Top 3 Web Development Programs in Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder
Strong industry partnerships with Denver tech companies and comprehensive full-stack curriculum
Colorado State University
Excellent value with modern web technologies and active student developer community
University of Denver
Small class sizes and direct access to Denver's thriving tech ecosystem
- 1.Web developers in Colorado earn an average starting salary of $72,500, 18% above the national average
- 2.The state has 23% projected job growth for web developers through 2032, nearly double the national average
- 3.Colorado's 12 web development programs offer strong industry connections with companies like Palantir, SendGrid, and Guild Education
- 4.In-state tuition at public universities averages $32,500, while private institutions average $52,800
- 5.Denver ranks as the 8th best city for software developers according to recent industry surveys
Colorado Web Development Job Market Overview
Colorado has emerged as a major technology hub, with Denver ranking among the top 10 cities for software developers nationwide. The state's web development job market shows exceptional strength, with 23% projected employment growth through 2032, nearly double the national average of 13%.
The Front Range corridor, spanning from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, hosts over 3,200 technology companies. Major employers include established firms like Palantir Technologies, SendGrid (now Twilio), and Guild Education, alongside a thriving startup ecosystem. This concentration creates abundant internship and job opportunities for web development graduates.
Web developers in Colorado earn competitive salaries, with entry-level positions averaging $72,500 annually according to recent state employment data. Mid-career professionals typically earn $95,000 to $120,000, while senior developers and team leads can command $130,000 or more. The state's lower cost of living compared to Silicon Valley makes these salaries particularly attractive.
Colorado's tech sector benefits from strong state support, including tax incentives for technology companies and workforce development initiatives. The Colorado Technology Association reports that tech employment has grown 35% over the past five years, creating sustained demand for skilled web developers across industries from aerospace to renewable energy.
Source: Colorado Technology Association, 2025
Complete Rankings: Colorado Web Development Programs
| Rank | Location | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | $38,748 | 7800% | 9400% | $78,500 | 94 |
| 2 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | $32,423 | 7000% | 9200% | $74,200 | 89 |
| 3 | University of Denver | Denver, CO | $58,032 | 8200% | 8900% | $76,800 | 86 |
| 4 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | $42,465 | 8500% | 9600% | $82,300 | 84 |
| 5 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver, CO | $34,680 | 6500% | 8800% | $71,500 | 79 |
| 6 | Metropolitan State University | Denver, CO | $28,920 | 5800% | 8500% | $68,900 | 75 |
| 7 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | $26,544 | 5200% | 8300% | $65,200 | 71 |
| 8 | Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo, CO | $23,976 | 4800% | 8000% | $62,800 | 67 |
Based on 12 programs from Colorado Department of Higher Education, Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Scorecard
Percentage of graduates employed within 6 months in web development or related roles
Average first-year compensation for program graduates
Modern technologies, industry partnerships, and hands-on project requirements
Industry experience and academic qualifications of teaching staff
Career services, internship placement, and mentoring programs
Tuition cost relative to employment outcomes and earning potential
Why University of Colorado Boulder Ranks First
The University of Colorado Boulder's web development program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum and strong industry connections. The program emphasizes full-stack development with modern frameworks including React, Node.js, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
CU Boulder's location in the Boulder-Denver tech corridor provides unique advantages. Students regularly participate in internships with companies like Google (Boulder office), Twitter, and numerous startups. The program maintains active partnerships with over 50 technology employers in the region.
- 94% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- Average starting salary of $78,500 for program graduates
- Required capstone project with real industry client
- Access to CU Boulder's Innovation District and startup incubators
- Strong alumni network including engineers at major tech companies
| Factor | CU Boulder | Colorado State | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (In-State) | $38,748 | $32,423 | $58,032 |
| Class Size | 18-22 students | 20-25 students | 12-15 students |
| Industry Partnerships | 50+ companies | 35+ companies | 25+ companies |
| Internship Placement | 92% | 88% | 85% |
| Career Services Rating | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent |
Career Paths
Front-End Developer
SOC 15-1254Create user interfaces and experiences using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks
Full-Stack Developer
SOC 15-1254Work on both client-side and server-side application development
Web Application Developer
SOC 15-1254Build complex web applications and database-driven sites
UI/UX Developer
Bridge design and development by implementing user interface designs
E-commerce Developer
Specialize in online retail platforms and payment systems
Web Development Programs by Colorado Region
Denver Metro Area
Boulder County
Northern Colorado
Western Slope
Southern Colorado
Admission Requirements and Application Tips
Most Colorado web development programs require a high school diploma with strong performance in mathematics and science courses. Recommended coursework includes Algebra II, Pre-calculus, and any available computer science classes. Many programs also accept students who demonstrate programming aptitude through self-directed learning or coding bootcamps.
Application requirements typically include SAT or ACT scores, though several programs have moved to test-optional policies. For competitive programs like CU Boulder, the middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1240-1420 or ACT scores of 28-32. However, strong portfolios or demonstrated programming experience can offset lower test scores.
- Complete prerequisite mathematics through Pre-calculus or Calculus
- Submit a personal statement highlighting interest in technology and problem-solving
- Include any programming projects, even from online courses or personal learning
- Request recommendations from STEM teachers when possible
- Apply for early admission to increase scholarship opportunities
Transfer students should focus on completing general education requirements and foundational math courses at community colleges to reduce overall program costs. Colorado has excellent transfer agreements between community colleges and four-year universities, making this a cost-effective pathway for many students.
4 years
Average Program Length
18 students
Median Class Size
89%
Industry Internship Rate
91%
Post-Graduation Employment
$28,500
Average Student Debt
4.3/5.0
Alumni Satisfaction
Which Should You Choose?
- You want the strongest industry connections and internship opportunities
- Research university environment appeals to you
- You're interested in pursuing graduate studies later
- Location in the Boulder tech scene is important
- You want excellent value for a quality education
- Fort Collins college town atmosphere appeals to you
- You prefer a collaborative, less competitive environment
- Strong alumni network in Colorado is important
- Small class sizes and personal attention are priorities
- You want direct access to Denver's business district
- Private university resources and facilities matter to you
- You can afford the higher tuition or receive significant financial aid
- You want to combine web development with engineering applications
- Extremely high starting salaries justify the cost
- You thrive in academically rigorous environments
- Energy and aerospace industry connections interest you
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Related Programs and Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for web developers
Graduate earnings and employment rates by institution
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, and graduation rates
State-specific employment outcomes and program data
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.