The best computer science schools in Colorado offer excellent educational opportunities for students of all levels. In addition to great academic programs, the state of Colorado is known for its pristine landscape and beautiful wildlife. Students at computer science schools in Colorado can find a good balance of academic excellence and stunning trips off-campus.
In this article, we have Colorado computer science school rankings for undergraduate students and graduate students, as well as on-campus and online degree and certificate programs. This guide will help you narrow your search with information on tuition, graduation rate, accreditation, and job prospects after graduation.
How to Choose a Good Computer Science School in Colorado
To choose the best computer science school in Colorado for you, you should consider the graduation rate, accreditation, and degree concentration options. We’ll explain why these factors are important below.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate of a school will help you determine the quality of student support services provided by the institution. A campus with a low graduation rate could be an indication that the school doesn’t have programs to support its students while they are in school.
Accreditation
You should always opt for an accredited degree program. Accredited programs have to pass rigorous standards set by the US Department of Education and certified accreditation organizations. Employers always prefer graduates from regionally or nationally accredited schools, and they might not accept a degree from a school that isn’t accredited.
Degree Concentration Options
Some computer science degrees have an optional or mandatory concentration. A concentration is a short list of classes that focus on a theme. The concentrations usually prepare students for different common career paths. Check the degree concentration options before you enroll to make sure at least one is in line with your interests.
Colorado Computer Science School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Computer Science Programs in Colorado?
| Computer Science School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science | #83 (National Universities) |
| University of Denver | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science | #93 (National Universities) |
| University of Colorado Denver | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science Information Systems | #227 (National Universities) |
| Regis University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Information and Cyber Security | #227 (National Universities) |
| Colorado Technical University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science | #299-391 (National Universities) |
| University Of Colorado at Colorado Springs | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science – Games and Media Integration | #299-391 (National Universities) |
| Western Colorado University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | N/A | #61 (Regional Universities West) |
| Colorado Christian University | Associate Degree in Computer Science | Master’s Degree in Cyber Security | #61 (Regional Universities West) |
| Colorado State University – Pueblo | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Computer Science | #87 (Regional Universities West) |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Graduate Certificate in Cyber Defense | #94 – #122 (Regional Universities West) |
Colorado Computer Science Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Computer Science Schools in Colorado
To rank the best Computer Science schools in Colorado, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Computer Science Schools in Colorado Explained
The best computer science schools in Colorado will help you jumpstart or advance your career in tech. We investigated computer science associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree programs offered by top universities in Colorado. We’ll cover the schools with the best computer science programs in detail below.
Best Undergraduate Computer Science Schools in Colorado
The best undergraduate computer science schools in Colorado are Colorado State University, Colorado Mountain College, Western Colorado University, Arapahoe Community College, Aims Community College, and Pueblo Community College. Find out more details about these schools’ computer science associate and bachelor’s degrees below.
Best Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in Colorado
- Colorado Mountain College | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Specialist. You can use this two-year degree program to prepare for an entry-level position in IT. You will receive hands-on training in handling, maintaining, and troubleshooting PCs, servers, and LANs. This program will also prepare you for CompTIA, Microsoft Technology Associate, and Cisco professional certifications.
- Arapahoe Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. With this two-year degree, it’s easy to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program at Colorado State University, Colorado University, or Colorado School of Mines. You will also have access to career services if you want to land a job immediately after graduation.
- Aims Community College | Associate of Science in Liberal Arts – Computer Science. This two-year degree program will help you fulfill the academic requirements to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program. The 60-credit program will help you learn programming, data representation, algorithm development, and problem-solving skills.
- Pueblo Community College | Associate of Science in Computer Science. You can attend this associate degree program in person at the Pueblo campus or online. The degree program will take you through data structures, programming, computer networks, and data management systems.
- Community College Of Aurora | Associate of Applied Science in Programming. This 61-credit degree program will teach you how to program and will take you through computer science concepts in networking, systems analysis, operating systems, and PC applications.
Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Colorado
- Colorado State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. CSU offers you a versatile bachelor’s degree program where you can choose to focus on computing systems, networks and security, artificial intelligence and machine learning, or general computer science.
- United States Air Force Academy | Undergraduate Major in Computer Science. This program covers software engineering, computer programming, and computing theory. This program prepares students for specific Air Force positions or civilian jobs in computer programming, software development, or systems analysis.
