MBA Rankings

The Best MBA Programs in Colorado for 2027

Key Points: Best MBA Programs in Colorado

  • University of Colorado Boulder ranks #1 in Colorado on an 88.6 Program Score, with a 74% graduation rate.
  • The hardest to get into is University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus (#3), which admits 75% of applicants.
  • Public schools hold most of the places on this list.
Programs analyzed
8
Average graduation rate
56%
Median salary (BLS)
$105,770

We analyzed 8 business programs in Colorado on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where an MBA actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 8 ranked programs in Colorado runs from $6,120 to $27,631 a year, a $21,511 spread for the same credential.

University of Colorado Boulder tops the list with an 88.6 Program Score on a 74% graduation rate, at $13,510 a year in-state. Across all 8 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 56%, ranging from 39% to 74%. The national median pay in the field is $105,770 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.

MBA Programs in Colorado, Compared by Score

Colorado Boulder leads at 88.6, and Adams State closes the chart at 63.3. Longer bars rank higher.

Our Methodology for Ranking MBA Programs in Colorado

Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.

The 8 Best MBA Programs in Colorado, Ranked for 2027

The 8 best MBA Programs in Colorado, ranked by outcomes.

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public

88.6 Program Score
Grad rate
74%
Admit rate
78%
Tuition
Varies by program

A 55-credit-hour MBA at the Leeds School of Business with a full-time two-year option, evening and hybrid formats for professionals, and an Executive MBA.

  • 74% graduation rate
  • Program Score 88.6
  • 55 credit hours
  • Full-time, evening or Executive

The University of Colorado Boulder MBA is housed in the Leeds School of Business and requires 55 credit hours. The school describes a rigorous, integrative curriculum that uses case studies and student projects, with ethics, technology, communications and international issues woven through the courses. The full-time MBA runs on a prescribed sequence of core classes before electives, and students are expected to finish in two years. Of the 24 elective credits, concentrations include entrepreneurship, finance, marketing and organizational leadership and information analytics. Summer internships, case competitions, clubs and mentoring complement the classroom. Leeds also lists MBA programs for working professionals in evening and hybrid formats and an Executive MBA. Transferred coursework is not accepted into the MBA program.

Federal data shows a 74% graduation rate and a 78% admit rate at CU Boulder. The program earns a Program Score of 88.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a cohort-style, full-time experience and a choice of electives in areas such as entrepreneurship or finance. Working professionals should compare the evening and hybrid versions, since each format has its own schedule and requirements.

View University of Colorado Boulder's MBA Program →

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · online option

81.1 Program Score
Grad rate
67%
Admit rate
89%
Tuition
Varies by program

Colorado State offers five MBA paths, from an online MBA the school says it has delivered for 60 years to an Impact MBA built around the triple bottom line.

  • Program Score 81.1
  • 67% graduation rate
  • 89% admit rate
  • Online, evening and Mosaic formats

The College of Business at Colorado State University offers a Master of Business Administration in several formats so students can match the degree to their schedule. The page lists five MBA programs. The Online MBA is described as a program that has served working professionals for 60 years, with students joining from around the globe. The Evening MBA meets two nights a week on the Fort Collins campus, and the Mosaic MBA delivers the same evening classes remotely in real time, with polls, discussion and peer networking tools. The Impact MBA focuses on using enterprise models to drive positive change, connecting purpose and profit through the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental performance. The school describes its online program as top-ranked and the programs as accredited, claims the page makes without naming a ranking body.

Colorado State admits 89% of applicants, and 67% of students graduate. The MBA earns a Program Score of 81.1 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The range of formats suits people who want a choice between fully online study, evening classes on campus, or a live remote option, and the Impact track will appeal to students interested in sustainability-minded management.

View Colorado State University-Fort Collins's MBA Program →

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical

Denver, CO · Public

78.2 Program Score
Grad rate
46%
Admit rate
75%
Tuition
Varies by program

A 45-credit MBA with Denver Flex hybrid and online formats, 8-week terms, and a specialization option in areas such as Accounting and AI Strategy & Management.

  • 46% graduation rate
  • Program Score 78.2
  • 45 credit hours
  • Hybrid or online, 8-week terms

The University of Colorado Denver MBA is a 45-credit-hour program. Its core covers leading individuals and teams, data analytics for managers, legal and ethical environment of business, accounting information, marketing in the digital age, AI and information systems strategy, applied economics, operations, financial management and strategic management. Students also complete an international elective and 12 hours of free electives or a specialization. The Denver Flex MBA offers hybrid evening and asynchronous online core courses, taught mostly in 8-week sessions. The school also lists an Online MBA, a One Year MBA, a Health Administration MBA and an Executive MBA. Following the suggested pathway of five courses a year, students finish the 15-course program in three years.

