University campus in Colorado
Updated January 2026

Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado — 2026 Rankings

Explore 9 accredited machine learning degree programs in Colorado. Compare schools by graduation rate, salary outcomes, and tuition—from Community College of Aurora to University of Colorado Boulder.

#1 ProgramU of Colorado Boulder
Avg Salary$121,440
Tuition From$3,754/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Top 3 ranked: U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical Univer..., Colorado School of Mines

Based on graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $3,754 to $58,032/year

Community College of Aurora offers the most affordable option at $3,754/yr

IPEDS 2023

Degree levels: 1 associate's, 5 master's, 3 doctoral programs available in Colorado

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

3 Colorado programs offer online or hybrid formats

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2023

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

Machine Learning programs available near 31+ cities across Colorado

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$121,440
Is Machine Learning in Colorado Worth It?
Yes. Machine Learning degrees in Colorado deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $121,440 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $20,723/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

8 programs•$121,440 median salary•85% avg grad rate
8
Programs
$121,440
Median Salary
$23,147/yr
Avg Tuition
85%
Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 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 machine learning 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 $23,147/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, 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 machine learning degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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University of Colorado Boulder

Public
Boulder, CO
$13,910
Tuition/yr
87%
Grad Rate
80.6
Score
Website
Visit University of Colorado Boulder
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Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

For-Profit
Colorado Springs, CO
$12,100
Tuition/yr
89%
Grad Rate
75.9
Score
Website
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Colorado School of Mines

Public
Golden, CO
$18,390
Tuition/yr
79%
Grad Rate
71.4
Score
Website
#4

United States Air Force Academy

Public
USAF Academy, CO
$0
Tuition/yr
78.5
Score
Website
#5

University of Denver

Private
Denver, CO
$58,032
Tuition/yr
62.0
Score
Website
#6

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Public
Colorado Springs, CO
$8,738
Tuition/yr
64.1
Score
Website
#7

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Public
Denver, CO
$8,868
Tuition/yr
62.0
Score
Website
#8

Regis University

Private
Denver, CO
$41,990
Tuition/yr
50.6
Score
Website

Complete Machine Learning Degree Program Rankings in Colorado

Best Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

### Program Landscape Colorado offers **1 accredited** associate's degree programs in machine learning, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **Community College of Aurora**, 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 **$3,754/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 machine learning schools in Colorado, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Colorado.

  1. #1. Community College of Aurora

    Hakia ranks Community College of Aurora as the #1 associate's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Aurora, CO has annual tuition of $3,754. Ranking score: 42.9.

Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

### Program Landscape Colorado ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with **8 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **5 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 machine learning 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 **$23,147/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **85%**, 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 machine learning degrees in Colorado, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

  1. #1. University of Colorado Boulder

    Hakia ranks University of Colorado Boulder as the #1 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Boulder, CO has annual tuition of $13,910 and a 87% graduation rate. Ranking score: 80.6.

  2. #2. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

    Hakia ranks Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs as the #2 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This for-profit institution in Colorado Springs, CO has annual tuition of $12,100 and a 89% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.9.

  3. #3. Colorado School of Mines

    Hakia ranks Colorado School of Mines as the #3 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Golden, CO has annual tuition of $18,390 and a 79% graduation rate. Ranking score: 71.4.

  4. #4. United States Air Force Academy

    Hakia ranks United States Air Force Academy as the #4 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in USAF Academy, CO has annual tuition of $0. Ranking score: 78.5.

  5. #5. University of Denver

    Hakia ranks University of Denver as the #5 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This private institution in Denver, CO has annual tuition of $58,032. Ranking score: 62.0.

  6. #6. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Hakia ranks University of Colorado Colorado Springs as the #6 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Colorado Springs, CO has annual tuition of $8,738. Ranking score: 64.1.

  7. #7. Metropolitan State University of Denver

    Hakia ranks Metropolitan State University of Denver as the #7 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Denver, CO has annual tuition of $8,868. Ranking score: 62.0.

  8. #8. Regis University

    Hakia ranks Regis University as the #8 bachelor's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This private institution in Denver, CO has annual tuition of $41,990. Ranking score: 50.6.

Online Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

### Online Program Options 3 Colorado institutions offer bachelor's machine learning degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include **U of Colorado Colorado Sp...**, **Metropolitan State Univer...**, **Regis**, all regionally accredited and recognized by Colorado employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online bachelor's programs average **$19,865/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. Colorado-based employers including Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **120 credit hours** in 4 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online machine learning degrees in Colorado, these accredited machine learning schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • University of Colorado Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs, CO - Tuition: $8,738/year
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver - Denver, CO - Tuition: $8,868/year
  • Regis University - Denver, CO - Tuition: $41,990/year

Best Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

### Program Landscape Colorado offers **5** master's degree programs in machine learning, 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 **$22,234/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

  1. #1. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

    Hakia ranks Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs as the #1 master's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This for-profit institution in Colorado Springs, CO has annual tuition of $12,100 and a 89% graduation rate. Ranking score: 88.2.

  2. #2. University of Colorado Boulder

    Hakia ranks University of Colorado Boulder as the #2 master's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Boulder, CO has annual tuition of $13,910 and a 87% graduation rate. Ranking score: 85.6.

  3. #3. Colorado School of Mines

    Hakia ranks Colorado School of Mines as the #3 master's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Golden, CO has annual tuition of $18,390 and a 79% graduation rate. Ranking score: 74.9.

  4. #4. University of Denver

    Hakia ranks University of Denver as the #4 master's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This private institution in Denver, CO has annual tuition of $58,032. Ranking score: 48.7.

  5. #5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Hakia ranks University of Colorado Colorado Springs as the #5 master's in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Colorado Springs, CO has annual tuition of $8,738. Ranking score: 44.0.

Online Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

### Online Program Options Working professionals can advance their careers through 1 online master's machine learning programs from Colorado universities, designed for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Top-ranked online programs include **U of Colorado Colorado Sp...**, all regionally accredited and recognized by Colorado employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online master's programs average **$8,738/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. Colorado-based employers including Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **30-36 credit hours** in 18-24 months while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online machine learning degrees in Colorado, these accredited machine learning schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

  • University of Colorado Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs, CO - Tuition: $8,738/year

Best Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

### Program Landscape Colorado is home to **3** doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **U of Colorado Boulder**, **Colorado School of Mines**, **U of Denver** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages. ### Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Colorado PhD holders earning a median of **$151,800**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin. ### Costs & Value PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of **$25,000–$40,000** annually. ### Curriculum & Specializations Research strengths across Colorado programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing machine learning degrees in Colorado, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

  1. #1. University of Colorado Boulder

    Hakia ranks University of Colorado Boulder as the #1 doctoral in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Boulder, CO has annual tuition of $13,910 and a 87% graduation rate. Ranking score: 57.8.

