Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Colorado 2025
University of Colorado Boulder
Premier IT program with strong industry partnerships in Denver tech corridor. Excellent cybersecurity and cloud computing tracks.
Colorado State University
Comprehensive IT curriculum with hands-on labs and internship programs. Strong networking and systems administration focus.
Colorado School of Mines
Technical excellence in IT systems engineering and cybersecurity. High starting salaries due to specialized curriculum.
- 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.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Colorado May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and academic support quality
Colorado-specific IT salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Colorado Information Technology Bachelor's Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder | Public | $13,910 | 86% | 18:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins | Public | $13,482 | 81% | 16:1 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden | Public | $20,566 | 88% | 15:1 | 90.5 |
| 4 | University of Denver | Denver | Private | $56,068 | 83% | 11:1 | 89.1 |
| 5 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver | Public | $13,800 | 52% | 19:1 | 87.3 |
| 6 | Colorado Technical University | Colorado Springs | Private | $12,036 | 47% | 14:1 | 85.9 |
| 7 | Regis University | Denver | Private | $40,350 | 72% | 13:1 | 84.7 |
| 8 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs | Public | $12,998 | 58% | 17:1 | 83.2 |
| 9 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Public | $12,156 | 46% | 22:1 | 81.8 |
| 10 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver | Public | $7,932 | 32% | 20:1 | 80.5 |
| 11 | Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo | Public | $9,882 | 41% | 17:1 | 79.1 |
| 12 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley | Public | $13,026 | 55% | 19:1 | 77.8 |
| 13 | Adams State University | Alamosa | Public | $11,736 | 39% | 15:1 | 76.4 |
| 14 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison | Public | $12,612 | 45% | 18:1 | 75.2 |
| 15 | Fort Lewis College | Durango | Public | $9,450 | 48% | 16:1 | 73.9 |
| 16 | Colorado Christian University | Lakewood | Private | $34,950 | 63% | 14:1 | 72.6 |
| 17 | National American University | Colorado Springs | Private | $15,390 | 28% | 12:1 | 71.3 |
| 18 | Johnson & Wales University | Denver | Private | $37,896 | 65% | 15:1 | 70.1 |
| 19 | DeVry University | Westminster | Private | $17,156 | 31% | 13:1 | 68.8 |
| 20 | ITT Technical Institute | Thornton | Private | $18,048 | 29% | 16:1 | 67.5 |
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • 86% graduation rate - highest among Colorado IT programs
- • Average starting salary of $72,000 for graduates
- • 95% job placement rate within 6 months
- • ABET accreditation ensures quality standards
Program Strengths
- Strong cybersecurity and information assurance tracks
- Hands-on labs with latest networking equipment
- Industry partnerships with Denver tech companies
- Research opportunities in emerging technologies
- Active internship placement program
Why Ranked #1
CU Boulder's IT program leads Colorado with exceptional industry connections and comprehensive curriculum covering cybersecurity, cloud computing, and network administration. The program benefits from Boulder's proximity to Denver's tech corridor.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • 81% graduation rate with strong retention
- • Excellent 16:1 student-faculty ratio
- • Strong alumni network in Colorado tech industry
- • Affordable in-state tuition at $13,482
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive network administration curriculum
- Strong database management and analytics focus
- Active student organizations and competitions
- Cooperative education and internship programs
- Modern computer labs and simulation environments
Why Ranked #2
CSU offers a well-rounded IT program with emphasis on practical skills and industry readiness. The curriculum balances technical depth with business applications, preparing graduates for diverse IT roles.
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • 88% graduation rate despite rigorous curriculum
- • Highest starting salaries among Colorado IT programs
- • Strong job placement in high-tech industries
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention
Program Strengths
- Systems engineering approach to IT
- Advanced cybersecurity and information assurance
- Strong mathematical and analytical foundation
- Research opportunities in cutting-edge technologies
- High-caliber faculty with industry experience
Why Ranked #3
Known for technical rigor, Mines offers an IT program with strong engineering focus. Students gain deep technical skills in systems engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced computing technologies.
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
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.
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Arizona
Ohio
Michigan
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $13,500 | $32,800 | $41,200 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $54,000 | $131,200 | $164,800 |
| Typical Class Size | 25-35 students | 25-35 students | 15-25 students |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Moderate |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Variable |
| Financial Aid Availability | High | Moderate | High |
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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Colorado OEWS 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado IT Programs
Related Information Technology Resources
Taylor Rupe
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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.