Best Machine Learning Programs in Colorado 2025

Colorado offers 8 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, Colorado School of Mines. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,008 in the Colorado market.

A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.

For graduate study, Colorado offers 5 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Colorado reaching $157,872 or more.

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in Colorado are at University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($8,738/year), Metropolitan State University of Denver ($8,868/year), Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs ($12,100/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Colorado's competitive tech salaries.

At University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a 4-year degree costs approximately $34,952 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,008, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.

Colorado's technology sector has emerged as a major hub for artificial intelligence and machine learning careers. The state added 8,500 new tech positions in 2024, with machine learning roles representing the fastest-growing segment at 28% year-over-year growth according to the Colorado Technology Association.

Denver-Boulder metro area ranks as the 8th largest tech ecosystem in the US, housing over 3,200 technology companies including major employers like IBM, Oracle, and Palantir. These companies actively recruit from Colorado universities, creating strong career pathways for ML graduates. The median salary for machine learning engineers in Colorado reached $108,000 in 2024, with senior positions commanding $150,000-$180,000.

The state's strategic advantages include no corporate income tax for new businesses, a highly educated workforce, and proximity to both Silicon Valley and emerging tech hubs in Austin and Seattle. Colorado also benefits from significant federal research funding, with NIST, NOAA, and NCAR all maintaining major research facilities that collaborate with university ML programs.

Key industry sectors driving ML demand include aerospace (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace), financial services (Charles Schwab, FirstBank), and energy (Suncor, Antero Resources). These diverse applications create opportunities for specialized ML career paths ranging from computer vision for satellite imagery to algorithmic trading and renewable energy optimization.

Admission to machine learning programs in Colorado varies significantly by degree level and institution. Bachelor's programs typically require strong mathematics backgrounds including calculus, linear algebra, and statistics, along with programming experience in Python or C++.

For undergraduate admission, competitive applicants generally need a 3.5+ high school GPA and SAT scores above 1400 or ACT scores above 30. CU Boulder's Computer Science program admits approximately 25% of applicants, while Colorado State University admits 35% for their data science track. Master's programs require a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Strong foundation in mathematics: Calculus I-III, linear algebra, probability and statistics
• Programming proficiency in Python, R, or Java with demonstrated project experience
• GRE scores (for graduate programs): Quantitative 160+, Verbal 150+
• Letters of recommendation from faculty or employers familiar with technical work
• Personal statement demonstrating interest in ML applications and career goals
• Portfolio of programming projects or research experience (preferred but not required)

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+) scores. Many programs offer graduate assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends for qualified students. Early application is recommended as the most competitive programs fill quickly, typically by February 1st for fall admission.