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Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: U of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical Univer..., Colorado School of Mines
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,754 to $58,032/year
Community College of Aurora offers the most affordable option at $3,754/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 1 associate's, 5 master's, 3 doctoral in Colorado
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online machine learning degree programs in Colorado
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Colorado community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Arrow Electronics, IHS Markit, Lockheed Martin, Ping Identity
Tech hubs in Denver and Boulder
Hakia Research 2026
Machine Learning degree programs near 31+ cities across Colorado
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Colorado Machine Learning programs
We rank 17 accredited machine learning programs in Colorado using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Colorado
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Colorado by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning 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.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning 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.
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | Public | $8,738 | — | 64.1 |
| #7 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | Public | $8,868 | — | 62.0 |
| #8 | Regis University | Denver, CO | Private | $41,990 | — | 50.6 |
Best Master's Machine Learning 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.
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Best Doctoral Machine Learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Colorado
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students 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 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 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, 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
+959%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,774,135
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Machine Learning Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Colorado metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Denver | $134K |
| Boulder | $128K |
| Colorado Springs | $121K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Machine Learning Graduates in Colorado
Find machine learning jobs in Colorado. These major employers across Colorado metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Denver/Boulder
CODenver/Boulder is a growing tech hub with aerospace heritage, outdoor lifestyle appeal, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Boulder, Westminster, Broomfield, Englewood, Littleton
Transfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees 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 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 Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Colorado?
Industry & Workforce
Boulder is 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.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Colorado
Employment Outlook
Colorado's ML job market shows strong 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.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Colorado
Online Programs
3 available in Colorado
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,200
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Colorado: FAQ
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Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Colorado salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.