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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Colorado

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

Colorado psychology programs show a remarkable 83% spread in earnings outcomes, with graduates earning anywhere from $19,531 at Fort Lewis College to $35,670 at the University of Denver. This variation reflects the state's growing behavioral health sector, which benefits from Colorado's mental health parity laws and expanded Medicaid coverage creating steady demand for psychology professionals. The most affordable option, Colorado State University Pueblo at $12,948 net cost, offers solid value despite modest earnings of $26,625. Meanwhile, public universities dominate the value equation, with eight of the top ten spots occupied by state institutions. The Colorado Opportunity Fund helps reduce costs further for residents, making programs like Metropolitan State University of Denver particularly attractive at just $14,294 net cost while delivering $32,142 in median earnings.
16
Programs
$12,948 – $36,037
Net Price Range
$29,427
Avg. Program Earnings
52.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,294 $32,142 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
2 $15,331 $32,569 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
3 $12,948 $26,625 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
4 $19,133 $33,850 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
5 $16,773 $27,874 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%
6 $18,457 $29,183 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
7 $16,431 $25,349 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
8 $22,689 $34,704 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
9 $20,332 $30,861 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
10 $21,480 $32,162 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
11 $25,458 $30,409 $39,266 55.3%
12 $17,339 $19,531 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
13 $36,037 $35,670 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%
14 $28,862 $21,052 $34,600 45.9% 100.0%
15 $14,173 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
16 $31,678 $67,932 86.0% 16.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado State University Pueblo such strong value for psychology students?

At $12,948 net cost, CSU Pueblo offers the lowest price point among Colorado psychology programs while maintaining a respectable 38% graduation rate. Students graduate with median debt of just $19,500, well below the state average. The program's $26,625 median earnings provide reasonable returns given the minimal investment required.

How do private university psychology programs compare to public options in Colorado?

Private programs command significantly higher costs, with the University of Denver reaching $36,037 net price compared to public averages around $16,000. However, private institutions show stronger outcomes, with Denver achieving 78% graduation rates and $35,670 earnings. Regis University offers middle ground at $22,689 with solid 61% completion rates.

Where do Colorado psychology graduates find the best earning potential?

The University of Denver psychology graduates earn the highest median salaries at $35,670, followed closely by Regis University at $34,704. Public university graduates typically earn $26,000-$33,000, with University of Colorado Denver leading public institutions at $33,850. The state's expanding telehealth and corporate wellness sectors provide growing opportunities.

Is the high acceptance rate at Colorado psychology programs a concern for quality?

Most Colorado psychology programs maintain open or near-open admission, with 13 of 15 schools accepting over 75% of applicants. However, graduation rates vary significantly from 29.9% at Metropolitan State to 78% at University of Denver. The high acceptance rates reflect Colorado's commitment to educational access rather than program quality issues.

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