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Colorado's accounting programs reveal a stark cost divide, with Colorado State University Pueblo charging just $12,948 annually while the University of Denver reaches $36,037. This gap of nearly $23,000 reflects different educational models serving the state's growing finance sector. Colorado's aerospace and tech industries, anchored by companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace, create steady demand for accounting professionals who understand complex project financing and compliance. Graduates earn between $36,674 and $53,108, with Colorado State University Global showing the highest earnings despite moderate costs at $14,099.
10
Programs
$12,948 – $36,037
Net Price Range
$45,771
Avg. Program Earnings
46.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
2 $14,099 $8,400 96.9%
3 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
4 $14,954 $12,760 17.6%
5 $15,331 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
6 $16,773 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%
7 $17,339 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
8 $22,689 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
9 $25,458 $39,266 55.3%
10 $36,037 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Colorado's cheapest and most expensive accounting programs?

Public institutions like Colorado State University Pueblo ($12,948) benefit from state funding and the Colorado Opportunity Fund, while private schools like University of Denver ($36,037) operate without subsidies. The $23,089 gap reflects these funding models rather than necessarily indicating quality differences.

How do graduation rates vary among Colorado's affordable accounting programs?

Graduation rates span from 17.6% at Colorado Technical University to 78% at University of Denver. Mid-range options like Western Colorado University achieve 50.7% graduation rates at $16,773 annually, showing that affordability doesn't always mean lower completion rates.

Does attending a more expensive accounting program guarantee higher earnings in Colorado?

Not necessarily. Colorado State University Global graduates earn $53,108 despite costs of only $14,099, while Colorado State University Pueblo graduates earn $36,674 at an even lower $12,948 cost. The most expensive option, University of Denver, doesn't report earnings data.

Where do Colorado accounting graduates find the best job opportunities?

Colorado's aerospace sector employs many accountants for defense contracts and project management, while the growing tech startup scene creates demand for financial analysts. The state's energy sector and tourism industry also provide accounting career paths beyond traditional public practice firms.

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