Best Universities in Colorado

1. University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder)

Overview of University of Colorado Boulder

Location: Boulder, Colorado
Founded in 1876, the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is the flagship university of the University of Colorado system. Known for its research output, particularly in aerospace, environmental sciences, and physics, CU Boulder is one of the top public universities in the U.S. It has been designated as a Tier 1 research institution and is known for fostering innovation, particularly through its partnership with NASA.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #97 National Universities
• Number of Students: Approximately 36,000
• Degrees Offered: More than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Average SAT Score: 1200-1390

Extracurricular Activities

• CU Buffs Athletics (NCAA Division I)
• Environmental and Outdoor Adventure Clubs
• Student Government (CUSG)
• Music and performing arts groups
• The Boulder Freeride (ski and snowboard club)

Famous Alumni

1. Matt Stone – Co-creator of “South Park”
2. Robert Redford – Academy Award-winning actor and director
3. Kalpana Chawla – NASA astronaut
4. Eric Stough – Animator and producer of “South Park”
5. Kate Brown – Governor of Oregon

Top Employers of Graduates

1. Lockheed Martin
2. Ball Aerospace
3. Google
4. Boeing
5. Oracle Corporation

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2. Colorado State University (CSU)

Overview of Colorado State University

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Founded in 1870, Colorado State University (CSU) is a land-grant public research university with a reputation for excellence in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences. CSU is known for its research into sustainability and renewable energy, and its veterinary program is among the best in the country.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #151 National Universities
• Number of Students: Approximately 33,000
• Degrees Offered: Over 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs
• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Average SAT Score: 1070-1290

Extracurricular Activities

• CSU Rams Athletics (NCAA Division I)
• The CSU Marching Band
• Ski and Snowboard Club
• Sustainability Club
• Student Government

Famous Alumni

1. John Amos – Actor, best known for “Good Times”
2. Leslie Jones – Comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member
3. Wayne Allard – Former U.S. Senator from Colorado
4. James van Hoften – NASA astronaut
5. Becky Hammon – Assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs

Top Employers of Graduates

1. UCHealth
2. Xcel Energy
3. HP Inc.
4. Intel
5. Colorado Department of Agriculture

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3. Colorado School of Mines

Overview of Colorado School of Mines

Location: Golden, Colorado
Established in 1874, Colorado School of Mines is one of the top public universities in the U.S. for engineering and applied sciences, with a particular focus on earth and environmental systems. It is renowned for its programs in mining engineering, geophysics, and petroleum engineering, and is often recognized for its research in renewable energy and sustainability.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #80 National Universities
• Number of Students: Approximately 7,000
• Degrees Offered: Over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs, primarily in engineering and applied sciences
• Acceptance Rate: 55%
• Average SAT Score: 1320-1460

Extracurricular Activities

• Mines Robotics Club
• Outdoor Rec Club
• Society of Women Engineers
• Mines Rugby Club
• Mines Little Theater

Famous Alumni

1. George Saunders – Award-winning author
2. Harold M. Korell – CEO of Southwestern Energy
3. Marsha Williams – CFO of Orbitz
4. Nina DeBenedetti – Environmental advocate and NASA engineer
5. John W. Keyes – Founder of Pioneer Natural Resources

Top Employers of Graduates

1. Chevron
2. ExxonMobil
3. BP
4. Schlumberger
5. ConocoPhillips

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4. University of Denver (DU)

Overview of University of Denver

Location: Denver, Colorado
The University of Denver (DU), founded in 1864, is a private university known for its programs in business, law, and international relations. The Daniels College of Business and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies are highly regarded both nationally and globally. DU places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and research.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #105 National Universities
• Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
• Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• Average SAT Score: 1170-1350

Extracurricular Activities

• DU Pioneers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
• Alpine Club
• DU Debate Team
• DU Business Ethics Club
• Intramural sports leagues

Famous Alumni

1. Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
2. Peter Coors – Chairman of Coors Brewing Company
3. David Adkins (Sinbad) – Actor and comedian
4. Joe Saunders – Former CEO of Visa Inc.
5. James C. Kennedy – Chairman of Cox Enterprises

Top Employers of Graduates

1. Deloitte
2. Charles Schwab
3. Liberty Media
4. Centura Health
5. Lockheed Martin

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5. United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

Overview of United States Air Force Academy

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), established in 1954, is a highly selective federal service academy that trains cadets for careers as officers in the U.S. Air Force. Known for its rigorous academic and physical training, USAFA has produced some of the top leaders in the military and aerospace sectors.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #19 National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Number of Students: Approximately 4,300 cadets
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s degrees in over 30 areas, with a focus on STEM and leadership
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Average SAT Score: 1310-1480

Extracurricular Activities

• Falcon Sports (NCAA Division I)
• Flying and soaring clubs
• Cadet Choir
• Model United Nations
• Air Force Falconry Club

Famous Alumni

1. General David L. Goldfein – Former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
2. Colonel Eileen Collins – NASA astronaut and the first female shuttle commander
3. General Michelle D. Johnson – First female Superintendent of USAFA
4. Heather Wilson – Former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force
5. General Norton A. Schwartz – Former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force

Top Employers of Graduates

1. United States Air Force
2. Lockheed Martin
3. Boeing
4. Northrop Grumman
5. Raytheon Technologies

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6. Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)

