Top 3 Data Science Programs in Colorado 2025
Colorado School of Mines
Top-ranked engineering school with exceptional data science analytics program combining mining engineering expertise with cutting-edge ML techniques
University of Colorado Boulder
Research-intensive program with strong computer science foundation and partnerships with Boulder's growing tech sector
Colorado State University
Comprehensive data science program with excellent statistics department and agricultural/environmental data applications
- 1.Colorado has 20+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public universities and private colleges
- 2.Colorado School of Mines ranks #1 in Colorado with 84% graduation rate and unique engineering-focused data science approach
- 3.CU Boulder offers top research opportunities at $13,910 in-state tuition with strong computer science integration
- 4.Colorado data scientists earn median $109,820 annually—slightly above the national median (BLS Colorado 2024)
- 5.Denver-Boulder tech corridor provides 400+ employers including Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and growing startups
Data Science Education in Colorado
Colorado offers a growing selection of data science programs that leverage the state's strengths in aerospace, energy, and technology. From the engineering excellence of Colorado School of Mines to the research prowess of CU Boulder, Colorado universities combine traditional academic rigor with practical applications in industries like energy extraction, environmental science, and space technology.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national data science bachelor's rankings. Students considering costs should review our most affordable data science programs guide. Career-focused students should explore our data scientist salary guide for Colorado-specific compensation data and our data science curriculum guide for course planning.
Colorado's tech sector is rapidly expanding beyond traditional aerospace and energy companies. The Denver-Boulder corridor now hosts major employers like Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and growing fintech and healthtech startups. Students can also explore data science bootcamps for accelerated learning paths or AWS certifications to complement their degree.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Colorado May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility to faculty
Colorado-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Curriculum strength and industry partnerships
Colorado Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden | Public | $19,884 | 84% | 15:1 | 95.8 |
| 2 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder | Public | $13,910 | 71% | 18:1 | 92.3 |
| 3 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins | Public | $12,938 | 69% | 16:1 | 89.6 |
| 4 | University of Denver | Denver | Private | $56,208 | 78% | 11:1 | 87.2 |
| 5 | Colorado College | Colorado Springs | Private | $64,494 | 86% | 10:1 | 85.9 |
| 6 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver | Public | $12,522 | 52% | 19:1 | 83.4 |
| 7 | Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo | Public | $9,903 | 41% | 16:1 | 80.1 |
| 8 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley | Public | $12,372 | 55% | 20:1 | 78.5 |
| 9 | Metropolitan State University Denver | Denver | Public | $7,584 | 33% | 17:1 | 76.8 |
| 10 | Regis University | Denver | Private | $42,090 | 70% | 13:1 | 75.2 |
| 11 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Public | $11,448 | 44% | 18:1 | 73.6 |
| 12 | Adams State University | Alamosa | Public | $11,208 | 29% | 15:1 | 71.9 |
| 13 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison | Public | $11,628 | 47% | 17:1 | 70.3 |
| 14 | Fort Lewis College | Durango | Public | $9,780 | 48% | 16:1 | 68.7 |
| 15 | Colorado Christian University | Lakewood | Private | $35,560 | 60% | 16:1 | 67.1 |
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • Ranked #1 engineering school in Colorado with specialized data science track
- • Golden campus location provides access to both Denver tech sector and mountain industries
- • Unique focus on energy, environmental, and geological data applications
- • Strong alumni network in Colorado's energy and aerospace sectors
Program Strengths
- Applied Machine Learning in Engineering: Specialized ML courses focused on geological data, energy systems, and environmental monitoring
- Industry Partnerships: Direct connections with major Colorado employers like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and renewable energy companies
- Research Opportunities: Undergraduate research in areas like petroleum data analytics, mining optimization, and environmental modeling
- Quantitative Skills: Strong mathematical foundation with emphasis on statistics, linear algebra, and differential equations
- Internship Pipeline: 90% of students complete industry internships with average starting salaries of $75,000+
Why Ranked #1
Colorado School of Mines leads Colorado's data science rankings due to its unique engineering-focused approach that combines traditional data science methods with specialized applications in mining, energy, and environmental sciences. The program's 84% graduation rate and 15:1 student-faculty ratio provide exceptional academic support.
Student Reviews
"The data science program at Mines taught me to apply analytics to real-world engineering problems. I landed a data scientist role at Ball Aerospace right after graduation."