Federal data shows a 46% graduation rate and a 75% admit rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical. The program earns a Program Score of 78.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. The format suits working professionals who want to take one or two courses per 8-week session and add a specialization, including Accounting or Artificial Intelligence Strategy & Management. The One Year and Executive options are lockstep cohorts, so applicants who need schedule flexibility should look at the Flex and Online formats.

View University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical's MBA Program →

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO · Nonprofit · online option

76.7 Program Score
Grad rate
64%
Admit rate
Open admission
Tuition
Varies by program

A 100% online MBA of 39 credit hours taught from a Christian worldview, finishable in as little as 18 months with courses taken one at a time.

  • 64% graduation rate
  • Program Score 76.7
  • 100% online, 39 credits
  • Finish in as little as 18 months

Colorado Christian University offers its MBA 100% online through the School of Business and Technology, taught from a Christian worldview with a focus on servant leadership. The program totals 39 credit hours. Courses are taken one at a time in five-week and seven-week blocks, and the school says students can finish in as little as 18 months of consecutive coursework while working. Every student selects an emphasis in Leadership, Advanced Accounting, Cyber Security, Enterprise Agility, Healthcare Administration or Project Management. Foundational courses include Values Aligned Leadership, Economic Analysis and Policy, Human Resources Management and Legal Issues in Management. Students can transfer up to nine graduate credit hours, and the school states it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Federal data shows a 64% graduation rate and open admission at CCU. The program earns a Program Score of 76.7 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults who want one course at a time, a faith-integrated approach to ethics, and a specialty emphasis such as project management or healthcare administration. Applicants should check the page for prerequisite or transfer credit requirements before enrolling.

View Colorado Christian University's MBA Program →

Regis University

Denver, CO · Nonprofit · online option

74.1 Program Score
Grad rate
61%
Admit rate
86%
Tuition
Varies by program

Regis University offers its Professional MBA fully online in 8-week terms, with six start dates a year and a 12 to 36 month timeline.

  • 61% graduation rate
  • Program Score 74.1
  • Six start dates a year
  • 100% online, 8-week terms

The Regis University Professional MBA is presented as an MBA for the greater good, built around leadership, communication and business skills that students can apply in their current roles. The program snapshot lists full-time or part-time study, online delivery and 8-week terms, with a time commitment of 12 to 36 months. Starts are offered in January, March, May, June, August and October. The school says classes can be completed 100% online and that faculty bring real-world experience from companies large and small. The curriculum includes an MBA capstone course, and applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Regis also points to its Innovation Challenge for students who want to start a business.

Regis reports a 61% graduation rate and an 86% admit rate. The program earns a Program Score of 74.1 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The flexible pace, frequent start dates and choice between full-time and part-time study suit working professionals who need to fit coursework around a job. The Jesuit framing of business as a force for good may appeal most to students who want ethics and community impact built into the degree.

View Regis University's MBA Program →

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public · online option

69.5 Program Score
Grad rate
51%
Admit rate
86%
Tuition
Varies by program

The online MBA from Monfort College of Business offers electives in organizational change, talent management, performance management and healthcare.

  • Program Score 69.5
  • 51% graduation rate
  • 86% admit rate
  • Online, with healthcare electives

The University of Northern Colorado offers an online Master of Business Administration through its Monfort College of Business. The page says the program is designed for students pursuing a broad range of corporate management positions in any industry, and that the curriculum was developed with input from employers. Coursework builds competencies in ethical leadership, managerial accounting, economics, international business, data analytics and visualization, supply chain management, strategic management and advanced finance. The curriculum is flexible, with electives in organizational change, talent management and performance management, as well as in healthcare. The school says the program covers leadership traits such as driving for results, financial acumen, communication and entrepreneurship. The page does not state credit hours or a completion time, so students should confirm those details with the school before applying.

UNC admits 86% of applicants, and 51% of students graduate. The MBA earns a Program Score of 69.5 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits working professionals who want a general management degree they can complete online, with the option to lean toward people management or healthcare through electives.

View University of Northern Colorado's MBA Program →

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO · Public · online option

68.6 Program Score
Grad rate
47%
Admit rate
97%
Tuition
Varies by program

An MBA of 30 or 36 credits with three tracks, 11 specializations and on-campus, online or hybrid delivery, from an AACSB-accredited college.

  • 47% graduation rate
  • Program Score 68.6
  • 30 or 36 credits
  • 11 specializations

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers an MBA in 30-credit or 36-credit formats, delivered on campus, online or in a hybrid mix. The College of Business offers three tracks: a Traditional MBA of 30 credits, a Specialized MBA of 36 credits that includes a graduate certificate, and a Flexible MBA of 30 credits for candidates with a business education. The school lists specializations including Business Analytics, Cybersecurity Management, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Marketing, Project Management and Space-Cyber Enterprise Management. Students can attend full time or part time and start in fall, spring or summer. The school reports AACSB accreditation and welcomes all undergraduate majors, with or without business coursework.

