Top Value Colleges in Colorado

Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Colorado that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students.  In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education.  Our team collected college data and arrived at the top Colorado colleges for you to research further.  Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.

List of Top Value Colorado Colleges

Colorado School of Trades (Lakewood, CO) is a private for-profit learning institution established in 1947. It awards an Associate degree at it focuses on providing education on gunsmithing. Graduates of this institution have been recognized for their craft and skills in the industry. The school offers courses that are focused on enhancing the skills of the students and develop their professional knowledge. The school also helps students with their resume, assist with interviewing techniques, provides information about starting a business, and help in generating job leads.

Concorde Career Institute-Aurora (Aurora, CO) is a small college offering a wide variety of health and medical professional programs. The institute grants associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees. It also offers diploma courses. Students can be industry ready as early as eight months. Some of the popular programs offered on the Aurora campus are dental hygiene, medical assisting, vocational nursing, respiratory therapy, and more. It also manages a learning resource center, career and student services, and more to help students achieve their career goals. A dental hygiene clinic is open to the public. It also serves a training environment for students provided with professional supervision.

Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (Boulder, CO) is a private school dedicated to providing courses for future Montessori Teachers for all types of students from infants to elementary. It also has administrator courses and several workshops to enhance the skills and professional knowledge of the students. It awards certificates but also caters to non-certificate seekers. The center was established following the teachings and lessons of Dr. Maria Montessori who founded Montessori education in 1906. Montessori education came to the United States in 1960. This type of education was seen as preparation for students to be global citizens.

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA, CO) is a public institution for interested officer cadets’ applicants of the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force. It was established in 1954. Graduates of the academy’s four-year program receive a Bachelor of Science degree in their chosen field of study. It has a long list of major and minor programs that offer hands-on and real-world learning opportunities. Cadets are also ranked as second lieutenants in the Air Force or Space Force. The selection of yearly applicants is highly competitive with only 10% of the candidates are allowed to get in. USAFA also offers research programs as well as a STEM Outreach Program. This program allows cadets to mentor the younger generation of future cadet officers. Dormitories and dining, and cadet support services are also offered to students.

Colorado College (Colorado Springs, CO) has a liberal arts curriculum that exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. This private institution was established in 1874. The undergraduate programs are designed to help every student prepare for graduate studies or employment. The college offers 42 majors and 33 minor programs which is favorable for aspiring college applicants. The college also offers a variety of extracurricular activities and features a range of student organizations. It also manages facilities that can enhance the learning development of the students including Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center. Colorado College has a competitive admission process with an estimated 13.5% acceptance rate. The school is also awarded as the Best Private College in Colorado.

Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO) is a public research university that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. It was established in 1874. Major programs are on engineering, science, and mathematics while humanities, arts, and social sciences are offered as minor degrees. The school is well-recognized for its top-notch mineral and mining engineering programs for both undergraduate and graduate studies. In addition, the school also fosters a high research activity. CSM is also continuously ranked among the best schools/college in the United States. Mines has a fairly high acceptance rate. It boasts a long list of alumni across a variety of disciplines including science, sports, business, journalism, and others.

CBD College (Los Angeles, CA) offers training programs for students and professionals who aim to have careers in the medical field. It has been awarding certificates and degrees since 1982. It has vocational and career programs that prepare students to address the demands of the industry. It focuses on awarding high quality associate degrees along with an online bachelor’s degree in health science management. CBD also offers tutorial sessions for students and manages child-care facilities and local transportation.

University of Denver (Denver, CO) is a private research university that was established in 1864. It is also recognized as the oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain Region. The university houses highly recognized programs. It awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees including doctoral studies. Study abroad programs are also available for interested students across different areas of study. The university also organizes internship programs and research projects. In addition, it offers a Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship & Learning (CCESL). DU also fosters strong academic support to its students.

Automotive Training Center (Exton, PA) is a two-year career center that focuses on providing training and education to students. The center was founded in 1917. The center aims to turn hardworking students into industry leaders and professionals. The center houses a range of facilities that help students develop their skills and professional knowledge. ATC also offers a variety of financial assistance through scholarships and grants. The center offers programs that are certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

Intellitec College-Colorado Springs (Colorado Springs, CO) is a for-profit technical career training school established in 1965. The college awards associate degrees and professional certificates. Intellitec provides education and training to students based on the needs of the industries. This poses an advantage for the graduates to acquire the necessary skills and professional knowledge. Programs can be as short as nine months. Both financial aid and career services are open for students who need assistance.

Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO) is a public research university that was established as an agricultural college in 1870. The university offers over 100 programs across eight colleges. Some of the popular programs are biomedical sciences, engineering, environmental science, agriculture, and human health and nutrition. It is considered as the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. CSU manages a range of facilities including research centers to keep the students engaged and encourage them to further their studies and develop their skills. It awards undergraduate and graduate degrees. It also offers limited programs online. The university is proud to produce graduates that eventually became Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, CEOs, and leaders across the state.