— Class of 2024 graduate
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • Boulder's tech scene provides numerous internship and job opportunities
- • Strong computer science department ranked in top 50 nationally
- • Research university with access to graduate-level courses and labs
- • Beautiful campus location with outdoor recreation opportunities
Program Strengths
- Computer Science Foundation: Strong programming curriculum in Python, R, Java, and SQL with emphasis on software engineering
- Research Integration: Access to faculty research in AI, machine learning, and computational biology
- Industry Connections: Partnerships with Boulder tech companies including Google, IBM, and local startups
- Interdisciplinary Options: Ability to combine data science with business, psychology, environmental studies, or journalism
- Career Services: Dedicated tech career fairs and internship placement programs
Why Ranked #2
CU Boulder ranks second for its comprehensive data science program that combines strong computer science fundamentals with diverse application areas. The program benefits from Boulder's tech ecosystem and the university's research excellence.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • Strong reputation in agricultural and environmental data applications
- • Affordable in-state tuition at $12,938 annually
- • Fort Collins provides college town atmosphere with growing tech presence
- • Excellent veterinary and atmospheric science programs for interdisciplinary studies
Program Strengths
- Statistics Excellence: One of Colorado's strongest statistics departments with expert faculty in biostatistics and agricultural data
- Applied Focus: Hands-on projects using real data from agriculture, veterinary science, and atmospheric science
- Programming Skills: Comprehensive training in R, Python, SQL, and statistical computing
- Collaborative Environment: Team-based projects and undergraduate research opportunities
- Career Preparation: Strong job placement rates with graduates entering both private industry and government agencies
Why Ranked #3
CSU Fort Collins earns third place for its well-rounded data science program that leverages the university's strength in statistics and agricultural sciences. The program provides practical experience with diverse data types and applications.
Colorado University Systems and Data Science Options
Colorado's higher education landscape offers data science programs across multiple university systems, each with distinct strengths and student populations.
University of Colorado System: The CU system includes three campuses offering data science programs. CU Boulder leads with its research-intensive program, while CU Denver provides urban campus opportunities with direct access to Denver's business district. CU Colorado Springs offers a smaller campus environment with growing tech programs.
Colorado State University System: CSU Fort Collins anchors the system with strong agricultural and environmental data science applications. CSU Pueblo offers more affordable options serving southern Colorado, though with lower graduation rates requiring careful consideration.
Colorado School of Mines: As a specialized engineering institution, Mines offers the most unique data science program in Colorado, focusing on applications in energy, mining, and environmental sciences. This specialization provides distinct career advantages in Colorado's traditional industries.
Private Institutions: Universities like University of Denver and Colorado College offer smaller class sizes and personalized attention, though at significantly higher tuition costs. These programs often emphasize business applications and liberal arts integration.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze large datasets to extract insights and build predictive models for business decision-making in Colorado's energy, aerospace, and tech sectors
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop data platforms, analytics tools, and machine learning systems for Colorado's growing tech companies and established aerospace firms
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement machine learning systems for energy optimization, aerospace applications, and emerging AI startups in the Denver-Boulder corridor
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2041Create reports and visualizations to support business operations across Colorado's diverse industries including healthcare, finance, and government
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Develop dashboards and analytics solutions for Colorado companies seeking to optimize operations and customer insights
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
| Tuition Type | Colorado School of Mines | CU Boulder | CSU Fort Collins | University of Denver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $19,884 | $13,910 | $12,938 | N/A |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $42,465 | $38,312 | $31,260 | $56,208 |
| Room & Board | $14,100 | $15,962 | $13,180 | $14,520 |
| Total Cost (In-State) | $33,984 | $29,872 | $26,118 | N/A |
| Total Cost (Out-of-State) | $56,565 | $54,274 | $44,440 | $70,728 |
| Financial Aid Rate | 85% | 82% | 78% | 98% |
| Average Aid Amount | $12,800 | $11,200 | $9,400 | $32,400 |
Which Should You Choose?
- Applied data science focused on energy, environmental, or aerospace industries
- Access to both outdoor recreation and growing tech opportunities
- Affordable in-state tuition at quality public institutions
- Smaller program sizes with strong faculty relationships
- Career opportunities in traditional Colorado industries plus emerging tech
- Mountain lifestyle with four-season recreation access
- Larger tech ecosystem with more startup opportunities (California, Texas)
- Financial services and fintech focus (New York)
- Major corporate headquarters for data science roles (Washington, Illinois)
- Lower cost of living with strong programs (North Carolina, Georgia)
- More diverse industry applications beyond energy/aerospace
- Larger alumni networks in major tech companies
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Data Science Programs
Related Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
2023 graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics
May 2024 occupational employment and wage estimates for Colorado
Federal data on college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
State-specific higher education data and transfer agreements
STEM education and workforce statistics
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.