Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Colorado

Colorado State University Pueblo offers the state's most affordable English program at just $12,948 net cost, while Colorado College charges $31,678 despite producing graduates earning only $20,482 annually. This $18,730 price gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Colorado's mixed public-private market for English majors. The state's 16 programs serve a region where English skills increasingly support Colorado's expanding tech sector, with companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace requiring technical writers and communications specialists. Metropolitan State University graduates earn $34,145, the highest among affordable options, while maintaining a net cost of just $14,294. Public institutions dominate the affordable tier, with eight schools under $20,000 annually.

Programs

$12,948 – $36,037

Net Price Range

$28,153

Avg. Program Earnings

52.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, Colorado	$12,948	$9,401	38.0%	98.8%
2	Adams State University Alamosa, Colorado	$14,173	$9,776	31.6%	99.2%
3	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$14,294	$10,780	29.9%	97.9%
4	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, Colorado	$15,331	$9,712	41.5%	81.8%
5	University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Colorado	$16,431	$9,712	45.3%	84.8%
6	Western Colorado University Gunnison, Colorado	$16,773	$11,083	50.7%	91.9%
7	Fort Lewis College Durango, Colorado	$17,339	$9,670	43.1%	91.0%
8	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado	$18,457	$12,010	51.3%	78.5%
9	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, Colorado	$19,133	$10,017	47.4%	74.6%
10	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado	$20,332	$12,896	66.9%	90.8%
11	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado	$21,480	$16,430	75.0%	80.7%
12	Regis University Denver, Colorado	$22,689	$43,980	61.1%	76.1%
13	Colorado Christian University Lakewood, Colorado	$25,458	$39,266	55.3%
14	Naropa University Boulder, Colorado	$28,862	$34,600	45.9%	100.0%
15	Colorado College Colorado Springs, Colorado	$31,678	$67,932	86.0%	16.3%
16	University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$36,037	$59,340	78.0%	77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap among Colorado English graduates?

Colorado English graduates see earnings ranging from $20,482 at Colorado College to $34,145 at Metropolitan State University. Location plays a major role, with Denver-area schools like Metropolitan State and UC Denver producing higher earners due to proximity to corporate headquarters and media companies. Even affordable programs like Colorado State University Pueblo generate solid $27,590 median earnings. The $13,663 earnings spread suggests program focus and regional job markets matter more than tuition costs.

How do graduation rates compare across Colorado's cheapest English programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically among affordable options, from 29.90% at Metropolitan State University to 51.30% at University of Northern Colorado. Colorado State University Pueblo graduates 38% of students despite its $12,948 net cost advantage. Western Colorado University achieves a strong 50.70% graduation rate at $16,773 annually. These differences often reflect student demographics and support systems rather than program quality.

Does attending a more expensive Colorado English program guarantee better outcomes?

Not necessarily. Colorado College costs $31,678 but produces graduates earning just $20,482, while cheaper Metropolitan State University ($14,294) graduates earn $34,145 annually. University of Colorado Boulder charges $21,480 yet graduates earn only $25,372. Colorado State University Fort Collins offers the best balance at $20,332 with $32,234 earnings and a 66.90% graduation rate. Cost and outcomes often move in opposite directions.

Where do Colorado English majors find the best job prospects after graduation?

Denver-area programs produce the highest-earning graduates, with Metropolitan State leading at $34,145 annually. The region's aerospace and tech industries increasingly need technical writers, content strategists, and communications professionals. University of Northern Colorado graduates earn $30,554, benefiting from proximity to Denver's corporate corridor. Even smaller markets like Colorado Springs support strong earnings, with UC Colorado Springs graduates averaging $28,598 in a city with military contractors and tech companies.

More English Language and Literature, General Rankings

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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.