1. University of Colorado Boulder
Overview
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), founded in 1876, is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado. Known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and strong research programs, CU Boulder offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is also known for its active student life and numerous extracurricular activities.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #99 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 36,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
84%
Average SAT Score
1170-1370
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Club Sports
- Greek Life
- Outdoor Recreation
- Research Programs
Famous Alumni
- Robert Redford – Actor and Director
- Matt Stone – Co-creator of “South Park”
- Chris Fowler – Sports Broadcaster
- Byron White – Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice
- Kalpana Chawla – NASA Astronaut
Top Hiring Companies
- Lockheed Martin
- IBM
- Ball Aerospace
- University of Colorado
2. Colorado State University
Overview
Colorado State University (CSU), established in 1870, is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. CSU is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. The university emphasizes sustainability and offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student engagement.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #166 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 33,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various fields.
Acceptance Rate
81%
Average SAT Score
1090-1290
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Club Sports
- Greek Life
- Outdoor Adventure Programs
- Research Opportunities
Famous Alumni
- John Amos – Actor
- Leslie Jones – Comedian and Actress
- Becky Hammon – WNBA Player and Coach
- Kim Lyons – Fitness Trainer
- Wayne Allard – Former U.S. Senator
Top Hiring Companies
- Hewlett Packard
- OtterBox
- Intel
- Lockheed Martin
- Colorado State University
3. University of Denver
Overview
The University of Denver (DU), founded in 1864, is a private research university located in Denver, Colorado. DU is known for its strong programs in law, business, and international studies. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs and emphasizes experiential learning, global engagement, and community service.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #105 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 12,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
61%
Average SAT Score
1180-1370
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Club Sports
- Greek Life
- Volunteer Programs
- Study Abroad Programs
Famous Alumni
- Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
- Pete Coors – Chairman of Coors Brewing Company
- Sinbad – Comedian and Actor
- Sue Allard – Environmental Activist
- Andrew Rosenthal – Journalist
Top Hiring Companies
- Deloitte
- Lockheed Martin
- DaVita Inc.
- KPMG
- University of Denver
4. Colorado School of Mines
Overview
The Colorado School of Mines, founded in 1874, is a public research university in Golden, Colorado. It is known for its focus on engineering and applied sciences, particularly in the fields of earth sciences, energy, and the environment. The university offers a rigorous education with an emphasis on hands-on learning and research.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #89 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 7,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in engineering and applied sciences.
Acceptance Rate
55%
Average SAT Score
1320-1480
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Outdoor Recreation
- Professional Societies
- Greek Life
- Research Opportunities
Famous Alumni
- George Saunders – Writer and Professor
- Robert D. Hager – Geophysicist
- Harold J. Read – Mining Engineer
- Beverly A. Parrish – Petroleum Engineer
- E. Benjamin Nelson – Former U.S. Senator
Top Hiring Companies
- Chevron
- ExxonMobil
- Lockheed Martin
- Schlumberger
- Colorado School of Mines
5. University of Colorado Denver
Overview
The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), established in 1912, is a public research university located in downtown Denver, Colorado. CU Denver is known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and urban planning. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs and emphasizes real-world learning and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #254 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 15,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
67%
Average SAT Score
1020-1240
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Cultural Organizations
- Professional Societies
- Volunteer Programs
- Athletics and Recreation
Famous Alumni
- Norman Shumway – Pioneer in Heart Transplant Surgery
- Pamela Z. Bliss – Research Scientist
- Tim Gill – Software Entrepreneur
- Yvonne B. Miller – Politician and Educator
- LeRoy Apker – Physicist
Top Hiring Companies
- University of Colorado Health
- Lockheed Martin
- Kaiser Permanente
- Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Amazon
6. Regis University
Overview
Regis University, founded in 1877, is a private Jesuit university located in Denver, Colorado. Known for its commitment to service, social justice, and academic excellence, Regis offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #250 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 6,900 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
60%
Average SAT Score
1060-1270
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Service Learning Programs
- Student Government
- Athletics (Regis Rangers)
- Cultural Organizations
- Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni
- Bill Murray – Actor and Comedian
- Walker Stapleton – Former Colorado State Treasurer
- J.J. Ramberg – TV Host and Entrepreneur
- Michael Hancock – Mayor of Denver
- Janet Buckner – State Legislator
Top Hiring Companies
- Kaiser Permanente
- Centura Health
- Lockheed Martin
- Regis University
- Denver Public Schools
7. University of Northern Colorado
Overview
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC), established in 1889, is a public university located in Greeley, Colorado. Known for its strong programs in education, business, and performing arts, UNC offers a diverse range of academic programs and emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and student success.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #298-#389 in National Universities.
Number of Students
Approximately 11,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
90%
Average SAT Score
970-1180
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek Life
- Student Government
- Athletics (UNC Bears)
- Performing Arts Groups
- Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni
- Ed Werder – Sports Broadcaster
- Greg Germann – Actor
- Connie Willis – Science Fiction Author
- Vincent Jackson – NFL Player
- Virginia Fraser – Activist and Advocate for the Elderly
Top Hiring Companies
- Weld County School District
- Banner Health
- University of Northern Colorado
- State Farm Insurance
- JBS USA
8. Colorado College
Overview
Colorado College, founded in 1874, is a private liberal arts college located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Known for its unique Block Plan, which allows students to immerse themselves in one course at a time, Colorado College emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and global awareness.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #25 in National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Number of Students
Approximately 2,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
13%
Average SAT Score
1300-1480
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Outdoor Recreation
- Student Government
- Cultural Organizations
- Volunteer Programs
- Performing Arts Groups
Famous Alumni
- Lynne Cheney – Author and Former Second Lady of the U.S.
- James Heckman – Nobel Laureate in Economics
- Ken Salazar – Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
- Marc Webb – Filmmaker
- Thomas Hornsby Ferril – Poet
Top Hiring Companies
- Colorado College
- U.S. Government
- Colorado Springs School District
- Lockheed Martin
9. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Overview
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), established in 1965, is a public university located in downtown Denver, Colorado. Known for its affordability and diverse student body, MSU Denver offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, community engagement, and career readiness.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #95 in Regional Universities West.
Number of Students
Approximately 20,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
61%
Average SAT Score
910-1110
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Athletics (MSU Denver Roadrunners)
- Cultural Organizations
- Volunteer Programs
- Professional Societies
Famous Alumni
- Pam Grier – Actress
- Alan Roach – Sports Announcer
- April Heinrichs – Soccer Coach and Player
- Tony Laubach – Meteorologist
- Michael Hancock – Mayor of Denver
Top Hiring Companies
- Denver Public Schools
- Centura Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- Lockheed Martin
- City and County of Denver
10. Colorado Christian University
Overview
Colorado Christian University (CCU), founded in 1914, is a private Christian university located in Lakewood, Colorado. CCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on integrating faith and learning. The university is known for its commitment to Christian values, community service, and academic excellence.
U.S. News Ranking
Ranked #61 in Regional Universities West.
Number of Students
Approximately 8,000 students.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines.
Acceptance Rate
63%
Average SAT Score
1020-1240
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Chapel Services
- Student Government
- Athletics (CCU Cougars)
- Volunteer Programs
- Music and Worship Groups
Famous Alumni
- Dan Coors – Business Executive
- Mike Coffman – U.S. Representative
- Beth Nimmo – Author and Speaker
- Joseph Castleberry – University President
- Rachel Joy Scott – Columbine Victim and Inspirational Speaker
Top Hiring Companies
- Compassion International
- Denver Public Schools
- Centura Health
- Lockheed Martin
- Colorado Christian University