  2. #2. Colorado School of Mines

    Hakia ranks Colorado School of Mines as the #2 doctoral in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This public institution in Golden, CO has annual tuition of $18,390 and a 79% graduation rate. Ranking score: 62.5.

  3. #3. University of Denver

    Hakia ranks University of Denver as the #3 doctoral in machine learning degree program in Colorado. This private institution in Denver, CO has annual tuition of $58,032. Ranking score: 46.1.

Machine Learning Tuition in Colorado

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$20,723/year
Average out-of-state tuition$51,808/year
Community college tuition$5,181/year
4-year savings for residents$124,340
2+2 transfer pathway savings$31,084

Source: IPEDS 2023

Machine Learning Financial Aid & Scholarships in Colorado

State Aid Programs

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship provides exceptional support for PhD students pursuing ML research. The fellowship covers three years of tuition plus $37,000 annual stipend—highly competitive but transformative for recipients. CU Boulder's CS PhD program admits approximately 40-60 students annually, many with fellowship support. NSF fellowships are portable, allowing recipients to choose among top programs. Application deadline is typically October for fall enrollment.

Key Programs & Amounts

Colorado state aid supports undergraduate ML preparation: The College Opportunity Fund provides $116/credit hour toward in-state tuition. Colorado Student Grant offers need-based support. Federal Pell Grants cover up to $7,395/year. CU Boulder's College of Engineering administers departmental scholarships for strong CS students. Graduate assistantships at research universities cover tuition plus $25,000-$35,000 annual stipends while providing ML research experience essential for academic or research careers.

Institutional Scholarships

Industry-funded opportunities for ML students: Major tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) fund university scholarships and research fellowships. Defense contractors sponsor students pursuing cleared ML careers. SMART Scholarships from the Department of Defense provide full tuition plus stipends for students willing to work at DoD agencies—particularly relevant for defense ML applications. Companies with Colorado ML operations often provide tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing advanced degrees. Complete FAFSA by March 1 for priority Colorado aid consideration. See affordable ML programs.

Calculate Your Machine Learning Degree ROI in Colorado

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.

Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
$

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+959%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,774,135

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$131,818

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
Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,809,543

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Denver, CO)$145,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return5.1%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. 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

Career Paths

+25%

Design and develop software applications and systems

Median Salary:$137,227
+35%

Analyze complex datasets and build predictive models

Median Salary:$114,154
+32%

Protect computer networks from cyber threats

Median Salary:$127,512
+22%

Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines

Median Salary:$134,798
+28%

Design and maintain cloud computing infrastructure

Median Salary:$131,155
+40%

Build and deploy machine learning models

Median Salary:$153,014
Machine Learning Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Colorado metro areas

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
Denver$134K
Boulder$128K
Colorado Springs$121K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Machine Learning Jobs in Colorado: Top Employers Hiring

Find machine learning jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring machine learning graduates. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Machine Learning Jobs in Denver/Boulder

CO

Denver/Boulder is a growing tech hub with aerospace heritage, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and a thriving startup ecosystem.

Nearby cities: Boulder, Westminster, Broomfield, Englewood, Littleton

Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud
Microsoft
Enterprise Software
Meta
Social/VR/AI
Apple
Consumer Electronics
Oracle
Enterprise Software
Lockheed Martin
Defense/Aerospace
Ball Aerospace
Aerospace
Arrow Electronics
Electronics Distribution
DISH Network
Telecommunications
Palantir
Data Analytics
Guild Education
EdTech
Ibotta
Fintech/Rewards
SendGrid (Twilio)
Communications API

How to Apply to Machine Learning Programs in Colorado

1

Research Program Requirements

Review admission requirements for machine learning programs at your target schools. Requirements vary by institution and degree level.

2

Prepare Application Materials

Gather transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for graduate), letters of recommendation, and personal statement.

3

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines.

4

Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Apply early for priority consideration. Early action/decision deadlines are typically October-November; regular deadlines December-January.

5

Complete Enrollment Steps

Accept your offer, submit enrollment deposit, complete orientation requirements, and register for classes.

Machine Learning Transfer Pathways in Colorado

State Transfer System

Community colleges provide affordable foundations for ML through mathematics and programming coursework. Complete calculus sequence through multivariable, linear algebra, probability/statistics, and programming fundamentals (Python, Java) at Front Range, Arapahoe, or Community College of Denver. These courses transfer to CU Boulder and CSU computer science programs. Machine learning-specific courses typically require university resources (GPU access, specialized software) unavailable at community colleges—plan to complete ML coursework after transfer.

How Transfers Work

Transfer considerations for ML-focused students: CU Boulder Engineering transfers need 3.5+ GPA minimum for competitive consideration; 3.7+ preferred for computer science. Complete all calculus, physics, and programming prerequisites at community college to maximize savings. Linear algebra and statistics are particularly important for ML preparation. The Associate of Science provides the clearest transfer pathway. Build ML portfolio projects during community college using free resources (Google Colab, Kaggle) to demonstrate initiative beyond coursework.

Transfer Planning Tips

Graduate pathways for career changers: Colorado School of Mines Bridge program accepts students with bachelor's degrees in non-CS fields, providing foundational coursework before graduate ML study. This pathway suits professionals from engineering, physics, mathematics, or other quantitative backgrounds seeking ML careers. The one-year bridge program leads directly to the Professional Master's with Applied ML specialization. Combined with work experience, this creates efficient career transition. See affordable ML programs or online degrees.

Why Study Machine Learning in Colorado?

Industry & Workforce

Boulder has emerged as a significant AI/ML hub with Google's Boulder office focusing on machine learning research and product development. AI/ML job postings in Boulder grew 35% since 2023, outpacing most national markets (Built In Colorado). The town hosts emerging quantum computing companies (Atom Computing, ColdQuanta) that integrate ML for quantum system optimization. Boulder's concentration of PhD-level talent—driven by CU Boulder research—creates an ecosystem rivaling established hubs. Machine learning engineers at Google Boulder earn $150,000-$226,000 annually, making it one of Colorado's highest-paying specializations.

Salary Outlook

Colorado's ML applications span unique domains.

Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman) apply machine learning to satellite imagery analysis, signal processing, and autonomous systems. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) uses ML for energy forecasting, grid optimization, and materials discovery. Outdoor recreation companies apply computer vision and sensor fusion for activity tracking. Healthcare AI at UCHealth develops clinical prediction models. This industry diversity provides ML engineers with application variety beyond typical tech hub work.

Regional Tech Hubs

Colorado offers strong academic preparation for ML careers.

CU Boulder's Computer Science department conducts machine learning research across natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and reinforcement learning (CU Boulder ML Research). Colorado School of Mines provides Applied Machine Learning specialization within its Professional Master's program. Colorado State University integrates ML coursework within data science. The state's research connections to federal laboratories (NIST, NCAR, NOAA) provide unique dataset access and collaboration opportunities. Compare programs in California, Washington, or explore our national rankings.

Machine Learning Job Market in Colorado

Employment Outlook

Colorado's ML job market shows robust growth concentrated in Boulder-Denver.

LinkedIn lists 1,500+ machine learning positions statewide, with Boulder hosting the highest-paying roles. Google's Boulder office leads hiring for research scientists and ML engineers. Startups including Atom Computing (quantum-classical ML integration) and established companies like Palantir seek specialized talent. Defense contractors hire cleared ML engineers for satellite imagery, signals intelligence, and autonomous systems applications. The 35% growth in AI/ML postings since 2023 signals accelerating demand.

Salaries by Metro

Salary ranges reflect specialization and experience:

  • Junior ML Engineer: $100,000-$130,000
  • Mid-Level ML Engineer: $130,000-$170,000
  • Senior ML Engineer: $160,000-$200,000
  • Principal/Staff ML Engineer: $180,000-$250,000+
  • Research Scientists: $150,000-$226,000 at companies like Google Boulder commands premium salaries with AI company concentration. Denver offers enterprise ML roles at financial services and tech companies. Colorado Springs provides cleared ML positions at defense contractors with lower living costs. Remote work has expanded options—many Colorado ML engineers work for Bay Area companies while maintaining local residency.

High-Growth Sectors

High-growth ML application areas in Colorado: autonomous systems (aerospace, automotive applications), computer vision (defense, outdoor tech), natural language processing (enterprise applications), energy optimization (NREL partnerships), and healthcare AI (UCHealth, clinical prediction). Quantum-ML integration represents an emerging specialty unique to Boulder's quantum computing cluster. Colorado's aerospace industry increasingly applies ML to satellite operations, predictive maintenance, and mission planning. For related paths, explore data science programs, artificial intelligence degrees, or computer science programs.

Machine Learning Curriculum & Specializations in Colorado

Core Requirements

CU Boulder's ML curriculum covers theoretical foundations and practical implementation. Core courses include Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, and Probabilistic Models. Students work with modern frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX) on research-grade hardware including GPU clusters. Graduate courses explore reinforcement learning, generative models, and specialized applications. Research opportunities exist through faculty labs focusing on robotics, NLP, healthcare AI, and scientific computing. Capstone projects address real-world problems, often in partnership with Colorado companies.

Degree Pathways

Colorado School of Mines Applied ML track emphasizes production-ready skills. The curriculum covers machine learning fundamentals, deep learning architectures, model deployment, and ML operations (MLOps). Students complete applied projects with industry datasets and learn to transition models from research to production. The program's professional focus—designed for working engineers—emphasizes practical skills over theoretical depth. Analytics and Project Management electives complement technical coursework for leadership roles.

Specialization Tracks

Industry certifications complement academic ML training: AWS Machine Learning Specialty, Google Professional ML Engineer, and TensorFlow Developer certifications demonstrate cloud deployment skills. MLflow, Kubeflow, and Weights & Biases proficiency signals production ML capability. Colorado programs increasingly integrate cloud platform training and certification preparation. Defense contractor ML positions may require additional credentials meeting government standards. For specializations, explore artificial intelligence programs, data science degrees, or robotics paths.

Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Colorado

Online Program Growth

Campus programs provide critical advantages for ML careers.

GPU cluster access, faculty mentorship, research collaboration, and peer learning accelerate ML skill development. CU Boulder's ML courses use research-grade computing infrastructure unavailable to online students. Campus networking connects students with Google, NREL, and startup employers through career fairs and faculty connections. For students targeting research careers or top-tier employers, on-campus experience provides significant advantages.

Accredited Online Options

Online programs offer viable pathways for working professionals.

Colorado School of Mines Professional Master's with Applied ML track is fully online, serving engineers adding ML skills while employed. Coursera and fast.ai provide excellent self-study resources. Cloud platforms (AWS SageMaker, Google Colab) eliminate hardware barriers to practical ML learning. Many employers—including major tech companies—accept online credentials when combined with strong portfolios and demonstrated skills. Working professionals often prefer online programs that allow continued employment.

Choosing Your Format

Recommendations by situation and goals:

  • Research/PhD track: Campus program at CU Boulder for faculty access and research experience
  • Industry engineering: Campus preferred but online viable with strong portfolio
  • Career transition: Mines Bridge + Professional MS provides structured pathway
  • Working professionals: Online programs with aggressive portfolio building
  • Self-motivated learners: Fast.ai, Coursera + certifications + Kaggle portfolio ML hiring emphasizes demonstrated skills over credentials—Kaggle rankings, GitHub projects, and technical interviews matter more than program format. Build portfolio regardless of educational pathway. See online ML programs or best value degrees.

Machine Learning by City in Colorado

Boulder

Boulder is Colorado's premier destination for ML careers with Google's AI office, quantum computing companies (Atom Computing, ColdQuanta), and CU Boulder research connections. ML engineers earn $140,000-$200,000 at top employers, with senior roles exceeding $226,000. The town's research culture—driven by NIST, NCAR, and university labs—creates unique scientific ML opportunities. Housing costs are Colorado's highest (median $750,000+), but ML salaries provide strong purchasing power. Many professionals commute from Louisville, Lafayette, or Longmont.

Denver

Denver offers enterprise ML opportunities at larger companies and startups. Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Ibotta, and Guild Education maintain ML teams hiring mid-level to senior engineers at $120,000-$170,000. The city's broader tech ecosystem provides stability and diversity—if one employer contracts, alternatives exist. Housing costs are moderate (median $550,000-$600,000) by tech hub standards. Denver's LoDo and RiNo neighborhoods have become tech centers with modern offices and startup incubators.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs provides cleared ML positions at defense contractors. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris hire engineers for satellite imagery analysis, signals processing, and autonomous systems applications. Salaries run $120,000-$160,000 with clearance requirements—lower than Boulder but exceptional value given housing costs of $400,000-$450,000 median. The growing tech scene benefits from Space Force presence and defense investment. For students targeting national security applications, Colorado Springs offers unique career paths. Compare with California ML jobs or Washington programs.

