Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Colorado 2025
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
203 Information Technology graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
213 Information Technology graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Colorado State University Global
401 Information Technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Colorado has 35+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across public universities and private colleges (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Colorado Boulder ranks #1 in Colorado with 86% graduation rate and strong Denver tech industry connections
- 3.Colorado IT professionals earn median $89,240 annually—8% above the national median (BLS Colorado OEWS 2024)
- 4.Denver tech corridor provides 45,000+ IT jobs with companies like Arrow Electronics, DaVita, and Dish Network
- 5.In-state tuition averages $14,000 at public universities—significantly lower than coastal tech hubs
Information Technology Education in Colorado
Colorado offers a strong selection of information technology programs backed by a thriving tech industry centered in Denver and Boulder. The state's universities provide comprehensive IT education covering network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and systems management—all critical skills for today's digital economy.
For broader perspective, see our national IT bachelor's rankings and best value IT programs guide. Career-focused students should review our IT career paths hub and explore opportunities in cybersecurity and software engineering within Colorado's tech ecosystem.
Colorado Information Technology Bachelor's Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | For-Profit | $12,100 | 89% | — | 77.6 |
| 2 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO | Public | $10,299 | 93% | — | 70.8 |
| 3 | Colorado State University Global | Aurora, CO | Public | $8,400 | — | — | 68.8 |
| 4 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | Public | $9,096 | 95% | — | 62.1 |
| 5 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | Public | $13,910 | 87% | — | 53.6 |
| 6 | Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, CO | Private | $26,668 | — | — | 44.7 |
| 7 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | Public | $8,592 | — | — | 44.4 |
| 8 | University of Denver | Denver, CO | Private | $58,032 | — | — | 42.8 |
| 9 | Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | Public | $6,870 | — | — | 38.9 |
| 10 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | Public | $7,128 | — | — | 37.8 |
| 11 | Regis University | Denver, CO | Private | $41,990 | — | — | 37.3 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Colorado: Side-by-Side
| School | Colorado Technical... | U of Colorado Denver/Ansc... | Colorado State University... | Colorado State University... | U of Denver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,100 | $9,096 | $10,299 | $8,400 | $58,032 |
| Graduation Rate | 89% | 95% | 93% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 203 | 170 | 213 | 401 | 196 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 78% | 90% | 93% | 71% |
| Type | For-Profit | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 77.6/100 | 71.0/100 | 70.8/100 | 68.8/100 | 62.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Colorado
Colorado offers 11 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, Colorado State University Global. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,008 in the Colorado market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | 89% | 203 | 77.6 |
| #2 Colorado State University... | $10,299 | 93% | 213 | 70.8 |
| #3 Colorado State University... | $8,400 | N/A% | 401 | 68.8 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Colorado
For graduate study, Colorado offers 7 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Denver, Colorado State University-Fort Collins. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Colorado reaching $157,872 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Colorado Denver/Ansc... | $9,096 | 95% | 170 | 71.0 |
| #2 U of Denver | $58,032 | N/A% | 196 | 62.4 |
| #3 Colorado State University... | $10,299 | 93% | 85 | 68.2 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Colorado
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Colorado are at Colorado State University Pueblo ($6,870/year), Western Colorado University ($7,128/year), Colorado State University Global ($8,400/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Colorado's competitive tech salaries.
At Colorado State University Pueblo, a 4-year degree costs approximately $27,480 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,008, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Colorado (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Colorado State University... | $6,870 | $27,480 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Western Colorado | $7,128 | $28,512 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Colorado State University... | $8,400 | $33,600 | 0.7 years | Public |
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 203 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 77.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 203 information technology graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 77.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (203 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,096 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 170 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 71.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 170 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (170 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This accelerated nursing program offers the fastest path to nursing licensure with a one-year condensed format, features a state-of-the-art simulation lab for hands-on practice, and boasts the #1 ranking for nursing bachelor's programs in Colorado with a 96.67% NCLEX pass rate.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,299 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 213 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 70.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 213 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (213 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
CSU's Computer Information Systems program is one of the first and most established programs of its kind in the country with a trailblazing spirit. The program combines business acumen with technical skills, offering both undergraduate and graduate options with strong industry connections and a 90% graduate job offer rate.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 24 credits of CIS-specific classes
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $67,000 (undergraduate), $49,000 – $127,500 (graduate)
- Job Placement: 79% job offer rate within 180 days (undergraduate), 90% offer rate (graduate MCIS)
- Top Employers: Accenture, Microsoft, Intel Corporation, Dell Technologies, Target, Verizon, HP Inc., Comcast, United Healthcare
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Colorado State University Global
Aurora, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,400 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 401 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 68.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 401 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (401 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (93% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,032 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 196 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 62.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 196 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (196 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program combines advanced technical training with managerial concepts and offers flexible evening and online classes, plus 8-week courses. International students benefit from 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and lifelong career center access with connections to over 300 business partners.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 30
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for organizations across Colorado's diverse industries.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect Colorado organizations from cyber threats through security planning and incident response.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1141Manage and optimize database systems for Colorado's growing technology and healthcare sectors.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1142Maintain computer systems and servers for businesses throughout the Denver tech corridor.
IT Project Manager
SOC 15-1221Lead technology initiatives and digital transformation projects for Colorado organizations.
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1199Design cloud infrastructure for Colorado companies migrating to cloud platforms.
Colorado University Systems for IT Education
Colorado's higher education system provides multiple pathways for IT education. The University of Colorado system includes flagship Boulder campus with premier research opportunities, Denver campus serving the metro area, and Colorado Springs offering specialized programs.
The Colorado State University system features the main Fort Collins campus with comprehensive IT programs and Pueblo campus with more affordable options. Colorado also hosts the prestigious School of Mines in Golden, known for technical excellence and engineering-focused IT education.
- University of Colorado system: Boulder (flagship), Denver (urban), Colorado Springs (military-friendly)
- Colorado State University system: Fort Collins (comprehensive), Pueblo (regional focus)
- Colorado School of Mines: Technical excellence in engineering-based IT
- Metropolitan State University: Affordable urban option in Denver
- Private institutions: University of Denver, Regis University
Other Tech Degree Programs in Colorado
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Arizona
Ohio
Michigan
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to Denver's growing tech industry without Silicon Valley costs
- You prefer outdoor recreation opportunities alongside tech education
- You're seeking affordable in-state tuition at quality public universities
- You want to work in cybersecurity, cloud computing, or network administration
- You're interested in the aerospace and energy technology sectors
- You need access to the largest tech companies and startup ecosystems
- You prefer coastal locations or major metropolitan areas
- You want the highest possible starting salaries (though cost of living is higher)
- You're specifically interested in fintech, media tech, or biotech applications
- You need extensive public transportation for internships and jobs
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado IT Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific information technology salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Information Technology Resources
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Colorado OEWS 2024
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.