- Western Colorado University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This 120-credit bachelor’s degree program focuses on software development, data science, and information security. You’ll also learn how to program in C++, Python, and Java.
- Regis University | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. You can use this accelerated bachelor’s degree program to develop skills in programming, database applications, systems security, and data structures. Students can transfer up to 66 credits from an accredited school.
- Colorado Mesa University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This degree program will take you through data structures, calculus, algorithms, software engineering, video game design, and artificial intelligence. In addition to the competitive curriculum, you can expect small class sizes, research projects, and internship opportunities.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Computer Science in Colorado
The best graduate schools for computer science in Colorado are University of Colorado, Northcentral University, University of Denver, and Colorado School of Mines. These top-notch schools offer degree programs that prepare you for mid-level and senior-level roles in companies or academia.
Best Schools for Master’s in Computer Science in Colorado
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs | Master of Science in Computer Science. Students will cover advanced topics in operating systems, programming, and algorithms. Students can choose between a research thesis or a less intensive final project.
- Colorado State University | Master of Computer of Science. This is a coursework-only degree program. It is only available in an online or hybrid learning format.
- Northcentral University | Master of Science in Computer Science. In this 30-credit degree program, you’ll complete 10 courses in 16 months. Students use this degree to become computer network architects, database administrators, computer systems analysts, or web developers.
- University of Denver | Master of Science in Computer Science. There are three learning paths you can choose from: a master’s thesis, a master’s project, or only coursework. With 18 areas of emphasis, there are classes for all kinds of career paths.
- University of Colorado Boulder | Master of Science in Computer Science. You can use this advanced degree program to prepare for a career in academics or industry research and development. You can either complete a research thesis or a less intensive project.
Best PhD in Computer Science Universities in Colorado
- Colorado State University | PhD in Computer Science. This advanced degree program allows you to focus your research on algorithms, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer networking, machine learning, software engineering, or network security. Students in this program can work as graduate teaching assistants or graduate research assistants to earn a wage while studying.
- University of Colorado Boulder | PhD in Computer Science. To progress through this program students, need to assemble a thesis committee, take a preliminary exam, take a comprehensive PhD exam, and defend a dissertation. Without a previous computer science master’s degree, this program takes an average of six years.
- Colorado School of Mines | PhD in Computer Science. This degree program will take you through advanced concepts in algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture, and research ethics. Students will also need to complete a dissertation and successfully defend it to graduate.
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs | PhD in Engineering – Computer Science. The 60-credit degree program will take you through operating systems, computer communication, algorithms, and computability. Students will also learn how to conduct research, improve curriculum, and teach undergraduates in preparation for a career in academia.
- University of Denver | PhD in Computer Science and Information Systems. This degree program focuses on interdisciplinary research in computer science and information systems. Some students receive a research assistantship to earn money while completing their degree.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Computer Science Schools in Colorado
The admission requirements for computer science schools in Colorado depend on the degree level you select. Undergraduate degree programs require learners to have a high school diploma or GED, while graduate degree programs look for a bachelor’s degree or higher. Both degree levels look for strong standardized test scores, high GPAs, and a compelling personal essay or statement of purpose.
Computer Science Schools in Colorado: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Official high school transcripts
- Personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- ACT or SAT scores
- TOEFL or similar English language test for international students
Computer Science Schools in Colorado: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related subject
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum GPA of 3.00
- Resume
- GRE scores
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Computer Science in Colorado?
No, it’s not hard to get into a school for computer science in Colorado. Some schools have an acceptance rate as high as 100 percent. These institutions only require a high school diploma and a statement of purpose. Find out the easiest colleges to get into in Colorado for computer science below.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Colorado for Computer Science
- Colorado Christian University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. All you need is a high school diploma to join the computer science bachelor’s degree program offered at Colorado Christian University. Students do need to submit a spiritual recommendation and an essay with their application.
- Colorado Technical University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This school also has an open admissions policy and will admit any students with a high school diploma or GED. If you are looking for a flexible, online, four-year degree program in computer science, you should consider this university.
- Colorado State University – Pueblo | Acceptance Rate: 94%. This public university doesn’t have open admissions, but the vast majority of students who apply are accepted. Once accepted, you can enroll in a master’s or bachelor’s degree program in computer science.
