1. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder, commonly referred to as CU Boulder, is a public research university located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1876, CU Boulder offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. Known for its innovative research and vibrant campus life, CU Boulder provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership development, and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 96th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 36,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as engineering, business, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 78%.

Average SAT Score:

1250-1440 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Outdoor Recreation Clubs
2. Student Government
3. Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. Trey Parker – Co-creator of South Park
2. Tim Gill – Software entrepreneur and LGBT rights activist
3. Amy Van Dyken – Olympic swimmer
4. Annaleigh Ashford – Tony Award-winning actress
5. Chris Fowler – ESPN sportscaster

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Lockheed Martin Corporation
2. Ball Aerospace
3. Google
4. Amazon
5. Oracle

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins. Established in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, CSU has since evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, CSU prepares students to tackle complex challenges and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 153rd in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 34,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as agriculture, engineering, health sciences, business, and liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 81%.

Average SAT Score:

1120-1330 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Environmental Clubs
2. Community Service Organizations
3. Greek Life

Famous Alumni:

1. Amy Adams – Actress
2. Temple Grandin – Animal behavior expert and autism advocate
3. Steve Ells – Founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill
4. Becky Hammon – Assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs
5. Rich Froning Jr. – CrossFit athlete

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Woodward, Inc.
2. Otter Products (OtterBox)
3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
4. Agilent Technologies
5. UCHealth

3. University of Denver

The University of Denver (DU) is a private research university located in the heart of Denver. Established in 1864, DU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With a commitment to experiential learning, global engagement, and inclusive excellence, DU fosters a dynamic and supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 96th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 12,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, law, international studies, social sciences, and humanities.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 58%.

Average SAT Score:

1240-1420 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Study Abroad Programs
2. Entrepreneurship Clubs
3. Performing Arts Groups

Famous Alumni:

1. Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
2. Peter H. Coors – Chairman of Molson Coors Brewing Company
3. John Hickenlooper – Governor of Colorado and former Mayor of Denver
4. Madeleine Albright – Former U.S. Secretary of State
5. Judy Woodruff – Broadcast journalist

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. DaVita Inc.
2. Lockheed Martin Corporation
3. KPMG LLP
4. Deloitte
5. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

4. University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is a public research university located in downtown Denver. Established in 1912, CU Denver offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With a focus on urban and public affairs, health sciences, and business innovation, CU Denver prepares students to address societal challenges and thrive in dynamic professional environments.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 226th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 25,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business administration, public affairs, health administration, engineering, and education.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 64%.

Average SAT Score:

1080-1290 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Urban Planning and Development Clubs
2. Healthcare Professional Organizations
3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation Workshops

Famous Alumni:

1. John Hickenlooper – Governor of Colorado and former Mayor of Denver
2. Tim Gill – Software entrepreneur and LGBT rights activist
3. Doug Lamborn – U.S. Congressman
4. Paul Whiteman – Jazz bandleader
5. Temple Grandin – Animal behavior expert and autism advocate

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Lockheed Martin Corporation
2. DaVita Inc.
3. Children’s Hospital Colorado
4. Arrow Electronics
5. Kaiser Permanente

5. Colorado School of Mines

The Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is a public research university located in Golden, Colorado. Established in 1874, Mines is renowned for its specialized programs in engineering, applied science, and earth sciences. With a focus on hands-on learning, innovation, and sustainability, Mines prepares students to address the world’s most pressing challenges in energy, natural resources, and the environment.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 80th in National Universities (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 7,800 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as petroleum engineering, geological engineering, mechanical engineering, and environmental science.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 53%.

Average SAT Score:

1280-1460 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Engineering Design Competitions
2. Sustainability Initiatives
3. Outdoor Recreation Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. John M. Henderson – Former President and CEO of Amoco Corporation
2. Ed Dwight – Former NASA astronaut candidate and sculptor
3. Marillyn Hewson – Former Chairman, President, and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation
4. Charles T. Hinde – American engineer and entrepreneur
5. Toshihiko Hashida – Former President of the University of Tokyo

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Chevron Corporation
2. ExxonMobil Corporation
3. Schlumberger
4. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
5. Lockheed Martin Corporation

6. Colorado College

Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, is a private liberal arts college known for its innovative Block Plan curriculum and commitment to experiential education. Founded in 1874, Colorado College offers a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and opportunities for independent research, internships, and study abroad.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 24th in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s degrees in fields such as anthropology, economics, environmental science, psychology, and sociology.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 13%.

