Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Colorado 2025
Colorado School of Mines
Elite engineering school with 89% graduation rate and strong industry partnerships with major Colorado tech companies
University of Colorado Boulder
Leading research university with comprehensive CS program and Boulder's startup ecosystem access
Colorado State University
Strong engineering tradition with software focus and excellent job placement rates in Colorado
- 1.Colorado has 25+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs across public universities and private colleges
- 2.Colorado School of Mines ranks #1 in the state with 89% graduation rate and elite engineering reputation
- 3.In-state students pay $13,394-$21,186 annually at top public programs - significantly lower than national averages
- 4.Colorado software developers earn median $126,480 annually - 16% above the national median ($109,020)
- 5.Denver-Boulder metro area provides 45,000+ software developer jobs with companies like Arrow Electronics, Ball Aerospace, and emerging startups
Software Engineering Education Landscape in Colorado
Colorado offers excellent software engineering education opportunities through its strong public university system and growing tech ecosystem. The state's programs combine traditional computer science foundations with modern software development practices, preparing students for careers in both established companies and Colorado's vibrant startup scene.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national software engineering bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable software engineering programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Colorado-specific compensation data and job market insights.
Colorado's tech industry has grown significantly, with Denver ranking among the top 10 tech cities in the US. The state offers unique advantages including no state income tax on military retirement pay, lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs, and access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Colorado May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility
Colorado-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden | Public | $21,186 | 89% | 16:1 | 94.5 |
| 2 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder | Public | $13,910 | 72% | 18:1 | 91.8 |
| 3 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins | Public | $13,394 | 69% | 17:1 | 88.2 |
| 4 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver | Public | $12,498 | 51% | 19:1 | 85.9 |
| 5 | University of Denver | Denver | Private | $54,936 | 78% | 11:1 | 84.7 |
| 6 | Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo | Public | $11,064 | 42% | 16:1 | 82.1 |
| 7 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs | Public | $11,644 | 54% | 17:1 | 81.5 |
| 8 | Colorado Technical University | Colorado Springs | Private | $12,036 | 38% | 14:1 | 79.8 |
| 9 | Regis University | Denver | Private | $42,950 | 72% | 13:1 | 79.2 |
| 10 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Denver | Public | $8,568 | 32% | 20:1 | 77.6 |
| 11 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Public | $11,628 | 43% | 18:1 | 76.3 |
| 12 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison | Public | $11,388 | 51% | 17:1 | 75.8 |
| 13 | Adams State University | Alamosa | Public | $10,704 | 35% | 15:1 | 74.2 |
| 14 | Fort Lewis College | Durango | Public | $10,458 | 48% | 16:1 | 73.7 |
| 15 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley | Public | $12,372 | 54% | 20:1 | 72.9 |
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $87,500
- • 98% job placement rate within 6 months
- • Strong alumni network in Colorado tech industry
- • Research opportunities in cybersecurity and data science
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate - highest among Colorado engineering programs
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Strong industry partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and tech startups
- Comprehensive curriculum covering software architecture, algorithms, and systems
- Access to cutting-edge research labs and project-based learning
- Excellent job placement rates with starting salaries above $85,000
Why Ranked #1
Colorado School of Mines ranks #1 for software engineering in Colorado due to its exceptional 89% graduation rate, elite engineering reputation, and strong connections to Colorado's tech and aerospace industries. The program combines rigorous computer science fundamentals with practical software development skills.
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $82,000
- • 85% job placement rate within 6 months
- • Access to tech accelerators and incubators
- • Study abroad programs in technology hubs
Program Strengths
- R1 research university with extensive CS research opportunities
- Access to Boulder's vibrant tech startup scene
- Flexible curriculum with multiple specialization tracks
- Strong connections to Denver and Boulder tech companies
- Active student organizations and coding clubs
- Internship opportunities with major tech employers
Why Ranked #2
CU Boulder's computer science program ranks #2 in Colorado with strong research opportunities and access to Boulder's startup ecosystem. The program offers comprehensive software engineering education with flexibility to specialize in areas like AI, cybersecurity, or web development.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary: $78,000
- • 82% job placement rate within 6 months
- • Low student debt compared to private alternatives
- • Strong regional employer relationships
Program Strengths
- Strong engineering college with comprehensive CS program
- Excellent value with affordable in-state tuition
- Industry-focused curriculum with hands-on projects
- Active career services and industry networking
- Modern facilities and computing labs
- Growing connections to Denver tech corridor
Why Ranked #3
CSU's computer science program ranks #3 in Colorado with a strong engineering tradition and excellent value proposition. The program emphasizes practical software development skills while maintaining rigorous academic standards, preparing graduates for immediate industry impact.
Colorado University Systems and Programs
Colorado's higher education landscape includes several distinct systems serving different student populations and career goals.
University of Colorado System operates four campuses with varying strengths. CU Boulder leads in research and computer science, offering the most comprehensive program in the state with opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software systems. CU Denver serves working professionals and non-traditional students in the metro area, while CU Colorado Springs provides access to the growing tech sector in the Pikes Peak region.
Colorado State University System includes CSU Fort Collins, the flagship with strong engineering programs, and CSU Pueblo, which offers more affordable options for students seeking practical, career-focused education in software development.
Colorado School of Mines stands apart as a specialized engineering institution with exceptional reputation and outcomes. While smaller, it consistently produces graduates who command high starting salaries and land positions at top technology companies.
Students should also consider bootcamp alternatives for faster entry into the workforce, or explore cloud certifications to supplement their degree with in-demand skills.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, websites, and software systems for Colorado tech companies
Web Developer
Create and maintain websites and web applications for Colorado businesses
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions in Colorado's growing data economy
Manage deployment pipelines and cloud infrastructure for Colorado tech companies
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital assets for Colorado's aerospace, defense, and tech industries
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $13,000 | $35,000 | $45,000 |
| Room & Board | $12,000 | $12,000 | $14,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | $25,000 | $47,000 | $59,000 |
| 4-Year Total | $100,000 | $188,000 | $236,000 |
| Financial Aid Rate | 65% | 45% | 75% |
| Average Class Size | 25-35 | 25-35 | 15-25 |
| Industry Connections | Good | Good | Excellent |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to growing tech industry in Denver-Boulder corridor
- Lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Outdoor recreation opportunities alongside tech career
- Strong public university options with affordable in-state tuition
- Growing startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship opportunities
- Access to aerospace and defense tech industries
- Larger tech job markets (California, Texas, New York)
- More prestigious computer science programs
- Higher concentration of tech companies and networking
- More specialized programs in emerging tech fields
- International business opportunities
- Access to venture capital and investment communities
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado SE Programs
Related Software Engineering Resources
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.