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Urban Colleges in Colorado

35 schools in Colorado. See our methodology.

Colorado College stands out among the state's urban institutions with an acceptance rate of just 16.3%, making it more selective than many Ivy League schools. This selectivity pays off with an 86% graduation rate and median earnings of $65,222 for graduates. The state's 35 urban colleges span a remarkable cost spectrum, from Community College of Aurora at $7,466 annually to University of Denver at $36,037. Colorado's aerospace industry, anchored by companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace, creates strong demand for technical graduates. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Broomfield capitalizes on this connection, producing graduates who earn $59,093 within six years of completion. The Colorado Opportunity Fund provides state stipends that help offset costs for residents attending participating institutions. Urban students benefit from proximity to major employers in Denver's tech corridor and Colorado Springs' military-industrial complex. Graduation rates vary dramatically across the urban market, from Community College of Aurora's 28.6% to Colorado College's 86%. This range reflects different institutional missions, with community colleges serving broader access goals while private institutions focus on completion rates. The state's urban colleges collectively serve over 115,000 students, creating pathways into Colorado's growing economy.
35
Schools
$19,171
Avg. Net Price
$50,131
Avg. Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Colorado

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 321 $30,922 68.8%
2 City-Large 2,139 $31,678 86.0%
3 City-Midsize 31,578 $21,480 75.0%
4 City-Midsize 25,148 $20,332 66.9%
5 City-Midsize 306 $23,382 68.5%
6 City-Large 10,686 $19,133 47.4%
7 City-Midsize 3,182 $9,535 35.1%
8 City-Midsize 5,693 $18,457 51.3%
9 City-Midsize 3,293 $11,063 37.5%
10 City-Large 3,346 $7,466 28.6%
11 City-Large 2,599 $22,689 61.1%
12 City-Large 8,870 $16,431 45.3%
13 City-Large 6,059 $36,037 78.0%
14 City-Large 1,104 $32,060 69.4%
15 City-Small 7,604 $15,331 41.5%
16 City-Large 30 $10,030 66.7%
17 City-Midsize 3,028 $12,948 38.0%
18 City-Large 339 $24,909 66.5%
19 City-Large 5,156 $9,431 15.8%
20 City-Large 25,932 $14,954 17.6%
21 City-Large 14,932 $14,294 29.9%
22 City-Large 6,202 $14,099
23 City-Large 816 $22,051 44.9%
24 City-Small 1,160 $16,656 54.6%
25 City-Large 336
26 City-Large 949
27 City-Large 196 $16,547 69.0%
28 City-Midsize 8,571 $12,193 45.9%
29 City-Large 25 $24,273 64.7%
30 City-Large 212
31 City-Midsize 368 $28,862 45.9%
32 City-Large 290 $18,729 54.7%
33 City-Large
34 City-Large 1
35 City-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado College so selective compared to other urban schools in the state?

Colorado College accepts only 16.3% of applicants, making it the most selective urban institution in Colorado. This private liberal arts college in Colorado Springs maintains small class sizes with just 2,139 students, allowing for personalized attention that contributes to its 86% graduation rate, the highest among urban colleges statewide.

How do graduation rates compare between community colleges and four-year institutions?

Community colleges in urban Colorado average around 30-37% graduation rates, with Community College of Aurora at 28.6% and Pueblo Community College at 37.5%. Four-year institutions perform significantly better, with Colorado College leading at 86% and University of Colorado Boulder achieving 75%. This gap reflects different student populations and program structures.

Where do Colorado urban college graduates earn the highest salaries?

Regis University graduates in Denver earn the most at $72,105 median salary, followed closely by University of Denver graduates at $71,155. University of Colorado Boulder rounds out the top three at $69,738. These figures reflect the schools' strong connections to Denver's finance, technology, and healthcare sectors.

Does the Colorado Opportunity Fund help with college costs?

The Colorado Opportunity Fund provides stipends to eligible Colorado residents attending participating in-state institutions. With costs ranging from $7,466 at Community College of Aurora to $36,037 at University of Denver, these stipends help offset expenses. Even after aid, students face significant cost variations across the 35 urban institutions.

What role do aerospace companies play in Colorado college programs?

Major employers like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace create strong demand for technical graduates. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology specifically targets this market, with graduates earning $59,093 median salaries. The college's 68.8% graduation rate and specialized 321-student enrollment reflect focused career preparation for aerospace careers.

How accessible are Colorado's urban universities for average students?

Most urban universities maintain high acceptance rates, with Colorado State University-Fort Collins accepting 90.77% of applicants and University of Colorado Colorado Springs accepting 84.77%. Only Colorado College presents significant admission challenges at 16.3%. This accessibility supports Colorado's goal of educated workforce development across income levels.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.