Compare Online Machine Learning Programs in Colorado

View tuition costs, program formats & enrollment info

Machine Learning Programs by City in Colorado

DenverColorado SpringsAuroraLakewoodBoulderLittletonWestminsterFort CollinsGreeleyPueblo

Find Machine Learning Programs Near You in Colorado

Search by city to find accredited machine learning programs ranked by our state methodology.

Machine Learning Degree Programs by City in Colorado

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Denver, Colorado

As Colorado's tech hub, Denver hosts major ML engineering teams at Amazon Web Services, IBM, and numerous AI startups in the LoDo and RiNo districts, making it the state's primary talent market for machine learning roles. The city's proximity to University of Colorado Boulder's computer science program and the presence of research-focused companies like DataRobot create a dense ecosystem for both employment and continued education in predictive analytics and ML infrastructure.

Denver is located in Arapahoe County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Denver, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 9.1 mi from Denver. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 12.3 mi from Denver. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 48 mi from Denver. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Denver, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 25.1 mi from Denver. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 58.5 mi from Denver. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, in Denver. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Denver, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 25.1 mi from Denver. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, in Denver. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Denver. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Denver, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, in Denver. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 25.1 mi from Denver. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Denver. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Home to Lockheed Martin's extensive aerospace and defense research operations, Colorado Springs offers specialized ML opportunities in computer vision, autonomous systems, and signal processing—domains where defense contractors actively hire ML engineers and data scientists. The city's tech scene remains smaller than Denver, but remote work prevalence and Lockheed's ML-heavy projects make it viable for those seeking defense/aerospace specialization without relocating.

Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 52.5 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 72.6 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 106.6 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 82.8 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 119 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 60.7 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 82.8 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 60.7 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 65.2 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 60.7 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 82.8 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 65.2 mi from Colorado Springs. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Aurora, Colorado

Aurora's proximity to Denver's tech corridor and the presence of major healthcare employers like UCHealth create demand for ML engineers specializing in healthcare analytics, medical imaging, and predictive diagnostics. The city offers lower cost of living than downtown Denver while maintaining access to the same employer networks and University of Colorado's machine learning graduate programs.

Aurora is located in Arapahoe County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Aurora, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 12.4 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 18 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 49 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Aurora, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 32 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 61.9 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 3.2 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Aurora, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 32 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 3.2 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 21.7 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Aurora, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 3.2 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 32 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 21.7 mi from Aurora. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood's location between Denver and the Golden area positions it near both tech startups and Lockheed Martin's operations, with particular strength in companies working on autonomous systems and optimization algorithms. The suburb offers balanced access to urban ML job markets without Denver's housing costs, plus proximity to CU Boulder's research collaborators in the foothills region.

Lakewood is located in Jefferson County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 8.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 12.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 50.7 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 21.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 59 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 21.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 13.8 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 7.1 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Lakewood, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 13.8 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 21.9 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 7.1 mi from Lakewood. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Boulder, Colorado

As home to the University of Colorado Boulder—which operates top-tier machine learning research labs and a highly-ranked computer science PhD program—Boulder is a natural hub for ML researchers and scientists seeking academic collaboration or industry positions tied to university spinouts. The city's concentration of AI/ML-focused startups and deep learning research groups makes it ideal for those prioritizing cutting-edge research over immediate corporate employment.

Boulder is located in Boulder County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Boulder, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 31.3 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 13.8 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 36.3 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Boulder, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, in Boulder. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 38.7 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 28.9 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Boulder, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, in Boulder. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 28.9 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 19.2 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Boulder, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 28.9 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, in Boulder. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 19.2 mi from Boulder. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Littleton, Colorado

Littleton serves as a suburban alternative to Denver for ML professionals seeking lower housing costs while maintaining easy access to the metro area's major employers, including tech companies with ML teams scattered across the Front Range. The town itself lacks major tech concentrations, but its position in Arapahoe County—shared with Aurora and Denver—makes commuting to concentrated ML job markets feasible for remote-flexible roles.

Littleton is located in Arapahoe County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Littleton, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, in Littleton. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 20.5 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 57.5 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Littleton, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 30.3 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 67 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 14.7 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Littleton, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 30.3 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 14.7 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Littleton, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 14.7 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 30.3 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Littleton. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Westminster, Colorado

Westminster's location in the northern Denver metro and proximity to tech corridors in Boulder and Denver makes it accessible for ML engineers, though the city itself functions primarily as a bedroom community rather than an employment hub. Those prioritizing affordability and the ability to work remotely for Denver/Boulder companies will find Westminster practical, but direct local ML job concentration is minimal.

Westminster is located in Adams County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Westminster, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 19.7 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, in Westminster. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 38.6 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Westminster, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 14.6 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 47.2 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 14.8 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Westminster, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 14.6 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 14.8 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Westminster, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 14.8 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 14.6 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 13.8 mi from Westminster. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins hosts Colorado State University's computer science and engineering departments alongside a growing startup ecosystem focused on software and data analytics, creating a smaller but distinct ML talent market outside the Denver shadow. The city's lower cost of living, access to university research programs, and presence of companies like Trimble and Woodward (who employ ML engineers for autonomous systems) make it attractive for those avoiding the Front Range's saturated job markets.

Fort Collins is located in Larimer County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Fort Collins, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 66 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 45.7 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 19.6 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Fort Collins, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 39.5 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, in Fort Collins. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 57.8 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Fort Collins, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 39.5 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 57.8 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 56.5 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Fort Collins, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 57.8 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 39.5 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 56.5 mi from Fort Collins. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Greeley, Colorado

Greeley is a small city with minimal local ML employment or research infrastructure; those seeking machine learning careers should treat it as a remote-work location with access to Denver and Boulder opportunities via the 1-25 corridor rather than a destination for direct ML roles. The University of Northern Colorado offers general computer science but lacks specialized machine learning graduate programs found at CU Boulder.

Greeley is located in Weld County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Greeley, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 58.1 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 39.4 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, in Greeley. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Greeley, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 40.6 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 22.1 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 46.8 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Greeley, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 40.6 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 46.8 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 53.2 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Greeley, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 46.8 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 40.6 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 53.2 mi from Greeley. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Pueblo, Colorado

Pueblo is Colorado's most distant major city from the state's ML job concentrations, with no substantial tech employer base or university research programs in machine learning; it functions primarily as a remote-work location for those established in ML careers. Aspiring ML professionals in Pueblo would need to either relocate to the Front Range or pursue fully remote positions with out-of-state companies, as local economic development remains focused on manufacturing and public service rather than AI/tech.