Overview of Metropolitan State University of Denver

Location: Denver, Colorado
Founded in 1965, Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a public university that provides accessible, affordable education. MSU Denver is well-known for its strong programs in business, hospitality, and health care. The university focuses on providing hands-on learning and internships, particularly in urban settings.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #82 Regional Universities West
• Number of Students: Approximately 18,000
• Degrees Offered: Over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs
• Acceptance Rate: 61%
• Average SAT Score: 970-1170

Extracurricular Activities

• Roadrunners Athletics
• Student Government Assembly
• Hospitality and Tourism Club
• MSU Denver Debate Team
• Intramural Sports

Famous Alumni

1. Pam Grier – Actress
2. Michael Hancock – Mayor of Denver
3. Greg Feasel – COO of Colorado Rockies
4. Phil Heath – Seven-time Mr. Olympia
5. Lesley Dahlkemper – Politician and public servant

Top Employers of Graduates

1. Denver Health
2. Lockheed Martin
3. Comcast
4. Wells Fargo
5. City and County of Denver

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7. University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver)

Overview of University of Colorado Denver

Location: Denver, Colorado
CU Denver, established in 1912, is a public research university located in the heart of downtown Denver. It is known for its programs in business, engineering, and health sciences. The university is particularly recognized for its connection to the Anschutz Medical Campus, a leading research and health care institution.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #227 National Universities
• Number of Students: Approximately 15,000
• Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Average SAT Score: 1050-1250

Extracurricular Activities

• Student Government Association
• CU Denver Lynx Athletics
• Music and entertainment industry student organizations
• Social justice and advocacy groups
• Outdoor Adventure Club

Famous Alumni

1. Jared Polis – Governor of Colorado
2. Nina Otero-Warren – Civil rights activist
3. Debbie Ortega – Denver City Council member
4. Ryan Ross – CEO of Higher Education Leadership Institute
5. William DeLong – Renowned architect

Top Employers of Graduates

1. UCHealth
2. Children’s Hospital Colorado
3. Comcast
4. Deloitte
5. Denver Public Schools

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8. Regis University

Overview of Regis University

Location: Denver, Colorado
Founded in 1877, Regis University is a private Jesuit university. It is known for its programs in nursing, business, and education. Regis emphasizes service, leadership, and social justice, encouraging students to engage in community service as part of their education.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #249 National Universities
• Number of Students: Approximately 6,900
• Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• Average SAT Score: 1020-1230

Extracurricular Activities

• Regis Rangers Athletics (NCAA Division II)
• Student Government Association
• Social Justice and Service Clubs
• Campus Ministry
• Theater and Arts Clubs

Famous Alumni

1. Bill Murray – Actor and comedian (attended but did not graduate)
2. Ken Salazar – Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
3. Cynthia Coffman – Former Colorado Attorney General
4. Peter Groff – Former Colorado Senate President
5. David Wineland – Nobel Prize-winning physicist

Top Employers of Graduates

1. UCHealth
2. Children’s Hospital Colorado
3. Kaiser Permanente
4. Denver Public Schools
5. Deloitte

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9. Colorado College

Overview of Colorado College

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Founded in 1874, Colorado College is a private liberal arts college known for its unique Block Plan, which allows students to focus on one course at a time. The college is recognized for its strong programs in environmental science, political science, and the arts. Colorado College is highly selective and known for producing well-rounded graduates.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #27 National Liberal Arts Colleges
• Number of Students: Approximately 2,100
• Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate programs
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Average SAT Score: 1280-1450

Extracurricular Activities

• CC Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division III)
• Outdoor Education Program
• Sustainability Council
• Student Government Association
• Theatre and Improv Clubs

Famous Alumni

1. Lynne Cheney – Former Second Lady of the United States
2. James Heckman – Nobel Prize-winning economist
3. Ken Salazar – Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
4. Steve Sabol – Former President of NFL Films
5. Marc Webb – Film director

Top Employers of Graduates

1. The Nature Conservancy
2. National Renewable Energy Laboratory
3. El Pomar Foundation
4. Colorado College
5. U.S. Forest Service

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10. Western Colorado University

Overview of Western Colorado University

Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Established in 1901, Western Colorado University is a public university with a focus on providing a liberal arts education alongside hands-on professional training. Known for its programs in outdoor recreation, environmental studies, and biology, Western is situated in a prime location for students interested in outdoor education and sustainability.

Notable Aspects

• U.S. News Ranking: #82 Regional Universities West
• Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
• Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
• Acceptance Rate: 84%
• Average SAT Score: 1040-1250

Extracurricular Activities

• Mountaineer Athletics (NCAA Division II)
• Mountain Rescue Team
• Skiing and Snowboarding Clubs
• Sustainability Coalition
• Outdoor Leadership Program

Famous Alumni

1. Pete Coors – Chairman of Coors Brewing Company
2. Gregg Moss – Business reporter and news anchor
3. Janet Elway – Philanthropist and ex-wife of John Elway
4. Walt Garrison – Former NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys
5. Tyler Pennel – U.S. Olympic marathoner

Top Employers of Graduates

1. U.S. Forest Service
2. National Park Service
3. St. Mary’s Medical Center
4. Colorado Parks and Wildlife
5. Western Colorado University