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Key Takeaways
Best cybersecurity degree programs: Colorado Technical Univer..., Metropolitan State Univer..., U of Colorado Colorado Sp...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,936 to $58,032/year
Pikes Peak State College offers the most affordable option at $3,941/yr
Cybersecurity degree programs available: 1 associate's, 4 master's in Colorado
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online cybersecurity degree programs in Colorado
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
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
Cybersecurity degree programs near 31+ cities across Colorado
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 27, 2026
How we ranked Colorado Cybersecurity programs
We rank 11 accredited cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Colorado Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in cybersecurity, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Pikes Peak State College, 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 $3,941/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 cybersecurity schools in Colorado, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cybersecurity degrees in Colorado.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Pueblo Community College | Pueblo, CO | Public | $4,058 | 31% | 67.8 |
| #7 | Colorado Northwestern Community College | Rangely, CO | Public | $4,058 | 34% | 66.5 |
| #8 | Community College of Denver | Denver, CO | Public | $4,058 | 20% | 60.8 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for cybersecurity education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Colorado Technical Univer..., Metropolitan State Univer..., U of Colorado Colorado Sp..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Colorado cybersecurity 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 $3,936 to $41,990 annually, with an average of $13,262/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 89%, 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 cybersecurity degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked cybersecurity schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | Public | $9,135 | 32% | 61.3 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 4 master's degree programs in cybersecurity, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Colorado Technical Univer..., U of Denver, Metropolitan State Univer..., 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 $26,417/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 cybersecurity schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Best Doctoral Cybersecurity Programs in Colorado
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Cybersecurity Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $18,690/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $46,725/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,673/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $112,140 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $28,034 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Cybersecurity Students in Colorado
State Aid Programs
CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) provides full tuition, fees, and stipends for cybersecurity students who commit to government service after graduation. UCCS and Colorado School of Mines participate in this prestigious NSF program, recipients receive $27,000-$34,000 annual stipends plus full tuition coverage. The service obligation (1-2 years in federal cybersecurity roles) aligns perfectly with Colorado's defense contractor ecosystem, as government experience enhances credentials for subsequent private sector careers. Competition is intense. Apply by December for fall enrollment.
Key Programs & Amounts
Additional scholarship opportunities for cybersecurity students: The (ISC)2 Foundation scholarships target students pursuing cybersecurity careers. ISACA and Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) scholarships support underrepresented groups. Colorado defense contractors. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Ball Aerospace, fund university scholarships, often with internship components. SMART Scholarships from the Department of Defense provide full tuition plus stipends for students willing to work at DoD agencies post-graduation. Colorado's colleges administer institutional cybersecurity scholarships funded by industry partners.
Institutional Scholarships
State and federal aid complements scholarships: Colorado's College Opportunity Fund provides $116/credit hour at public institutions. Colorado Student Grant offers need-based support. Federal Pell Grants cover up to $7,395/year for qualifying students. Complete FAFSA by March 1 for priority Colorado state aid consideration. Cybersecurity students often qualify for work-study in campus IT security operations, providing relevant experience plus income. Graduate assistantships at Mines and UCCS cover tuition while providing research experience in security labs. For more options, see affordable cybersecurity programs.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator, Colorado
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity 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.
Cybersecurity Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a cybersecurity degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+749%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,385,336
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$113,636
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
Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity Graduates in Colorado
Find cybersecurity jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring cybersecurity degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity Degrees in Colorado
State Transfer System
Colorado community colleges offer IT and networking foundations that transfer toward cybersecurity degrees. Programs include CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ preparation courses, certifications that demonstrate baseline competency to employers even before degree completion. Pikes Peak Community College (Colorado Springs) is particularly well-positioned for transfer to UCCS cybersecurity programs, with articulation agreements ensuring credit transfer. Front Range Community College and Community College of Denver offer similar pathways toward Denver-area universities.
How Transfers Work
Transfer considerations for cybersecurity students: Complete foundational programming (Python, Java), networking fundamentals, and operating systems courses at community college. Mathematics through discrete structures or statistics is required. UCCS accepts transfers with 2.5+ GPA in prerequisite coursework; 3.0+ recommended for competitive admission. Some cybersecurity courses don't transfer directly due to specialized equipment requirements, plan to complete capstone security courses at the four-year institution. The Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at Pikes Peak provides focused preparation.