The University of Colorado-Boulder (Boulder, CO) is one of the campuses under the system of public universities in Colorado. The Boulder campus is the flagship campus and was founded in 1876. It is organized into nine colleges and schools offering a wide range of academic programs. It grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university boasts a long list of notable faculty and alumni including Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur fellows, and Fulbright Scholars. It also houses a variety of graduate programs recognized by the U.S. News & World Report, 2020. Research activities of the university are also highly recognized in a variety of fields. Academic advising is also offered to interested students.

Regis University (Denver, CO) is a private Jesuit university established in 1877. The Catholic affiliation is valued and highlighted on the academic curriculum and every activity on campus. The university manages three campuses in Northwest Denver, Denver Tech Center, and Thornton. It awards undergraduate and graduate degrees including three doctoral degrees – Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Nursing. The university also fosters a small teacher-student ratio allowing more hands-on learning. Financial aid is available for qualified students. Regis University is also highly regarded as one of the best universities in the state and across the United States.

Albertus Magnus College (New Haven, CT) is a private Catholic college that fosters liberal arts curriculum. It was established in 1925. Its Catholic affiliation is highlighted through academic curriculum and activities across the campus. It was originally dedicated to be a women’s college but in 1985, it eventually opened its doors to male students. It has a range of undergraduate majors including courses for pre-professional programs. It also offers graduate programs in art therapy, mental health counseling, addiction counseling, leadership, liberal studies, fine arts in creative writing, human services, business administration, education, and management and organizational leadership. The college offers a flexible schedule allowing all types of students to earn their degrees. It has evening schedules as well as programs delivered online. Students also have opportunities to study abroad. Resident halls, career services, and counseling are also offered to students.

National Beauty College (Denver, CO) is a career school that specializes in cosmetology education and training. The college has a small student population It trains students to be licensed professionals across the field of cosmetology.   The school is a regionally renown program in the beauty industry with thousands of satisfied students in the beauty industry.  Learn more about National Beauty College today

University of Colorado Denver (Denver, CO) is a public research university founded in 1912. It is under the University of Colorado system. UC Denver includes Anschutz Medical Campus and the Denver Campus. It is the result of the merge of the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. It is known for its health and medical programs. The university also has an active research environment. The university awards bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and first professional degrees. In total, the university is organized into 13 schools and colleges offering a wide range of programs. UC Denver offers financial aid and scholarships for qualified students.

Mayfield College (Cathedral City, CA) is a for-profit private education institution focused on awarding associate degrees. Programs in the college focus on technology, business, and healthcare. The college fosters small class sizes to provide individual attention and increase student involvement during classes. This also results in hands-on training allowing students to be skilled and equipped to take on entry-level roles across a variety of industries. The college also aids students for career placements and student counseling. Financial aid can adobe availed by students who are qualified.

Lincoln Tech-Denver (Denver, CO) is one of the 22 campuses under Lincoln Tech, an American group of for-profit postsecondary vocational institutions. The group was established in 1946. It extends its education across other institutions – Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences, and Lincoln Culinary Institute. Lincoln Tech prepares students to take on entry-level jobs across their chosen industries. The Denver campus is popular for its skills trade programs, particularly in Auto, Diesel, Welding. It houses state-of-the-art facilities to further develop the necessary skills of students. The campus is also affiliated with a range of industry partners.

Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology (Denver, CO) is an institute the focuses on providing a Veterinary Technology degree to interested students in as little as 24 months. It was founded in 1971, and since then it was awarding Associate or Applied Science degrees and certificates. It is also considered as one of the oldest Veterinary Technician schools in the United States. Because of its focus, the institute provides solid foundational courses and training to students. A student also can undergo internships with more than 200 sites affiliated with the institute. It also offers an extensive job placement assistance program for students who are interested to take on roles immediately after graduation.

Western State College of Colorado (Gunnison, CO) is a public university that was established in 1901. It has a long list of undergraduate majors and programs and several graduate programs including accelerated degree options. Students who are interested to admit themselves to this college must have a good academic history. Admissions also look into the leadership potential, diversity of experience, depth of participation in extracurricular activities, and overall interest of the student. Some of the popular programs in the college are Business Administration, Biology, Exercise & Sport Science, Environment & Sustainability, Recreation & Outdoor Education, and Psychology. The college is also active in research particularly in Biology and Exercise & Sport Science. Financial aid and mentoring programs are also available to qualified/interested students.

The University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO) is a public university founded in 1889. Through the years, it extended its campuses across Loveland, Denver/Aurora, and Colorado Springs. The university houses several libraries and collections that can contribute to the learning of students. It also has an active Greek community. It has a long list of undergraduate majors and it awards degrees and certificates for its graduate programs. Non-degree internships and graduate licensure preparations are also available. Residence halls and financial aid are available for students who wish to avail themselves. The university also honors organizations that foster Greek life.

Additional College Research

For additional information about MatchCollege, visit our world-class college search tools or locate the top degree programs available online.  In addition, you may find it useful to start with our award-winning list of college and degree rankings for this academic year.  Be your own advocate and invest the time needed today to find the best college program for you.