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Key Takeaways
Best data science 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
Data Science degree programs available: 1 associate's, 8 master's, 4 doctoral in Colorado
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
5 online data science 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
Data Science 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 Data Science programs
We rank 22 accredited data science 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 Data Science Degree Programs in Colorado Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 9 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 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 data science 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 $21,541/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, with the highest reaching 93%. 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 data science degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Colorado
Program Landscape
Colorado offers 8 master's degree programs in data science, 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 $21,569/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 data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $18,518/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $46,295/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,630/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $111,108 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $27,776 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Colorado
State Aid Programs
Colorado's College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides $116 per credit hour toward in-state tuition at participating public institutions. For full-time students (15 credits/semester), COF contributes $3,480/year toward tuition costs. Data science students at CSU, CU Boulder, and other public universities automatically receive COF when properly authorized. The lifetime maximum is 145 credit hours, sufficient for bachelor's and some master's coursework. Combined with need-based grants, COF significantly reduces the cost of data science education.
Key Programs & Amounts
Additional scholarship opportunities for data science students: NSF scholarships support STEM students through various programs. Tech companies with Colorado presence (Google, Amazon, Arrow Electronics) fund scholarships at partner universities. The Colorado School of Mines Data Science program offers graduate assistantships covering tuition plus stipends. CSU's College of Natural Sciences administers departmental scholarships for data science majors. Professional organizations (American Statistical Association) provide national scholarships applicable to Colorado students.
Institutional Scholarships
Federal aid and alternative funding: Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395/year for students with demonstrated need. Colorado Student Grant offers additional need-based support. Graduate assistantships at research universities cover tuition while providing research experience. Employer tuition reimbursement programs support working professionals, many Colorado tech companies offer education benefits for employees pursuing relevant degrees. Complete FAFSA by March 1 for priority Colorado state aid consideration. For more options, see affordable data science programs or best value programs.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Colorado
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science 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.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+645%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,192,850
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.
$104,545
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
Data Science 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 Data Science Graduates in Colorado
Find data science jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science 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 Data Science Degrees in Colorado
State Transfer System
Colorado community colleges provide affordable foundations for data science through mathematics, statistics, and programming coursework. Front Range Community College, Arapahoe Community College, and Community College of Denver offer calculus sequences, introductory statistics, and programming courses (Python, Java) that transfer to CSU, CU Boulder, and other four-year institutions. The gtPathways general education framework ensures core credits transfer across public institutions, though data science majors should verify specific course equivalencies with their target university.
How Transfers Work
Transfer considerations for data science students: Complete calculus through multivariable, linear algebra, and statistics at community college for maximum savings. Programming fundamentals (Python preferred) should be completed early. CSU Data Science accepts transfers with 2.5+ GPA minimum; 3.0+ recommended for competitive admission. Plan to complete advanced data science courses (machine learning, big data systems) at the four-year institution where specialized resources are available. The Associate of Science degree provides the clearest transfer pathway.
Transfer Planning Tips
Cost savings through transfer are substantial: Community college tuition runs approximately $3,800/year before Colorado's COF stipend, compared to $12,000 at CSU in-state. Two years at community college saves $16,000-$18,000 while building foundational quantitative skills. Many data science employers value demonstrated competency over prestigious credentials, the savings can be invested in certifications (AWS, Google Cloud), conference attendance, or graduate education. For students financing education through loans, reduced debt provides flexibility in career decisions. See affordable data science programs.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Colorado?
Industry & Workforce
Colorado's tech ecosystem creates exceptional demand for data scientists, with the Denver-Boulder metro ranking #8 among top North American tech markets (CBRE Tech Talent 2025). The state's unique industry mix, aerospace and defense, outdoor recreation, energy technology, and healthcare, generates diverse data science applications beyond typical tech hub work. Companies like Arrow Electronics, FirstBank, and Ibotta leverage data science for business intelligence, while defense contractors apply machine learning to satellite imagery and signal processing. Colorado's $17 billion in VC funding over five years has fueled data-driven startups across Boulder's tech corridor.
Salary Outlook
Data scientists in Colorado earn competitive salaries while enjoying lower living costs than coastal markets. The median salary for data scientists ranges $115,000-$140,000 statewide, with Boulder roles at AI companies reaching $150,000-$180,000 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level data analysts start around $70,000-$85,000, while senior machine learning engineers command $160,000-$200,000 at companies like Google Boulder. Colorado's 4.4% flat income tax maximizes take-home pay compared to progressive-tax states like California.
Regional Tech Hubs
Colorado offers strong academic programs for data science education.
Colorado State University launched a dedicated Data Science major combining computer science, statistics, mathematics, and domain expertise (CSU Data Science). Colorado School of Mines offers a Master of Data Science with applied focus on industry applications. CU Boulder provides data science coursework within computer science and offers online data analytics certificates. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden employs data scientists for energy systems research, providing unique research opportunities. Compare programs in California, Texas, or explore our national rankings.
Data Science Job Growth in Colorado
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Employment Outlook
Colorado's data science job market spans diverse industries.
LinkedIn currently lists 2,000+ data science positions statewide, with concentrations in Denver-Boulder and emerging opportunities in Colorado Springs. Tech companies including Google, Amazon, Oracle, and Arrow Electronics maintain significant data science teams. Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman) hire cleared data scientists for intelligence and analytics applications. Healthcare organizations (UCHealth, Centura) employ health informatics specialists. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducts energy data research (NREL Careers).
Salaries by Metro
Regional salary variations reflect industry specialization:
- Boulder: $135,000-$165,000 for senior data scientists at AI companies (Google, Palantir). Machine learning engineers at startups earn $140,000-$180,000 plus equity
- Denver: $110,000-$140,000 for enterprise data science. Financial services and healthcare pay competitive rates
- Colorado Springs: $100,000-$130,000 for defense analytics. Clearance-required positions offer job security and benefits
- Fort Collins: $95,000-$120,000 with CSU research connections and HP operations Remote work has expanded options significantly, many Colorado data scientists work for out-of-state employers while maintaining local residency.
High-Growth Sectors
High-growth sectors for data science in Colorado include: renewable energy analytics (NREL, solar/wind companies), aerospace and satellite data processing (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace), healthcare AI (UCHealth predictive models), and outdoor recreation technology (fitness apps, activity tracking). Boulder's AI/ML cluster grew 35% in job postings since 2023, driven by companies like Google's Boulder AI team and emerging startups. Colorado invested $15 million in AI and big data research at Colorado State University, signaling continued academic-industry collaboration. For related paths, explore machine learning programs, data analytics degrees, 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 Data Science Programs in Colorado
Online Programs
5 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $8,100
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $10,000
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Data Science Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Colorado?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Colorado?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Colorado?
Are there online data science degree programs in Colorado?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Colorado?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Colorado?
How long do data science degree programs take in Colorado?
What financial aid is available for data science 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.