Best STEM Colleges in Colorado
Many top schools in Colorado offer STEM degrees. These schools include the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado College, and the University of Denver.
If you're planning to get a STEM degree and you live in Colorado, you may be wondering about your options for school. What are some of the best STEM colleges with financial aid in your state, and what STEM degrees do they offer?
Many great schools in Colorado provide STEM degree programs for in-state and out-of-state students. Some of these schools provide on-campus classes, others offer online programs, and still others have some of both.
Depending on the school, you may be able to pursue associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. Read on for more information about these schools and the programs available.
Top STEM Colleges in Colorado
Various high-ranking schools are found in Colorado. Below, we've compiled a list of the best universities in the state for STEM students.
1. University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a large public school and the founding member of the University of Colorado System. This top university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in STEM fields.
Some of the STEM degrees you could choose from include:
- applied computer science
- aerospace engineering
- chemical and biological engineering
- environmental engineering
- statistics and data science
2. University of Denver
The University of Denver is a private research university. The prestigious school has an enrollment of nearly 14,000 graduate and undergraduate students and provides a range of academic programs.
A few of the available STEM degrees include:
- accounting
- applied computing
- business analytics
- electrical engineering
- geographic information science
3. Colorado State University
Colorado State University (CSU) is located in Fort Collins and is the flagship school of the Colorado State University System. It boasts an enrollment of more than 33,000 students, some of whom can pursue free online STEM degrees thanks to a variety of financial aid options.
Students at this school can pursue an array of STEM degrees, such as:
- civil engineering
- mechanical engineering
- computer engineering
- natural sciences
- statistics
4. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a member of the University of Colorado System. This midsize public school offers plenty of STEM degree options for students hoping to pursue a range of career paths.
Some of the options include:
- data analytics and systems engineering
- engineering education (leads to STEM teaching licensure)
- game design and development
- physics
- human physiology and nutrition
5. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public school enrolling around 17,500 students. The school offers various online and campus-based degree programs in many different areas of study.
Those interested in a STEM major have multiple options, including:
- advanced manufacturing sciences
- applied geology
- computer engineering
- meteorology
- psychology
6. Regis University
Regis University is a private school. Located in Denver, the school enrolls around 4,700 students and offers both online and in-person degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
STEM majors available at this school include:
- applied science
- computational physics
- cybersecurity
- environmental science
- mathematics
7. University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver, also called CU Denver, is another school belonging to the University of Colorado System. It enrolls more than 18,000 students in its graduate and undergraduate programs.
Some of the available STEM degrees include:
- computer science
- economics
- geography
- psychology
- sociology
8. Adams State University
Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa. This small school has a student body of around 3,500 students.
Consider STEM degrees such as the following:
- chemistry
- food studies
- mechanical engineering
- water studies
- kinesiology
9. Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University is a private school located in Lakewood. It offers several STEM degrees in its undergraduate and graduate schools.
Some of the STEM programs you can choose include:
- music production and engineering
- kinesiology and exercise science
- industrial and systems engineering
- computer information systems
- accounting
10. Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo is a public school belonging to the Colorado State University System. This school enrolls just under 5,000 students in various STEM, healthcare, and liberal arts programs.
If you are considering a STEM degree, check out the following options:
- civil engineering technology
- construction management
- physics
- wildlife and natural resources
- sociology
11. Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University is a public school in Gunnison. It enrolls around 3,500 students in various degree programs and disciplines.
STEM students can choose from programs like:
- applied physics
- environment and sustainability
- geology
- psychology
- computer science
12. University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado is a public school located in Greeley. This midsize university enrolls around 8,000 students.
Those interested in STEM fields can major in areas such as:
- biological sciences
- chemistry
- earth sciences
- software engineering
- mathematics
13. Pikes Peak State College
Pikes Peak State College is a community college located in Colorado Springs. This public school provides undergraduate programs in a variety of disciplines.
Some of the STEM programs include:
- building and construction technology
- computer networking technology
- cybersecurity
- fire science technology
- machining technology
14. Colorado College
Colorado College is a private liberal arts school located in Colorado Springs. It offers degrees in a wide range of areas, including STEM fields.
Choose from degree programs like:
- chemistry and biochemistry
- mathematical economics
- molecular biology
- physics
- neuroscience
15. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global, also known as CSU Global, is a fully online campus belonging to the Colorado State University System. This school offers flexible and affordable online STEM degrees to make education more accessible for busy students.
Some of the available STEM degrees include:
- accounting
- information technology
- data analytics
- cybersecurity
- healthcare administration and management
FAQs About STEM Colleges in Colorado
If you are still curious about attending a top STEM college in Colorado, below, we answer some frequently asked questions you may have.
What Is the Hardest School To Get Into in Colorado?
A school's acceptance rate is one of the most common factors determining how hard it is to get accepted.
The Colorado college with the lowest acceptance rate is Colorado College—it has an average acceptance rate of around 14% to 16%. This means that most applicants are not accepted, making it a very challenging school to get into.
What Is the Best Engineering School in Colorado?
Colorado has a variety of excellent schools for engineering students. According to U.S. News and World Report, the top engineering school in the state is the UC Boulder. The school provides some of the best STEM degrees in the U.S. U.S. News also ranks this school as the 23rd best engineering college in America.
Does It Matter What Engineering School I Go To?
Choosing the right college for you is a big decision, which will likely be based on multiple factors. While it's important to choose an accredited engineering program that will teach you the skills you need to succeed in your field, it's also important to choose a school that's a good fit for you.
The school you choose ultimately doesn't matter as long as you know what you're looking for in a school and make your decision carefully.