Transfer Planning Tips
Cost savings through transfer are substantial: Community college tuition runs approximately $3,800/year before Colorado's COF stipend, compared to $10,000-$12,000 at UCCS (in-state). Two years at community college saves $12,000-$16,000 while building foundational skills. Students can also work toward Security+ certification during community college, making them more competitive for internships and entry-level positions during their university years. This combination of academic credentials plus industry certifications accelerates career entry in Colorado's competitive cybersecurity market.
Why Pursue a Cybersecurity Degree in Colorado?
Industry & Workforce
Colorado Springs is the nation's cybersecurity capital, hosting over 125 cybersecurity companies and more than 111,000 aerospace and defense employees with significant security focus (Colorado Springs Chamber EDC). The concentration of military installations. Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Fort Carson, NORAD, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, creates unprecedented demand for cleared cybersecurity professionals. The National Cybersecurity Center is headquartered here, coordinating public-private security initiatives across critical infrastructure sectors.
Salary Outlook
Cybersecurity salaries in Colorado reflect critical demand.
Information security analysts earn a median of $115,000-$125,000 statewide, with Colorado Springs defense positions reaching $130,000-$150,000 for cleared professionals (BLS OEWS May 2024). Senior security architects at Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman command $150,000-$200,000 including bonuses. Entry-level positions with Security+ certification start around $70,000-$85,000, with rapid advancement for those pursuing additional clearances and certifications. Colorado has 4.4% flat income tax, maximizing take-home pay.
Regional Tech Hubs
Colorado offers multiple NSA-designated Centers of Academic Excellence for cybersecurity education. UC Colorado Springs (UCCS) holds CAE-CD (Cyber Defense) designation with strong defense sector connections. Colorado School of Mines operates the Center for Cyber Security and Privacy (CCSP) with specialized tracks in industrial control systems and critical infrastructure protection (Mines CCSP). Regis University provides a private CAE option with flexible scheduling for working professionals. The state's unique combination of academic programs, defense employers, and federal presence makes it exceptional for cybersecurity careers. Compare with Texas, Virginia, or our national rankings.
Cybersecurity Job Growth in Colorado
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Cybersecurity Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Employment Outlook
Colorado's cybersecurity job market shows exceptional demand.
CyberSeek data indicates 4,500+ unfilled cybersecurity positions statewide, with the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood and Colorado Springs metros showing the highest concentration (CyberSeek Colorado). The supply-demand ratio strongly favors job seekers. Colorado produces approximately 1,500 cybersecurity graduates annually against 5,000+ job openings. Tech job postings in Colorado Springs specifically increased 16% in 2024, faster than most Colorado markets, driven by Space Force expansion and defense contractor growth.
Salaries by Metro
Regional salary data reflects distinct market dynamics:
- Colorado Springs: $120,000-$145,000 median for cleared security roles. Northrop Grumman pays $129,000-$213,000 for senior positions. Over 125 cybersecurity companies create diverse opportunities
- Denver: $115,000-$135,000 for enterprise security. Financial services and tech companies (FirstBank, Arrow Electronics) drive commercial demand
- Boulder: $125,000-$145,000 with startup ecosystem including LogRhythm (security information management) and research-focused positions
- Lakewood: Federal Center presence creates government cybersecurity positions with strong benefits packages
High-Growth Sectors
Clearance-required positions dominate Colorado's cybersecurity landscape.
Most defense contractor and government roles require Secret or Top Secret clearances, students who begin clearance processing during internships have significant advantages. The 16th Air Force (cyber operations) headquartered at Peterson SFB and NSA cryptological operations create demand for offensive and defensive cyber specialists. Space-focused cybersecurity (protecting satellite systems, ground stations) is a growing specialty unique to Colorado. For related paths, explore information security programs, network administration, or computer science degrees.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Cybersecurity Programs in Colorado
Online Programs
4 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
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- $3,200
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- 5
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $5,300
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $28,000
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $2,100
- Total Programs
- 27
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
What are the best cybersecurity degree programs in Colorado?
How much do cybersecurity degree programs cost in Colorado?
What salary can cybersecurity degree graduates earn in Colorado?
Are there online cybersecurity degree programs in Colorado?
What companies hire cybersecurity degree graduates in Colorado?
Is a cybersecurity degree program worth it in Colorado?
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What financial aid is available for cybersecurity 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.