8 Best Colleges in Denver (2025)

Do you live in or near Denver, Colorado? Are you interested in finding out what colleges and universities are located near you?

If so, you're in the right place. Keep reading as we discuss some of the top schools in Denver and the surrounding areas.

Featured Colleges in Denver, CO

In this section, we'll take a look at 10 of the best schools in and around Denver. Let's dive in.

1. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a large public school located on the Auraria Campus downtown. It enrolls nearly 17,000 total students.

This school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees both on campus and online. Some of the bachelor's degrees include:

• Art Education
• Biology
• Cybersecurity
• Environmental Science
• Hospitality Management

This school began in 1965 as an opportunity school and is known for having some of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

2. University of Colorado - Denver

The University of Colorado is a large public university system. Its Denver campus, also located downtown on the Auraria campus, enrolls more than 17,500 students.

Among its many undergraduate, graduate, and online degrees are the following subjects:

• Anthropology
• Communication
• Public Administration
• Ethnic Studies
• Geography

The school also offers a variety of certificate, professional education, and non-degree programs as well as high school and health-related education.

3. University of Denver

The University of Denver is a large private university, one of the oldest of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region. It is located in the University Neighborhood on the south side of town.

Various academic programs are available at the graduate and undergraduate levels, including:

• Criminology
• Business Analytics
• Electrical Engineering
• Game Development
• Healthcare Administration

Students at this school also have various options to study abroad. The University of Denver has been ranked by multiple sources as one of the top private universities in the nation.

4. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is located in Lakewood, part of the Denver metropolitan area. It is a small private school located on a 23-acre campus.

This school offers both online and campus-based degree programs. Some of the options include:

• Animation
• Illustration
• Photography
• Fine Arts
• Music Production

The school offers various certificate programs as well.

5. Regis University

Regis University is a private school originally founded by the Society of Jesus. It has been around since 1877 and enrolls nearly 7,000 students.

This school offers upwards of 120 degree programs on campus and online. Programs include:

• Applied Psychology
• Computational Physics
• Criminal Justice
• Health and Exercise Science
• Finance

The school offers its signature FastForward degree programs, which enable students to save time and money while obtaining their master's degree concurrently with their bachelor's degree.

6. Lincoln College of Technology

Lincoln College of Technology is a private trade school with campuses throughout the U.S. Its Denver campus is located conveniently right off of I-70.

The school offers diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs in various career-focused fields, including:

• Welding
• Automotive Services
• HVAC
• Electronic Systems
• Diesel and Truck Technology

This school offers world-class vocational training and has educational partnerships with corporations such as Tesla, BMW, and Peterbilt.

7. Columbia College - Denver

Columbia College - Denver is the Denver campus of a system of private colleges. The Columbia College system has campus locations throughout the U.S.

Degree programs include:

• English
• Statistics
• Political Science
• Nursing
• Marketing

Though many students study online, they can also obtain their degree on-campus in Aurora, in the Denver metropolitan area.

8. DeVry University

DeVry University is a private school with locations throughout the U.S. One of these locations is in Denver.

This school offers primarily online degrees, but campus-based programs are also available. Programs include:

• Business
• Computer Information Systems
• Accounting
• Healthcare Administration
• Finance

Associate, bachelor's, and master's programs are all available, as well as various graduate and undergraduate certificates.

Other Notable Colleges Near Denver

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is another school located near Denver in Lakewood. This private school enrolls more than 8,400 students.

Online and campus-based degree programs are both available. Some of the options include:

• Apologetics and Evangelism
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Elementary Education
• Science

This is a great school for those hoping to have a range of degree options and an education taught from a Christian perspective.

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University is headquartered in Colorado Springs but has a campus in Aurora, near Denver. It is one of the largest schools in the state with over 23,000 students.

Some of the degree programs available include:

• Information Technology
• Project Management
• Criminal Justice
• Computer Engineering
• Nursing

Though many students complete their degrees online, students also have the option to study on campus. Both graduate and undergraduate degrees are available.

What Is the Biggest School Near Denver, CO?

By enrollment, the biggest school in or near Denver is Colorado Technical University, which has more than 23,000 students.

Many of these students obtain their degrees online, however.

In terms of campus size, the University of Colorado - Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver are each located on 126 acres.

The University of Denver is close behind, with 125 acres.

How to Choose the Right College Near Denver, CO

When choosing the right college for you, you'll need to ask yourself several questions, such as:

• Does this school offer my degree program of choice?
• How much is it going to cost?
• What financial aid options are available?
• Do I meet the admission guidelines?
• Is the location convenient for me?

As you go through the various options, consider your answers to each of these questions.

Determine which factors are most important to you (cost vs. location, for example) and choose the school that seems to best fit your priorities.

Paying for Your Degree Near Denver, CO

To help you cover your college costs, consider filling out the FAFSA.

This can help you qualify for various forms of need-based financial aid, such as federal grants and school financial aid packages.

You can also apply for scholarships offered by your school or by other organizations throughout Colorado and the U.S.

Those with a military background may qualify for aid through their GI Bill benefits.

Finally, find out if your school offers work-study programs or payment plans.

If you already have a job, you may qualify for tuition assistance from your employer as well.

Start Your Degree Near Denver, CO Today

If you're looking for a school in the Denver, Colorado area, check out the options discussed in this article.

With any luck, you'll find one that will fit your educational goals and budget.