Pueblo is located in Pueblo County, Colorado.

Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Pueblo, Colorado
  1. Arapahoe Community College (Public) — State #1, 94 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $3,940/year. Graduation rate: 78%.
  2. Front Range Community College (Public) — State #2, 114 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $3,940/year.
  3. Aims Community College (Public) — State #3, 147 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $2,928/year. Graduation rate: 97%.
Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Pueblo, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 124.3 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. Colorado State University-Fort Collins (Public) — State #2, 160.2 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $10,299/year. Graduation rate: 93%.
  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #3, 101.6 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Pueblo, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #1, 124.3 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  2. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #2, 101.6 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 106.6 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.
Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs Near Pueblo, Colorado
  1. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (Public) — State #1, 101.6 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $9,096/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
  2. University of Colorado Boulder (Public) — State #2, 124.3 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $13,910/year. Graduation rate: 87%.
  3. Colorado School of Mines (Public) — State #3, 106.6 mi from Pueblo. Tuition: $18,390/year. Graduation rate: 79%.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those in Colorado considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.

Who Bootcamps Are Best For

  • Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
  • Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
  • Self-taught developers seeking structured training
  • Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline

What People Love

Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming

  • ML/AI skills command premium salaries in the market
  • Hands-on projects with real ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
  • Industry moving toward applied ML—practical skills valued
  • Mentors often work at top AI companies
  • GenAI boom has created new categories of ML roles

Common Concerns

Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals

  • Serious ML roles typically require advanced degrees (MS/PhD)
  • Math foundations (linear algebra, calculus, stats) may be rushed
  • ML engineer roles are highly competitive
  • Bootcamp may prepare you for 'ML-adjacent' not core ML work
  • Need strong software engineering skills on top of ML knowledge
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Top Ranked Machine Learning Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California54$11,834University of California-Berkeley
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Texas31$32,900Texas A & M University-College Station
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in New York44$21,236Cornell University
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Florida20$32,800Full Sail University
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Washington16$37,965University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Massachusetts35$47,636University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Illinois38$35,740University of Illinois Chicago
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Georgia12$9,790Georgia State University

Machine Learning in Colorado: FAQ

How We Rank Machine Learning Degree Programs

Based on 50 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 50 machine learning degree programs in Colorado using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for machine learning graduates. Colorado median salary of $121,440 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2023 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

Colorado salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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Taylor Rupe

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.

Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado — Detailed School Profiles

Best Associate's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

Community College of Aurora — Aurora, CO

Key Distinction: CCA's Computer Science AAS uniquely combines direct workforce preparation with complete transfer readiness, allowing students to enter high-growth fields like AI and machine learning or seamlessly continue to four-year institutions.

Hakia Insight: CCA's AAS structure lets you graduate job-ready in two years with direct employer connections across Colorado's growing AI footprint, then articulate seamlessly to a four-year program if you choose—a genuine on-ramp that community colleges rarely execute this cleanly.

At the associate's level, the Community College of Aurora offers a Computer Science Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree that provides comprehensive foundational coursework in computer science, mathematics, and science. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for direct workforce entry while also fulfilling requirements for transfer to four-year computer science programs. Career pathways include data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning - all areas predicted for significant job growth. The program emphasizes practical skills for positions in data science, machine learning, software engineering, and application development across various business sizes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow much faster than average from 2022 to 2032, with wages well above median for all occupations.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Machine Learning — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Machine Learning — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Innovation Lab
Industry Partners
  • Colorado Youth for a Change (nonprofit)
  • City of Commerce City (government)
  • Transwest Truck Trailer and RV (corporate)
  • Wagner Equipment Company (corporate)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Susan Young — STEM education
Admissions

Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.

Requirements:

Location Advantages: Part of Colorado Community College SystemMultiple campus locations including Aurora CentreTech Campus with modern CAST facilityStrategic location in Colorado's growing tech corridor

Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder — Boulder, CO

Key Distinction: Mandatory year-long senior capstone project with three options: Software Design Project with industry/research/faculty sponsors, Entrepreneurial Capstone to launch technical business, or Senior Thesis for original research. Nine specialization tracks available to focus coursework on areas of interest

Hakia Insight: CU Boulder's mandatory capstone offers a rarely flexible fork in the road—students can simultaneously earn equity in a startup, publish original research, or land a job before graduation, a choice most programs force until after enrollment.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at CU Boulder emphasizes an engineering approach to computing, covering circuits and architecture through large-scale software systems. The program requires a year-long senior capstone project where students work on real-world software engineering projects with industry, research, or faculty sponsors, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures or original research theses. Students gain a stronger mathematical foundation than the BA track and can specialize in nine areas including Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, which focuses on data science, probabilistic reasoning, and machine learning algorithms used by companies like Netflix, Facebook, and Google. The curriculum integrates theoretical and practical aspects of computing, preparing graduates for roles in tech companies, research institutions, and startups. Career outcomes emphasize high demand in emerging fields like machine learning and data science.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Google.

Location Advantages:

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs — Colorado Springs, CO

Key Distinction: CTU delivers machine learning credentials optimized for professional advancement through accelerated, competency-based online learning with embedded career outcomes focus.

Hakia Insight: CTU's defense contractor proximity (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman) isn't just networking—competency-based credentialing means graduates can demonstrate clearance-ready skills immediately, collapsing the typical 6-month hiring lag in defense roles.

At the bachelor's level, colorado Technical University's machine learning programs are architected explicitly for career-switchers and working professionals, offering accelerated, competency-based pathways that compress graduate study into 18–24 months while maintaining technical rigor. The online-first delivery model (with optional on-campus components at the Colorado Springs campus) enables students to maintain employment while building machine learning expertise, with cohort-based learning and asynchronous flexibility balancing interactive feedback. The curriculum emphasizes immediately deployable skills: Python and R programming, TensorFlow and scikit-learn libraries, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and practical machine learning operations (MLOps). CTU's career services integrate with employer advisory boards in aerospace, defense contracting, and IT services—major employers in the Colorado Springs region—creating direct job placement pipelines for graduates. Industry projects embedded throughout the program ensure students build portfolios with real datasets and production-scale problems. Graduates often transition into machine learning engineer, data scientist, and analytics roles at mid-to-senior levels, given the program's target demographic of professionals with prior technical experience.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Machine Learning — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
  • U.S. Department of Defense (government)
  • Lockheed Martin (corporate)
  • Northrop Grumman (corporate)

Location Advantages: Proximity to U.S. Space Force Academy, major defense contractors, and aerospace sector employers

Colorado School of Mines — Golden, CO

Hakia Insight: Mines' online-first architecture for undergraduates is unusual; engineering students across North America can complete a machine learning degree without relocating, while still accessing the school's reputation with energy and aerospace employers.

