado 2025
University of Colorado Boulder
Leading research university with strong connections to aerospace, tech startups, and government labs. Home to innovative AI and cybersecurity programs
Colorado School of Mines
Elite STEM-focused university with exceptional career outcomes. Strong in computational engineering and data science applications
Colorado State University
Comprehensive CS program with excellent value proposition. Growing partnerships with Denver tech companies and strong alumni network
- 1.Colorado has 25+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs across public research universities, regional campuses, and private colleges
- 2.University of Colorado Boulder ranks #1 in Colorado with strong research focus and 72% graduation rate at affordable in-state tuition
- 3.Colorado School of Mines offers elite STEM education with 82% graduation rate and exceptional career placement in engineering and tech
- 4.Colorado software developers earn median $118,450 annually—higher than national median but with lower cost of living than coastal states
- 5.Denver-Boulder metro area hosts 45,000+ software developer jobs with major employers including IBM, Oracle, Lockheed Martin, and growing startup ecosystem
Computer Science Education Landscape in Colorado
Colorado offers an attractive combination of quality computer science programs, growing tech opportunities, and exceptional quality of life. The state's universities range from research powerhouses like UC Boulder to specialized STEM institutions like Colorado School of Mines, providing options for students seeking different educational approaches.
The Denver-Boulder corridor has emerged as a significant tech hub, attracting companies from aerospace giants to innovative startups. Students benefit from internship opportunities, research collaborations, and post-graduation employment in one of the fastest-growing tech markets in the country.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national computer science rankings. Students considering cost-effective options should review our most affordable CS programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for detailed compensation insights.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Colorado May 2024, Colorado Department of Higher Education
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility metrics
Colorado-specific salary data from BLS OEWS 2024
Acceptance rates indicating academic rigor
Colorado Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder | Public | $13,910 | 72% | 18:1 | 91.5 |
| 2 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden | Public | $21,186 | 82% | 15:1 | 88.9 |
| 3 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins | Public | $13,224 | 69% | 16:1 | 85.2 |
| 4 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver | Public | $12,474 | 48% | 17:1 | 82.1 |
| 5 | University of Denver | Denver | Private | $58,032 | 78% | 11:1 | 79.8 |
| 6 | Colorado College | Colorado Springs | Private | $64,512 | 87% | 8:1 | 77.5 |
| 7 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley | Public | $12,792 | 54% | 20:1 | 74.2 |
| 8 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Public | $11,628 | 47% | 23:1 | 71.8 |
| 9 | Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo | Public | $11,424 | 42% | 16:1 | 68.9 |
| 10 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver | Public | $8,694 | 31% | 19:1 | 66.5 |
| 11 | Regis University | Denver | Private | $43,570 | 68% | 13:1 | 64.1 |
| 12 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison | Public | $12,288 | 53% | 18:1 | 61.7 |
| 13 | Adams State University | Alamosa | Public | $10,584 | 35% | 15:1 | 59.3 |
| 14 | Colorado Technical University | Colorado Springs | Private | $25,200 | 41% | 14:1 | 56.8 |
| 15 | Fort Lewis College | Durango | Public | $10,080 | 48% | 17:1 | 54.2 |
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • 72% graduation rate with median starting salaries of $85,000+
- • Over 50 CS faculty members conducting cutting-edge research
- • Strong alumni network in aerospace, tech, and government sectors
- • Access to state-of-the-art facilities including new AEROSPACE building
Program Strengths
- Strong research programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction
- Excellent industry connections with companies like Google, Amazon, and Lockheed Martin
- Active collaboration with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Robust internship and co-op programs with Denver and Boulder tech companies
- Beautiful campus setting with access to outdoor recreation and quality of life
Why Ranked #1
UC Boulder's computer science department ranks as Colorado's premier CS program due to its combination of research excellence, industry partnerships, and scenic campus location. The program benefits from proximity to both Denver's tech corridor and Boulder's startup ecosystem.
Student Reviews
"The CS program at CU Boulder perfectly balances academic rigor with real-world application. The faculty are genuinely invested in student success, and the location offers incredible opportunities for both internships and outdoor activities."
— Class of 2024 Graduate
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • Median starting salaries of $95,000+ - among highest in Colorado
- • 98% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Strong alumni network in engineering and technology leadership roles
- • Beautiful Golden campus with mountain views and proximity to Denver
Program Strengths
- Exceptionally high graduation rate (82%) and career placement statistics
- Strong focus on computational engineering and applied computer science
- Excellent industry partnerships with aerospace, energy, and technology companies
- Small class sizes and low student-faculty ratio enabling personalized attention
- Emphasis on practical problem-solving and real-world applications
Why Ranked #2
Colorado School of Mines offers one of the most rigorous and career-focused computer science programs in the state. Known for its engineering excellence and high starting salaries, Mines attracts students seeking intensive STEM education with exceptional return on investment.
