Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Colorado 2025
University of Colorado Boulder
483 Software Engineering graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
214 Software Engineering graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Colorado School of Mines
222 Software Engineering graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Colorado has 25+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs across public universities and private colleges
- 2.Colorado School of Mines ranks #1 in the state with 89% graduation rate and elite engineering reputation
- 3.In-state students pay $13,394-$21,186 annually at top public programs - significantly lower than national averages
- 4.Colorado software developers earn median $126,480 annually - 16% above the national median ($109,020)
- 5.Denver-Boulder metro area provides 45,000+ software developer jobs with companies like Arrow Electronics, Ball Aerospace, and emerging startups
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Colorado
Colorado offers excellent software engineering education opportunities through its strong public university system and growing tech ecosystem. The state's programs combine traditional computer science foundations with modern software development practices, preparing students for careers in both established companies and Colorado's vibrant startup scene.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable software engineering programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Colorado-specific compensation data and job market insights.
Colorado's tech industry has grown significantly, with Denver ranking among the top 10 tech cities in the US. The state offers unique advantages including no state income tax on military retirement pay, lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs, and access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | Public | $13,910 | 87% | — | 80.6 |
| 2 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | For-Profit | $12,100 | 89% | — | 75.9 |
| 3 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | Public | $18,390 | 79% | — | 71.4 |
| 4 | United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | Public | $0 | — | — | 60.2 |
| 5 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO | Public | $10,299 | 93% | — | 50 |
| 6 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | Public | $8,738 | — | — | 48.1 |
| 7 | University of Denver | Denver, CO | Private | $58,032 | — | — | 47.3 |
| 8 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver, CO | Public | $8,868 | — | — | 44.2 |
| 9 | Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | Public | $7,560 | 87% | — | 43.3 |
| 10 | Regis University | Denver, CO | Private | $41,990 | — | — | 40.9 |
| 11 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | Public | $8,784 | — | — | 37 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Colorado: Side-by-Side
| School | CU Boulder | Colorado School of Mines | Colorado Technical... | United States Air Force... | U of Denver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,910 | $18,390 | $12,100 | $0 | $58,032 |
| Graduation Rate | 87% | 79% | 89% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 483 | 222 | 114 | 75 | 60 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% | 60% | N/A | 14% | 71% |
| Type | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public | Private |
| Score | 80.6/100 | 71.4/100 | 69.3/100 | 63.2/100 | 49.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Colorado
Colorado offers 11 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, Colorado School of Mines. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $85,008 in the Colorado market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 CU Boulder | $13,910 | 87% | 483 | 80.6 |
| #2 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | 89% | 214 | 75.9 |
| #3 Colorado School of Mines | $18,390 | 79% | 222 | 71.4 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Colorado
For graduate study, Colorado offers 6 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Colorado reaching $157,872 or more.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Colorado
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Colorado Technical... | $12,100 | 89% | 114 | 69.3 |
| #2 CU Boulder | $13,910 | 87% | 162 | 80.6 |
| #3 Colorado School of Mines | $18,390 | 79% | 68 | 70.3 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Colorado
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Colorado are at Fort Lewis College ($7,560/year), University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($8,738/year), University of Northern Colorado ($8,784/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Colorado's competitive tech salaries.
At Fort Lewis College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,240 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $85,008, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Colorado (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Fort Lewis College | $7,560 | $30,240 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 U of Colorado Colorado... | $8,738 | $34,952 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Northern Colorado | $8,784 | $35,136 | 0.7 years | Public |
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,910 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 483 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 80.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 483 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 80.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (483 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers a personalized education with a broad range of focus areas including Software Engineering, year-long capstone projects for hands-on experience, and flexible degree options including accelerated master's programs and online post-baccalaureate degrees.
Admission Prerequisites
- •At least three semesters of mathematics at the level of sophistication of calculus or above
- •At least four one-semester courses in computer science that are beyond the introductory level
- •CSCI 2400 (Computer Systems)
- •CSCI 3155 (Principles of Programming Languages) or CSCI 3753 (Operating Systems)
- •CSCI 2270 (Computer Science 2: Data Structures)
- •CSCI 3104 (Algorithms) or CSCI 3434 (Theory of Computation)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 91% employed with 6 months of graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,390 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 222 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 222 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (222 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Computer Science is the fastest growing department at Mines with extensive undergraduate research opportunities and a unique C-MAPP industrial partnership program that provides scholarships and industry engagement. The program offers bridge programs to fast-track master's degrees and is accessible to students regardless of prior programming experience.
Available Scholarships
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 92% Bachelor's Grads
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 114 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 69.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 114 software engineering graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 69.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (114 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 14%
- • Ranking Score: 63.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 75 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (75 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (14% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The U.S. Air Force Academy offers a unique integration of rigorous academics with military training, character development, and competitive athletics in small class sizes with an open-door policy that fosters collaboration between faculty and cadets. All cadets complete a comprehensive core curriculum across diverse academic disciplines while engaging in hands-on, real-world research opportunities that prepare them for commissioned service in the Air Force or Space Force.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Four years of English (with a college preparatory class in writing)
- •Four years of math
- •Strong background in geometry, algebra, trigonometry and precalculus
- •Four years of science
- •Lab-based and should include biology, chemistry and physics
- •Three years of social studies (to include a course in U.S. history)
- •Two years of a modern foreign language
- •One year of computer study
University of Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,032 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 60 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 49.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 60 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (60 graduates), state salary outcomes ($121,440), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, websites, and software systems for Colorado tech companies
Web Developer
Create and maintain websites and web applications for Colorado businesses
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions in Colorado's growing data economy
Manage deployment pipelines and cloud infrastructure for Colorado tech companies
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital assets for Colorado's aerospace, defense, and tech industries
Colorado University Systems and Programs
Colorado's higher education landscape includes several distinct systems serving different student populations and career goals.
University of Colorado System operates four campuses with varying strengths. CU Boulder leads in research and computer science, offering the most comprehensive program in the state with opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software systems. CU Denver serves working professionals and non-traditional students in the metro area, while CU Colorado Springs provides access to the growing tech sector in the Pikes Peak region.
Colorado State University System includes CSU Fort Collins, the flagship with strong engineering programs, and CSU Pueblo, which offers more affordable options for students seeking practical, career-focused education in software development.
Colorado School of Mines stands apart as a specialized engineering institution with exceptional reputation and outcomes. While smaller, it consistently produces graduates who command high starting salaries and land positions at top technology companies.
Students should also consider bootcamp alternatives for faster entry into the workforce, or explore cloud certifications to supplement their degree with in-demand skills.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Colorado
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to growing tech industry in Denver-Boulder corridor
- Lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Outdoor recreation opportunities alongside tech career
- Strong public university options with affordable in-state tuition
- Growing startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship opportunities
- Access to aerospace and defense tech industries
- Larger tech job markets (California, Texas, New York)
- More prestigious computer science programs
- Higher concentration of tech companies and networking
- More specialized programs in emerging tech fields
- International business opportunities
- Access to venture capital and investment communities
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado SE Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific software engineering salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Software Engineering Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.