At the bachelor's level, colorado School of Mines offers a fully online Professional Master's in Computer Science that empowers working professionals to advance their careers with cutting-edge expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, and software technologies. The program is delivered by a top-tier institution known for its industry-focused education and designed for flexibility with specialized tracks.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Machine Learning — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: technology companies, engineering companies, financial companies.

Location Advantages:

United States Air Force Academy — USAF Academy, CO

Key Distinction: The Air Force Academy uniquely prepares officers in machine learning with explicit focus on national defense applications, ethical AI deployment, and integration across cyber, space, and autonomous systems missions.

Hakia Insight: The Air Force Academy's integration of AFRL partnership means undergraduates work on active national defense research—not case studies—giving cadets publication records and security clearance pathways before commissioning.

At the bachelor's level, the U.S. Air Force Academy integrates machine learning education into its computer science curriculum and elective offerings as part of preparing commissioned officers for careers spanning cyber operations, intelligence, space systems, and acquisition—domains increasingly dependent on AI and autonomous systems. Rather than a standalone machine learning degree, the Academy embeds ML coursework (supervised learning, neural networks, optimization algorithms) within required and elective computer science classes, ensuring all cadets achieve foundational literacy while allowing specialization for those pursuing tech-focused careers. Academy faculty include active researchers and practitioners with expertise in AI applications relevant to Air Force mission areas: autonomous vehicles, adversarial machine learning, sensor data fusion, and cybersecurity. Cadets engage with cutting-edge problems through capstone projects, directed studies, and partnerships with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) facilities nearby in Colorado Springs. The program's defining characteristic is its explicit alignment with national defense applications and the dual emphasis on technical excellence and ethical leadership in deploying powerful AI systems. Graduates enter Air Force service in roles from cyber operations to space systems engineering, with those pursuing technical tracks leveraging machine learning expertise in intelligence analysis, autonomous systems development, and emerging domains like hypersonic systems and space situational awareness.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Machine Learning — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Industry Partners
  • Air Force Research Laboratory (government)
  • Space Force Space Systems Command (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET

Location Advantages: On-campus partnership with Air Force Research Laboratory; proximity to U.S. Space Force Space Operations Center; direct access to national defense research and applications

University of Denver — Denver, CO

Key Distinction: University of Denver's machine learning pathway uniquely combines rigorous academic research culture with Denver's expanding tech ecosystem, enabling students to engage with faculty-led AI research while accessing major tech sector recruiting.

Hakia Insight: Denver's dual research labs (Human-Centered Computing + Data Mining) signal an uncommon bet: the program trains students for both AI systems *and* the human factors that determine whether those systems get adopted—a skillset that separates researchers from practitioners.

At the bachelor's level, machine learning at Denver represents a research-informed approach rooted in the university's computer science department's active contributions to AI systems, human-computer interaction, and applied data science. The graduate programs (Master's in Computer Science with ML specialization, and standalone MS in Data Science) are designed for both traditional recent graduates and career-transition professionals, with thesis and non-thesis tracks accommodating diverse goals. Core curriculum covers statistical learning, deep neural networks, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing, supplemented by electives in computer vision, recommendation systems, and ethical AI—reflecting faculty research interests and emerging industry demand. Faculty maintain active research groups exploring adversarial robustness, explainable AI, and data mining, creating thesis opportunities and collaborative projects for engaged students. Denver's location in a growing tech hub with proximity to companies like Google, Amazon, and numerous AI startups provides internship pathways and recruiting presence. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical implementation, preparing graduates for roles ranging from machine learning research scientists to production-focused ML engineers in tech, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Machine Learning — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Human-Centered Computing Lab
  • Data Mining and Analytics Group
Industry Partners
  • Google (corporate)
  • Amazon (corporate)
  • Ball Aerospace (corporate)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Notable Faculty
  • John Black — Machine learning and data mining
  • Darren Gergle — Human-centered AI and human-computer interaction
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accreditation in computer science programs

Location Advantages: Denver tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon offices; access to Colorado's growing AI/data science startup ecosystem; nearby aerospace and defense contractors

University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Colorado Springs, CO

Key Distinction: ABET-accredited program. Multiple delivery formats (on-campus, online, hybrid)

Hakia Insight: UCCS's 2.0 GPA floor and three specialized labs (LINC, VAST, QAS) create an accessible on-ramp to active research that selective programs gate behind 3.8+ records—working students in Colorado Springs can publish before peers at elite schools finish prerequisites.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at UCCS is an ABET-accredited, 120-credit program designed to prepare graduates for immediate professional employment. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical experience in hardware and software, organized around core competency areas (43 credits) including programming, architecture, software engineering, and algorithms, plus a 12-credit specialty track. Students choose from five specialization tracks: Advanced Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Systems and Networking, Cybersecurity, or General Computer Science. The program emphasizes problem-solving, team collaboration, and professional communication through coursework in ethics, security, and technical writing. Graduates are prepared for careers in technical development, project management, and technical sales across all branches of computer science.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Language Information and Computation (LINC) Lab
  • Vision and Security Technology (VAST) Lab
  • Dr. Moin's QAS Lab
  • Distributed, Sustainable, and Cloud Computing Systems (DISCO) Lab
Notable Faculty
  • Terrance Boult — Computer vision and machine learning
  • Jugal Kalita — Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing
  • Armin Moin — Machine learning and quantum computing
  • Adham Atyabi — Machine learning, cloud computing, and high performance computing
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.00.

Requirements: Minimum 120 credit hours with cumulative CU GPA of 2.0, At least 45 upper division hours (3000+ level courses), Grade of C or higher in all CS and GDD courses, Minimum 2.0 GPA in all CS and GDD coursework, Completion of Exit Interview with Computer Science department in final semester, Last 30 hours completed while registered at UCCS College of Engineering and Applied Science

Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET Accredited - Computing Accreditation Commission

Location Advantages: Colorado Springs locationAccess to local industry for evening courses

Metropolitan State University of Denver — Denver, CO

Key Distinction: MSU Denver's DSML program uniquely combines computer science and mathematics departments to deliver an interdisciplinary approach to data science education. The program offers both formal degree pathways and flexible professional development courses for career advancement.