Average SAT Score:

1310-1470 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Outdoor Adventure Clubs
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Student Government

Famous Alumni:

1. Ben Bradlee – Former editor of The Washington Post
2. Robert Frost – Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
3. Michelle Kwan – Olympic figure skater
4. Jeff Smith – Political cartoonist
5. Katie Lee – Environmental activist and television host

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Teach For America
2. Google
3. Deloitte
4. Goldman Sachs
5. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

7. Regis University

Regis University is a private Jesuit university located in Denver. Founded in 1877, Regis offers a values-based education with a focus on social justice, service, and leadership. With a diverse student body and a commitment to academic excellence, Regis prepares students to make a positive impact in their professions and communities.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 27th in Regional Universities West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 8,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 60%.

Average SAT Score:

1050-1240 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Campus Ministry Programs
2. Service Learning Projects
3. Student Clubs and Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Philip Anschutz – Billionaire businessman and philanthropist
2. Greg Mortenson – Author of “Three Cups of Tea”
3. Neal Boyd – Opera singer and winner of America’s Got Talent
4. Jimmy Santiago Baca – Poet and writer
5. Michael Chertoff – Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Lockheed Martin Corporation
2. DaVita Inc.
3. Kaiser Permanente
4. Denver Public Schools
5. IBM

8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a public research university located in Colorado Springs. Established in 1965, UCCS offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, UCCS prepares students to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 51st in Regional Universities West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 12,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields such as business, engineering, education, health sciences, and liberal arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 93%.

Average SAT Score:

1050-1240 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Entrepreneurship Clubs
2. Outdoor Adventure Programs
3. Cultural Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Steve Bach – Former Mayor of Colorado Springs
2. Katee Sackhoff – Actress
3. Kyle Dyer – News anchor
4. Richie Furay – Musician
5. Andy Vick – Executive Director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Lockheed Martin Corporation
2. Northrop Grumman Corporation
3. Oracle
4. Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
5. UCHealth

9. Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction. Established in 1925, CMU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a focus on hands-on learning, innovation, and community collaboration, CMU prepares students for success in their careers and fosters a spirit of lifelong learning and civic engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 62nd in Regional Universities West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 10,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as business, education, health sciences, liberal arts, and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 82%.

Average SAT Score:

980-1170 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Outdoor Recreation Clubs
2. Performing Arts Groups
3. Student Government

Famous Alumni:

1. Ben Garland – NFL player and Air Force officer
2. Justin Armour – Former MLB player
3. Dwayne Romero – Former Mayor of Aspen
4. Jeanne Adkins – Colorado State Senator
5. Mike Kendall – Former MLB pitcher

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Mary’s Medical Center
2. Hilltop Community Resources
3. Mesa County Valley School District 51
4. City of Grand Junction
5. Rocky Mountain Health Plans

10. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a public university located in downtown Denver. Established in 1965, MSU Denver offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a focus on urban education, inclusive excellence, and community engagement, MSU Denver provides students with opportunities for academic and professional growth in a vibrant urban setting.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked 102nd in Regional Universities West (2022).

Number of Students:

Approximately 20,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as business, education, health professions, humanities, and social sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Around 64%.

Average SAT Score:

980-1170 (middle 50%).

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Service Learning Projects
2. Professional Development Workshops
3. Cultural Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. J. Miller – Actor and comedian
2. Don Cheadle – Actor
3. John Hickenlooper – Governor of Colorado and former Mayor of Denver
4. Roy Romer – Former Governor of Colorado
5. Federico Peña – Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Energy

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Denver Public Schools
2. Children’s Hospital Colorado
3. DaVita Inc.
4. Denver Health
5. Kaiser Permanente