- University of Northern Colorado | Acceptance Rate: 88%. The University of Northern Colorado has undergraduate minors in computer information systems and computer science. While these programs don’t explore computer science as much as a major, they can still prepare you for a career in tech.
- University of Colorado Denver | Acceptance Rate: 66%. University of Colorado offers competitive degree programs in computer science. You should leverage the high admission rate of this nationally ranked school to jumpstart your career in computer science.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Computer Science in Colorado
The best online schools for computer science in Colorado are Colorado School of Mines, Regis University, Colorado State University – Pueblo, Colorado Christian University, and Colorado Technical University. We ranked these schools by the graduation rate reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Computer Science Program |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | 78% | Graduate Certificate in Computer Science – Data Science |
| Regis University | 59% | Master of Science in Data Science |
| Colorado State University – Pueblo | 39% | Master of Computer Science |
| Colorado Christian University | 33% | Associate of Science in Computer Science |
| Colorado Technical University | 24% | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Computer Science in Colorado
The most affordable colleges are Colorado Mountain College, University of Colorado Denver, Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and University of Colorado Boulder. Below are some details for each of these most affordable colleges in Colorado.
How to Attend the Top Computer Science Schools in Colorado With Financial Aid
You can attend top computer science schools in Colorado with financial aid options like scholarships, grants, private loans, and federal loans. Each of these types of aid reduces the tuition burden on students, but only scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back. In the next section, we’ll cover the best computer science scholarships for Colorado students.
Best Computer Science Scholarships for Colorado Students
- Daniels Scholarship Program | Amount: Up to $25,000. Students enrolled in a four-year degree and who demonstrate financial need can use this scholarship award to pay for tuition fees, housing, or books. To land this scholarship, you need to be a high school graduating senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a resident of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming, and a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Partner Colorado Foundation Scholarships | Amount: $1,000. This scholarship award is open to Colorado residents between the ages of 17 and 40 years. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Applicants also need to be enrolled for a minimum of nine credit hours every semester.
- William J. Blair Scholarship Fund | Amount: $2,500. To be eligible for this scholarship award, you must be a high school graduate from Fort Collins with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and demonstrated financial need. Applicants will need to submit an essay describing their career goals and academic plans.
Colorado Employment Outlook for Computer Science
Colorado’s employment outlook for computer science is relatively promising, and the rate of unemployment in the state is steadily decreasing. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the rate of unemployment as of April 2022 was at 3.6%, slightly lower than the US average. From April 2021 to April 2022, the state added 124,600 new jobs.
Highest-Paying Computer Science Careers in Colorado
| Computer Science Job | Computer Science Degree | Average Salary in Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $172,020 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $120,140 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $110,080 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $100,310 |
| Quality Assurance Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $98,870 |
Best Computer Science Jobs in Colorado Explained
The best computer science jobs in Colorado have high salaries and engaging job responsibilities. You can get started in any of these roles with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. Learn more about salaries, employment numbers, job growth, and the most suitable programs to start your career in tech below.
Does It Matter What Computer Science School in Colorado I Go To?
Yes, it matters what computer science school in Colorado you go to. The right school for you depends on your unique education and career goals. Make sure to look into the acceptance rate, curriculum, concentrations, and graduation rate before committing to a program. Highly rated and accredited computer science degree programs will provide an easy pathway to a career in the field.
Additional Reading About Computer Science
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Best Computer Science Schools in Colorado FAQ
Yes, Colorado is a good place to study computer science because it has plenty of tech startups. These budding companies often seek recent graduates to take on versatile roles. You will find a wide variety of universities in Colorado offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in computer science.
Computer and information research scientists have the highest demand for any career in computer science. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, computer and information research scientist jobs are expected to grow by 22 percent by 2030.
According to US News & World Report, the acceptance rate of University of Denver is 61 percent for regular decision and 87.6 percent for early acceptance. This is a relatively high acceptance rate compared to other four-year institutions.
No, you do not have to study computer science at a university. There are other education pathways that offer a suitable alternative to a degree program. You can attend a coding bootcamp or take a Massive Open Online Course in computer science. Major CO cities like Denver are home to numerous top bootcamps. However, some employers will only consider applicants with a degree.
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