Hakia Insight: MSU Denver's cross-departmental DSML model (computer science + mathematics) is deliberately lighter on systems theory than typical CS programs, making it the rare bachelor's that front-loads applied statistical reasoning—ideal for data-first career pivots.

Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a comprehensive Data Science and Machine Learning Bachelor's degree program designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills in machine learning, data science, and statistics. The program is hosted in the Department of Computer Science within the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design, with courses offered by both the Computer Science and Mathematics departments. Students develop robust understanding of algorithms, data analysis, and predictive modeling, preparing them for diverse career paths in rapidly evolving fields. The curriculum enables graduates to deploy machine learning-based software systems and transform data into actionable insights. Additionally, MSU Denver provides professional development through self-paced online Python and Machine Learning courses that can be completed in eight weeks or less, offering flexible learning opportunities for working professionals.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Machine Learning — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Denver metropolitan area technology hubAccess to Colorado's growing tech industry

Regis University — Denver, CO

Key Distinction: Regis University's machine learning programs uniquely emphasize ethical and socially responsible AI practice rooted in Jesuit values, addressing critical issues like bias, privacy, and fairness while providing both technical expertise and practical application through project-based learning.

Hakia Insight: Regis's explicit ethics-by-design curriculum and $10,200 merit scholarships mean students graduate with both technical credentials and documented bias-auditing skills—increasingly table-stakes for roles at Google, Amazon, and healthcare AI teams.

At the bachelor's level, regis University offers comprehensive machine learning education through multiple pathways including an M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence, M.S. in Data Science, and Graduate Certificate in Data Science. The Applied AI program emphasizes ethical and socially responsible AI practice consistent with Jesuit values, preparing students to build technical expertise in AI, machine learning, and data analysis while connecting technology with organizational strategy, ethics, and governance. The Data Science program covers both analytics and engineering with deep understanding of predictive analytics, statistics, data visualization, and data engineering. Students engage in project-based learning, practicums, and build impressive portfolios demonstrating expertise. Classes are offered in flexible 8-week terms primarily online, with hybrid options available. The programs prepare graduates for rapidly growing AI-related careers projected to grow 40% by 2030.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Machine Learning — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $126,830.

Location Advantages: Merit scholarships up to $10,200 availableFlexible 8-week terms to fit busy schedules

Best Master's Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs — Colorado Springs, CO

Key Distinction: CTU delivers machine learning credentials optimized for professional advancement through accelerated, competency-based online learning with embedded career outcomes focus.

Hakia Insight: CTU's master's cohorts are intentionally defense-sector dense; the combination of DoD partnerships and competency-based pacing means sponsored employees finish degrees 4-6 months faster than traditional programs while maintaining employer relevance.

At the master's level, colorado Technical University's machine learning programs are architected explicitly for career-switchers and working professionals, offering accelerated, competency-based pathways that compress graduate study into 18–24 months while maintaining technical rigor. The online-first delivery model (with optional on-campus components at the Colorado Springs campus) enables students to maintain employment while building machine learning expertise, with cohort-based learning and asynchronous flexibility balancing interactive feedback. The curriculum emphasizes immediately deployable skills: Python and R programming, TensorFlow and scikit-learn libraries, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and practical machine learning operations (MLOps). CTU's career services integrate with employer advisory boards in aerospace, defense contracting, and IT services—major employers in the Colorado Springs region—creating direct job placement pipelines for graduates. Industry projects embedded throughout the program ensure students build portfolios with real datasets and production-scale problems. Graduates often transition into machine learning engineer, data scientist, and analytics roles at mid-to-senior levels, given the program's target demographic of professionals with prior technical experience.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Machine Learning — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Machine Learning — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • U.S. Department of Defense (government)
  • Lockheed Martin (corporate)
  • Northrop Grumman (corporate)

Location Advantages: Proximity to U.S. Space Force Academy, major defense contractors, and aerospace sector employers

University of Colorado Boulder — Boulder, CO

Key Distinction: Available on-campus at CU Boulder and online via Coursera option for working professionals. Program launching fall 2026

Hakia Insight: CU Boulder's Professional Master's launching fall 2026 with dual on-campus *and* Coursera delivery is a structural bet that AI leadership credentials must be accessible to engineers already embedded in industry—expect cohorts mixing Google engineers with startup founders.

The Professional Master's in Artificial Intelligence at CU Boulder prepares engineers and technical professionals for career advancement into advanced technical leadership roles in AI engineering. The 30-credit program launches fall 2026 and offers both on-campus and online (Coursera) formats to accommodate working professionals. Students complete two Foundations of AI courses, two AI Core courses (such as Machine Learning, Probabilistic Models, or Computer Vision), and nine credits of electives across AI sub-disciplines like Neural Networks, NLP, and Recommender Systems. The curriculum includes required coursework in ethics and interdisciplinary topics beyond computer science, enabling professionals to advance into senior technical and leadership positions. The program must be completed within four years, supporting part-time study for mid-career professionals.

Programs Offered
  • Professional Master's in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS

Location Advantages:

Colorado School of Mines — Golden, CO

Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis project vs. non-thesis coursework track options. Fully online and in-person delivery formats for working professionals

Hakia Insight: Mines' three-track flexibility (thesis, capstone, coursework-only) paired with online delivery lets engineers in resource-extraction and aerospace roles customize completion speed without sacrificing rigor—a design most research-first programs avoid.

Colorado School of Mines' Master of Science in Computer Science with a Machine Learning focus prepares working professionals for advanced careers in industry and government. The program offers flexible thesis, non-thesis project, and non-thesis coursework tracks to accommodate career goals and schedules. Students can pursue the degree fully online or in-person, with part-time options available. The MS in Data Science (which includes machine learning coursework) follows a 3×3+1 design: three modules covering data modeling/statistical learning, machine learning/data processing/algorithms, and parallel computation, plus professional development courses. Graduate assistantships are available. CS MS graduates achieved 97% positive outcomes in 2022-23 with an average salary of $103,348, representing significant advancement over bachelor's-level positions. The program includes embedded professional development and direct industry connections through Mines Career Day, which attracts 600 employers annually.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Computer Science (Machine Learning focus) — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Location Advantages:

University of Denver — Denver, CO

Key Distinction: University of Denver's machine learning pathway uniquely combines rigorous academic research culture with Denver's expanding tech ecosystem, enabling students to engage with faculty-led AI research while accessing major tech sector recruiting.