Student Reviews
"Mines is incredibly challenging but worth every moment. The program prepares you not just to code, but to think like an engineer and solve complex problems. The career support is unmatched."
— Current Senior
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • 69% graduation rate with steady improvement in recent years
- • Expanding relationships with Denver-Boulder tech corridor
- • New computer science building with modern facilities
- • Strong support for undergraduate research opportunities
Program Strengths
- Well-rounded curriculum covering all major areas of computer science
- Growing partnerships with Front Range technology companies
- Strong emphasis on software engineering and practical skills
- Active student organizations and programming competitions
- Affordable tuition with solid return on investment
Why Ranked #3
Colorado State University provides excellent value in computer science education with a comprehensive program, strong faculty, and growing industry connections. The Fort Collins location offers a vibrant college town atmosphere with increasing tech opportunities.
Student Reviews
"CSU's CS program gave me a solid foundation in both theory and practice. The professors are accessible, the coursework is relevant, and Fort Collins is a great place to be a student."
— Recent Graduate
Colorado University Systems and CS Education
Colorado's higher education landscape includes several distinct systems serving different student populations and educational goals. Understanding these systems helps students choose programs that align with their academic and career objectives.
The University of Colorado system includes four campuses: Boulder (flagship research university), Denver (urban campus with professional programs), Colorado Springs (mid-size comprehensive university), and the health sciences campus. Boulder offers the most comprehensive CS research program, while Denver focuses on applied computing with strong industry connections.
Colorado State University system encompasses Fort Collins (main campus) and Pueblo. The Fort Collins campus provides a traditional research university experience with growing CS program strength, while Pueblo serves southern Colorado with more regional focus.
Specialized institutions like Colorado School of Mines offer intensive STEM education with exceptional career outcomes but highly selective admission. Private universities such as University of Denver and Colorado College provide smaller class sizes and personalized attention at higher tuition costs.
Students considering Colorado should also explore related programs in artificial intelligence and data science programs which offer complementary career paths in the growing Colorado tech sector.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, systems, and websites for Colorado's growing tech industry
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze large datasets for Denver's finance, healthcare, and energy companies
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital infrastructure for aerospace, government, and tech companies
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1221Develop artificial intelligence solutions for Colorado's innovative tech startups
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1254Streamline development and deployment processes for cloud-native companies
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Florida
Georgia
| Factor | In-State Students | Out-of-State Students | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $12,500 | $32,000 | $48,000 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $28,000 | $47,500 | $65,000 |
| Financial Aid Available | High | Moderate | High |
| Residency Requirements | 12 months | 12 months | N/A |
| Application Deadlines | Rolling/Priority | Rolling/Priority | Fixed |
| Merit Scholarships | Limited | Limited | Common |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to a growing tech ecosystem in Denver-Boulder corridor
- Balance between quality education and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Moderate cost of living compared to California and Washington
- Strong job market in aerospace, energy tech, and startups
- Beautiful campus settings with mountain views
- Growing venture capital and startup funding environment
- Access to the largest tech companies (California, Washington)
- Maximum number of program options (California, Texas, New York)
- Lower tuition costs (some Midwest and Southern states)
- Specialized programs in emerging fields (may require coastal schools)
- Maximum diversity of internship opportunities
- Established tech industry networking (Silicon Valley, Seattle)
25+
Colorado CS Programs
$75,000
Median Starting Salary
$12,500
Average In-State Tuition
24%
Tech Job Growth Rate
450+
Major Employers
1,200+
Annual CS Graduates
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado CS Programs
Next Steps for Colorado CS Applicants
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements for your target schools, focusing on math prerequisites and application deadlines. Most Colorado CS programs require 4 years of math through calculus.
Plan Your Residency Status
If you're from out-of-state, understand Colorado's 12-month residency requirement and plan accordingly. Consider community college pathways to establish residency while completing prerequisites.
Visit Campus and Connect
Schedule campus visits to UC Boulder, CSU, or Mines during the academic year. Attend information sessions, meet with CS faculty, and explore the surrounding tech communities in Denver and Boulder.
Prepare Strong Applications
Build a compelling application showcasing your passion for computer science through projects, competitions, or relevant work experience. Colorado schools value both academic achievement and practical interest.
Related Resources for Colorado CS Students
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduate rates, enrollment, and institutional data for 2023
Colorado employment and wage data for computer occupations, May 2024
State higher education data and transfer agreements
Research funding and graduate program rankings
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.