Skip to main content

Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Colorado

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Colorado's Liberal Arts and Sciences programs show a striking 144% cost difference between the most and least expensive options, with net prices ranging from $12,948 at Colorado State University Pueblo to $31,678 at Colorado College. While private institutions typically command higher prices, the earnings data reveals an unexpected pattern where Colorado College graduates earn significantly less initially than those from mid-tier public schools like Colorado Mesa University, whose graduates average $34,650 annually. This disconnect between cost and early career earnings becomes particularly relevant in Colorado's tech and aerospace sectors, where Liberal Arts graduates often find roles in project management, technical writing, and business analysis at companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace.
11
Programs
$12,948 – $31,678
Net Price Range
$30,396
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,948 $33,518 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
2 $15,331 $34,650 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
3 $14,173 $30,771 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
4 $17,339 $28,236 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
5 $22,689 $36,324 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
6 $20,332 $30,499 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
7 $21,480 $18,771 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
8 $19,133 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
9 $25,458 $39,266 55.3%
10 $31,678 $67,932 86.0% 16.3%
11 $16,773 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Colorado's Liberal Arts programs?

Earnings for Liberal Arts graduates range from $18,771 to $36,324 annually across Colorado schools. Regis University leads with $36,324 average earnings despite a $22,689 net cost, while University of Colorado Boulder graduates earn just $18,771 despite the school's academic reputation and $21,480 net price.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Colorado?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with Colorado College achieving 86% graduation at a $31,678 net cost. However, Adams State University breaks this pattern with only a 31.6% graduation rate despite its affordable $14,173 net price, suggesting cost alone doesn't predict student success.

Does Colorado's public university system offer better value for Liberal Arts students?

Public schools dominate the lower cost spectrum, with seven institutions under $21,000 net cost. Colorado State University Pueblo offers the best financial value at $12,948 net cost while producing graduates earning $33,518 annually, nearly matching more expensive alternatives.

Where do Colorado's most selective Liberal Arts programs rank on value?

Colorado College maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 16.3% but shows the highest net cost at $31,678 with relatively modest graduate earnings. Fort Lewis College offers a middle ground with 90.98% acceptance, $17,339 net cost, and graduates earning $28,236 annually.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Colorado Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Under $20,000 in Colorado

Related

All Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs Best Colleges in Colorado Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Colorado

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.