Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Colorado offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado
- United States Air Force Academy
- Colorado College
- Aspen University
- Naropa University
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Colorado Mesa University
- Fort Lewis College
- Community College of Denver
- Western Colorado University
- Adams State University
- United States Air Force Academy
- Colorado College
- Naropa University
- Aspen University
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Fort Lewis College
- Community College of Denver
- Colorado Mesa University
- Adams State University
- Colorado Mountain College
- Naropa University 100%
- Adams State University 99%
- Colorado State University Pueblo 99%
- Metropolitan State University of Denver 98%
- Western Colorado University 92%
- Fort Lewis College 91%
- Colorado Mesa University 82%
- Colorado College 16%
- United States Air Force Academy 16%
- Red Rocks Community College 22 to 1
- Community College of Denver 20 to 1
- Pueblo Community College 19 to 1
- Colorado Mesa University 18 to 1
- Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
- Western Colorado University 16 to 1
- Colorado Christian University 16 to 1
- Fort Lewis College 15 to 1
- Colorado State University Pueblo 15 to 1
- Colorado Mountain College 13 to 1
- Colorado College $65,028
- Naropa University $34,600
- Colorado Christian University $17,476
- Metropolitan State University of Denver $8,445
- Colorado Mesa University $8,261
- Fort Lewis College $7,200
- Western Colorado University $6,936
- Colorado State University Pueblo $6,670
- Adams State University $6,072
- Aspen University $5,355
- Colorado College $27,600
- Naropa University $19,578
- Western Colorado University $14,000
- Colorado Christian University $13,931
- Red Rocks Community College $10,278
- Colorado Mesa University $9,548
- Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
- Adams State University $7,704
- Fort Lewis College $6,750
- Colorado State University Pueblo $5,996
- Pueblo Community College
- Red Rocks Community College
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Colorado Mountain College
- Colorado Christian University
- Adams State University
- Western Colorado University
- Community College of Denver
- Fort Lewis College
- Colorado Mesa University
- Red Rocks Community College
- Pueblo Community College
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Colorado Christian University
- Western Colorado University
- Colorado Mountain College
- Adams State University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Community College of Denver
- Fort Lewis College
- United States Air Force Academy 16%
- Colorado College 16%
- Colorado Mesa University 82%
- Fort Lewis College 91%
- Western Colorado University 92%
- Metropolitan State University of Denver 98%
- Colorado State University Pueblo 99%
- Adams State University 99%
- Naropa University 100%
- Aspen University 5 to 1
- United States Air Force Academy 7 to 1
- Naropa University 9 to 1
- Colorado College 10 to 1
- Colorado Mountain College 13 to 1
- Adams State University 13 to 1
- Fort Lewis College 15 to 1
- Colorado State University Pueblo 15 to 1
- Metropolitan State University of Denver 16 to 1
- Western Colorado University 16 to 1
- Red Rocks Community College $3,744
- Community College of Denver $3,754
- Pueblo Community College $3,754
- Colorado Mountain College $4,680
- Aspen University $5,355
- Adams State University $6,072
- Colorado State University Pueblo $6,670
- Western Colorado University $6,936
- Fort Lewis College $7,200
- Colorado Mesa University $8,261
- Aspen University $3,900
- Colorado State University Pueblo $5,996
- Fort Lewis College $6,750
- Adams State University $7,704
- Metropolitan State University of Denver $9,169
- Colorado Mesa University $9,548
- Red Rocks Community College $10,278
- Colorado Christian University $13,931
- Western Colorado University $14,000
- Naropa University $19,578
Colleges and Universities in Colorado
Fans of the outdoors will feel right at home in Colorado. With the Rocky Mountains, Colorado River, and even part of the Great Plains, you’re sure to find adventure in The Centennial State. Students looking to balance outdoor adventure with higher education can choose from over 40 colleges and universities offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for an average in-state tuition of $10,800.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Colorado’s 28 public institutes include junior colleges, universities, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Colorado School of Mines, a research university that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Tuition for Colorado’s public schools ranges from $3,000 to $19,000, with many of the colleges and junior colleges starting at $4,000 and the universities at $8,000. Several of public colleges in Colorado enroll a large number of online students, including Colorado State University
.Colorado’s private institutions boast smaller class sizes and student populations. This category includes five religiously affiliated campuses. Private colleges in Colorado tend to be more expensive, ranging from $4,000 to $55,000 in tuition. There are several online colleges in Colorado that are categorized as private schools.
