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Colorado School of Mines stands apart among the state's Division II institutions with graduates earning $97,335 annually, nearly double the earnings of most other schools in this group. The 10 Division II colleges across Colorado show remarkable variation in accessibility, from Colorado State University Pueblo's 98.79% acceptance rate to Mines' selective 58.00% admission standard. Net prices range from $12,948 at CSU Pueblo to $29,240 at Mines, reflecting different institutional approaches to affordability. Colorado's aerospace and technology sectors, anchored by employers like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace, create strong career pathways for graduates from these regional universities. The Colorado Opportunity Fund provides additional financial support, helping students access quality education at institutions from the Front Range to mountain communities like Gunnison and Durango. While graduation rates span from 29.9% at Metropolitan State University of Denver to 79.4% at Colorado School of Mines, each institution serves distinct student populations across the state's varied geography and economic market.
10
Schools
$18,468
Avg. Net Price
$56,555
Avg. Earnings
47.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division II Colleges in Colorado

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 5,801 $29,240 79.4% 58.0%
2 2,599 $22,689 61.1% 76.1%
3 8,870 $16,431 45.3% 84.8%
4 5,363 $25,458 55.3%
5 1,653 $16,773 50.7% 91.9%
6 7,604 $15,331 41.5% 81.8%
7 3,070 $17,339 43.1% 91.0%
8 3,028 $12,948 38.0% 98.8%
9 14,932 $14,294 29.9% 97.9%
10 1,239 $14,173 31.6% 99.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado School of Mines different from other Division II schools?

Colorado School of Mines operates with significantly higher selectivity at 58.00% acceptance compared to the 90%+ rates at most other Division II institutions. Graduates earn $97,335 annually, reflecting the school's engineering focus and connections to Colorado's aerospace industry including major employers like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace.

How affordable are Colorado's Division II colleges?

Net prices range from $12,948 at Colorado State University Pueblo to $29,240 at Colorado School of Mines. Most schools fall between $14,000-$17,000 annually. The Colorado Opportunity Fund provides additional stipends to qualifying students, making these regional universities accessible across different income levels.

Where can students find the most accessible admission standards?

Adams State University accepts 99.18% of applicants, followed closely by Colorado State University Pueblo at 98.79%. Metropolitan State University of Denver admits 97.91% of students with 14,932 enrolled, making it the largest and most accessible option for students seeking guaranteed admission.

Does graduation rate vary significantly across these schools?

Graduation rates range from 29.9% at Metropolitan State University of Denver to 79.4% at Colorado School of Mines. Most schools graduate between 38-55% of students within six years, with factors like student preparation, support services, and institutional focus affecting completion rates.

What career earning potential do graduates achieve?

Post-graduation earnings span from $44,372 at Adams State University to $97,335 at Colorado School of Mines. Most graduates earn between $45,000-$55,000, with Colorado's growing tech and aerospace sectors providing opportunities for career advancement beyond initial salaries.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.