Hakia Insight: Denver's faculty (Black, Gergle) explicitly span machine learning *and* human-centered AI, signaling that the master's trains students for roles that require both; Google and Amazon's hiring in Denver specifically targets this intersection.

Machine learning at Denver represents a research-informed approach rooted in the university's computer science department's active contributions to AI systems, human-computer interaction, and applied data science. The graduate programs (Master's in Computer Science with ML specialization, and standalone MS in Data Science) are designed for both traditional recent graduates and career-transition professionals, with thesis and non-thesis tracks accommodating diverse goals. Core curriculum covers statistical learning, deep neural networks, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing, supplemented by electives in computer vision, recommendation systems, and ethical AI—reflecting faculty research interests and emerging industry demand. Faculty maintain active research groups exploring adversarial robustness, explainable AI, and data mining, creating thesis opportunities and collaborative projects for engaged students. Denver's location in a growing tech hub with proximity to companies like Google, Amazon, and numerous AI startups provides internship pathways and recruiting presence. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical implementation, preparing graduates for roles ranging from machine learning research scientists to production-focused ML engineers in tech, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Machine Learning — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Machine Learning — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Human-Centered Computing Lab
  • Data Mining and Analytics Group
Industry Partners
  • Google (corporate)
  • Amazon (corporate)
  • Ball Aerospace (corporate)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Notable Faculty
  • John Black — Machine learning and data mining
  • Darren Gergle — Human-centered AI and human-computer interaction
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accreditation in computer science programs

Location Advantages: Denver tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon offices; access to Colorado's growing AI/data science startup ecosystem; nearby aerospace and defense contractors

University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Colorado Springs, CO

Key Distinction: UCCS uniquely integrates machine learning education across multiple degree pathways, combining AI/ML specialization with data analytics and systems engineering through hands-on research in specialized labs.

Hakia Insight: UCCS's 2.0 entry threshold for a master's program with three active research labs means mid-career professionals from Colorado Springs defense contractors can access publication pipelines comparable to top-tier schools—unusual democratization.

At the master's level, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers comprehensive machine learning education through multiple pathways, including a specialized track in the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program focused on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing algorithm design, data analytics, and computing solutions. Students gain expertise in machine learning through courses integrated with data mining, computational algorithms, and systems engineering. The program is housed within the ABET-accredited College of Engineering and Applied Science, featuring research opportunities through specialized labs including the Language Information and Computation (LINC) Lab and Vision and Security Technology (VAST) Lab. The curriculum balances software design, development, and computing applications while providing flexibility through specialized tracks and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Machine Learning — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Machine Learning — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Language Information and Computation (LINC) Lab
  • Vision and Security Technology (VAST) Lab
  • Dr. Moin's QAS Lab
  • Distributed, Sustainable, and Cloud Computing Systems (DISCO) Lab
Notable Faculty
  • Terrance Boult — Computer vision and machine learning
  • Jugal Kalita — Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing
  • Armin Moin — Machine learning and quantum computing
  • Adham Atyabi — Machine learning, cloud computing, and high performance computing
Admissions

GPA Requirement: 2.00.

Requirements: Grade of C or better required for all Computer Science courses

Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET Accredited - Computing Accreditation Commission

Location Advantages: Colorado Springs locationAccess to local industry for evening courses

Best Doctoral Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder — Boulder, CO

Hakia Insight: CU Boulder's doctoral pipeline from BS through PhD in ML positions undergraduates to lock in advisor relationships and research direction years early—compressing the typical PhD-completion timeline by 1-2 years.

At the doctoral level, CU Boulder offers both BS in Computer Science with AI/ML specialization and MS in Data Science programs that are STEM-designated and provide interdisciplinary training with faculty from Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, and Information Science. The programs emphasize hands-on learning through required capstone projects and offer flexible learning formats including fully online options.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Machine Learning — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Machine Learning — 4-6 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: leading tech companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, research labs, startups.

Location Advantages:

Colorado School of Mines — Golden, CO

Hakia Insight: Mines' online doctoral option in ML reflects an unconventional belief: that distributed, part-time PhD research in engineering-adjacent fields (energy systems, materials ML) can yield dissertation quality on par with residential models—a testable thesis in 2026.

At the doctoral level, colorado School of Mines offers a fully online Professional Master's in Computer Science that empowers working professionals to advance their careers with cutting-edge expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, and software technologies. The program is delivered by a top-tier institution known for its industry-focused education and designed for flexibility with specialized tracks.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Machine Learning — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Machine Learning — 4-6 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: technology companies, engineering companies, financial companies.

Location Advantages:

University of Denver — Denver, CO

Key Distinction: University of Denver's machine learning pathway uniquely combines rigorous academic research culture with Denver's expanding tech ecosystem, enabling students to engage with faculty-led AI research while accessing major tech sector recruiting.

Hakia Insight: Denver's doctoral program gains unusual leverage from its dual-lab structure: the Human-Centered Computing Lab and Data Mining Analytics Group create a rare bridge between AI systems research and human-centered design, positioning graduates for leadership roles in responsible AI—a skillset Google and Amazon increasingly prioritize over pure algorithmic expertise.

At the doctoral level, machine learning at Denver represents a research-informed approach rooted in the university's computer science department's active contributions to AI systems, human-computer interaction, and applied data science. The graduate programs (Master's in Computer Science with ML specialization, and standalone MS in Data Science) are designed for both traditional recent graduates and career-transition professionals, with thesis and non-thesis tracks accommodating diverse goals. Core curriculum covers statistical learning, deep neural networks, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing, supplemented by electives in computer vision, recommendation systems, and ethical AI—reflecting faculty research interests and emerging industry demand. Faculty maintain active research groups exploring adversarial robustness, explainable AI, and data mining, creating thesis opportunities and collaborative projects for engaged students. Denver's location in a growing tech hub with proximity to companies like Google, Amazon, and numerous AI startups provides internship pathways and recruiting presence. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical implementation, preparing graduates for roles ranging from machine learning research scientists to production-focused ML engineers in tech, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Machine Learning — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Machine Learning — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Human-Centered Computing Lab
  • Data Mining and Analytics Group
Industry Partners
  • Google (corporate)
  • Amazon (corporate)
  • Ball Aerospace (corporate)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Notable Faculty
  • John Black — Machine learning and data mining
  • Darren Gergle — Human-centered AI and human-computer interaction
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accreditation in computer science programs

Location Advantages: Denver tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon offices; access to Colorado's growing AI/data science startup ecosystem; nearby aerospace and defense contractors