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Colorado State University Pueblo opens doors to nearly 99% of applicants while maintaining a net price under $13,000, making it one of the most accessible pathways to higher education in the state. The 18 colleges with acceptance rates above 70% span from specialized trade schools like Colorado School of Trades in Lakewood, which graduates 82% of its students, to major research universities like Colorado State University-Fort Collins with its 91% acceptance rate and 25,148 students. These institutions serve as primary feeders for Colorado's aerospace and technology sectors, where companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace recruit heavily from state universities. Colorado's Opportunity Fund provides additional stipends to residents, reducing costs further at public institutions. Earnings potential varies significantly, from $44,372 for Adams State graduates to $76,813 for Colorado State Global alumni, reflecting different career paths within Colorado's economy. The state's commitment to accessible education shows in schools like Metropolitan State University of Denver, which admits 98% of applicants and serves nearly 15,000 students in the heart of Colorado's business district.
18
Schools
$19,546
Avg. Net Price
$55,018
Avg. Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Colorado

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 100.0% 25 $24,273 64.7%
2 100.0% 368 $28,862 45.9%
3 99.3% 196 $16,547 69.0%
4 99.2% 1,239 $14,173 31.6%
5 98.8% 3,028 $12,948 38.0%
6 97.9% 14,932 $14,294 29.9%
7 96.9% 6,202 $14,099
8 91.9% 1,653 $16,773 50.7%
9 91.0% 3,070 $17,339 43.1%
10 90.8% 25,148 $20,332 66.9%
11 84.8% 8,870 $16,431 45.3%
12 81.8% 7,604 $15,331 41.5%
13 80.7% 31,578 $21,480 75.0%
14 78.5% 5,693 $18,457 51.3%
15 77.8% 108 $22,635 81.8%
16 77.7% 6,059 $36,037 78.0%
17 76.1% 2,599 $22,689 61.1%
18 74.6% 10,686 $19,133 47.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado School of Trades stand out among accessible colleges?

Colorado School of Trades achieves an 82% graduation rate despite accepting 78% of applicants, making it the highest-graduating accessible college in the state. With only 108 students, this Lakewood institution focuses intensively on trades education, producing graduates who earn $51,591 annually in Colorado's skilled workforce sectors.

How do Colorado's public universities compare in accessibility?

Colorado State University Pueblo leads in accessibility with a 99% acceptance rate and $12,948 net price, while CSU-Fort Collins accepts 91% with higher costs at $20,332. Metropolitan State University serves the largest accessible population with 14,932 students and a 98% acceptance rate in Denver.

Is University of Colorado Boulder worth the higher costs?

UC Boulder graduates earn $69,738 annually, among the highest for accessible Colorado colleges, despite a $21,480 net price. With 31,578 students and an 81% acceptance rate, it offers research opportunities and strong connections to Colorado's aerospace industry while remaining relatively accessible.

Does Colorado's Opportunity Fund help reduce college costs?

Colorado residents receive stipends through the Opportunity Fund that apply to in-state tuition at public colleges. This program particularly benefits students at accessible institutions like CSU Pueblo ($12,948 net) and Metropolitan State ($14,294 net), making college even more affordable for Colorado families.

Where do graduates from accessible Colorado colleges find employment?

Colorado's accessible college graduates enter the state's aerospace, technology, and energy sectors. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace recruit from CSU and UC campuses, while Denver-area institutions like Regis University connect students to the city's growing business and healthcare markets.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.