The University of Colorado, Boulder, a notable research institute, is ranked as the number one school in the state and has a student population of just over 32,000. Students can earn degrees in computer science and physics both through in-person courses and online learning. Influential Boulder alumni include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Academy Award-winning actor and director Robert Redford.
Prospective art students can check out Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, and those desiring a career in the medical field can look into the Institute of Business and Medical Careers.
To learn more, check out the best brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Colorado.
What are Colorado’s Colleges & Universities?
- 9 Research Universities
- 15 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 9 Graduate Schools
- 17 Public Colleges & Universities
- 7 Private Colleges & Universities
- 2 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 9 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 23 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Colorado’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 15 liberal arts colleges in Colorado. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Colorado, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2023
- #22 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
100%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
What is United States Air Force Academy known for?
United States Air Force Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Law
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
86%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/31
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado College
Cost of Degree: $65,028Expenses: $18,200Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado College known for?
Colorado College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2024
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #16 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
- #2 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #20 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$5K
Student body
14K
What is Aspen University known for?
Aspen University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Aspen University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Completion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Completion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #10 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
31%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Naropa University
Cost of Degree: $34,600Expenses: $16,624Starting Salary: $27,800Cost Recoup Time: 23 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Naropa University known for?
Naropa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
29%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/19
Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Cost of Degree: $10,260Starting Salary: $44,200What is Metropolitan State University of Denver known for?
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Social Work
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Intelligence
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing And Sales
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
39%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mesa University
Cost of Degree: $9,297Expenses: $16,146Starting Salary: $42,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Mesa University known for?
Colorado Mesa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
- Biology
- History
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Education
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
39%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/21
Career Outlook for degree at Fort Lewis College
Cost of Degree: $9,212Expenses: $17,810Starting Salary: $39,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fort Lewis College known for?
Fort Lewis College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Online Associate's in Physics #1 Best Online Associate in Anthropology #2 Best Online Associate in French Degree Programs #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #2 Best Online Associate in Biology
- #4 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #4 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
- #8 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #8 Best Online Associate in Education
- #13 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
- #14 Best Online Associate in English
- #15 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #16 Best Online Associate in Psychology
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
18%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Community College of Denver
Cost of Degree: $4,586Starting Salary: $36,400What is Community College of Denver known for?
Community College of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Community College of Denver’s Online Degrees
BAS in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
47%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/25
Career Outlook for degree at Western Colorado University
Cost of Degree: $10,813Expenses: $14,822Starting Salary: $43,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Colorado University known for?
Western Colorado University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Literature
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Business
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024 #7 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024 #13 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Career Outlook for degree at Adams State University
Cost of Degree: $9,776Expenses: $14,206Starting Salary: $38,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adams State University known for?
Adams State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
- #9 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
- #13 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #14 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Master's in Economics
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #21 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #12 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #19 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
61%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Christian University
Cost of Degree: $26,846Expenses: $12,774Starting Salary: $44,600Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Christian University known for?
Colorado Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Business
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- History
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado Christian University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accountancy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Marketing And Sales
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nonprofit Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Management In Christian Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Management In Enterprise Agility
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Management In Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Data Engineering
- Database Management
- Networking
- System Analyst
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems Management
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- System Analyst
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Early Childhood Education
Degree Concentrations
- Licensure
- Non Licensure
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education
Degree Concentrations
- Licensure
- Non Licensure
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Special Education
Degree Concentrations
- Licensure
- Non-Licensure
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Applied Apologetics
Degree Concentrations
- Cultural Engagement
- Global Apologetics
- Innovative Evangelism
- Practical Apologetics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
27%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado Mountain College
Cost of Degree: $4,980Expenses: $13,826Starting Salary: $37,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado Mountain College known for?
Colorado Mountain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
35%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/21
Career Outlook for degree at Colorado State University Pueblo
Cost of Degree: $9,245Expenses: $19,286Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado State University Pueblo known for?
Colorado State University Pueblo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Communications
- Political Science
- Medical
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Online Associate's in Physics #12 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
39%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Red Rocks Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,471Starting Salary: $43,300What is Red Rocks Community College known for?
Red Rocks Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
23%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Pueblo Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,626Starting Salary: $31,900What is Pueblo Community College known for?
Pueblo Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Colorado’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.