Federal data shows a 47% graduation rate and a 97% admit rate at UCCS, so admission is broadly accessible. The program earns a Program Score of 68.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits career changers from fields such as psychology or health care who want a general MBA, and working professionals who want evening or online classes with a specialization. Students can also return later to turn Traditional or Specialized MBA credits into a graduate certificate.

View University of Colorado Colorado Springs's MBA Program →

Adams State University

Alamosa, CO · Public

63.3 Program Score
Grad rate
39%
Admit rate
Open admission
Tuition
Varies by program

Adams State University's MBA is a 36-credit program that the school says can be completed 100% online in about two years.

  • 39% graduation rate
  • Program Score 63.3
  • Open admission
  • 36 credits, 100% online

Adams State University offers its MBA through the School of Business, and the program FAQ describes it as a 100% online degree. The curriculum totals 36 credit hours, which the school lays out as six semesters, or two years. Students are admitted into a cohort, the school signs them up for their MBA classes, and coursework runs through Blackboard. Applicants must submit a GRE or GMAT score before the first semester, with stated minimums of 570 on the GMAT or 153 Verbal and 151 on the GRE's second section. The GRE or GMAT is waived for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher. Transfer credit is possible with the director's approval, and the school asks for official transcripts and course syllabi.

Adams State reports a 39% graduation rate and is an open admission school, so the application centers on the test requirement, transcripts and letters of recommendation rather than a selective cutoff. The program earns a Program Score of 63.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking here. The format suits working adults who want a fixed two-year path with an online cohort and who can either meet the score minimums or qualify for the GPA waiver. Applicants should also note that the school warns classes fill quickly and may produce a waiting list.

View Adams State University's MBA Program →

Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.

Graduation Rates at the Ranked MBA Programs in Colorado

The median school on this list graduates 56% of its students. The highest rates belong to University of Colorado Boulder (74%) and Colorado State University-Fort Collins (67%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.

56% Median graduation rate across 8 schools
74% Highest on the list University of Colorado Boulder
  • 60% to 79% 4
  • 40% to 59% 3
  • Below 40% 1
  1. #1 University of Colorado Boulder74% graduation rate
  2. #2 Colorado State University-Fort Collins67% graduation rate
  3. #4 Colorado Christian University64% graduation rate

Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.

How Selective Are the MBA Programs in Colorado?

On this list, 2 of 8 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 86%.

86% Median admit rate across 6 schools
75% Most selective University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
2 Open admission admit every qualified applicant
  • 75% and above 6
  • Open admission 2
  1. #3 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus75% admitted
  2. #1 University of Colorado Boulder78% admitted
  3. #5 Regis University86% admitted

Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.

Public and Private MBA Programs in Colorado

This list holds 6 public and 2 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 73.8 public and 75.4 private nonprofit.

6 Public highest ranked: #1 University of Colorado Boulder
2 Private nonprofit highest ranked: #4 Colorado Christian University

Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.

Where the MBA Programs in Colorado Are

The 8 ranked schools are spread across 7 cities. Denver (2) is the only one with more than one ranked school.

7 Cities represented 8 schools
  • Denver 2
  • Alamosa 1
  • Boulder 1
  • Colorado Springs 1
  • Fort Collins 1
  • Greeley 1

Main campus city as reported to IPEDS.

Campus Size Across the MBA Programs in Colorado

Enrollment on this list runs from 2,901 at Adams State University to 38,799 at University of Colorado Boulder. Of the 8, 3 enroll 20,000 students or more and 2 enroll fewer than 5,000.

10,653 Median enrollment students, whole institution
38,799 Largest University of Colorado Boulder
2,901 Smallest Adams State University

Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.

What Graduates of the MBA Programs in Colorado Earn

Graduates of Colorado Boulder earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $137,635; the lowest figure here is $74,560 at Adams State.

Colorado Boulder leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.

College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level.

What an MBA Costs in Colorado

In-state tuition among the 8 ranked MBA programs in Colorado runs from $6,120 to $27,631 a year. Adams State University anchors the low end at $6,120, while Colorado Christian University sits at the top at $27,631. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.

Run the two-year math and the gap widens: about $12,240 in tuition at the low end against roughly $55,262 at the high end for the same MBA. Against the national median of $105,770 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.

Online MBA Options in Colorado

5 of the 8 ranked Colorado programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online MBA carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.

5 Offer an online option of 8 ranked
  1. #2 Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO
  2. #4 Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood, CO
  3. #5 Regis UniversityDenver, CO
  4. #6 University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, CO
  5. #7 University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO

Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.

MBA Careers and Pay After a Colorado Program

Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $105,770 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $6,120 or $27,631 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.

Keep Exploring

Common Questions About MBA Programs in Colorado

What is the best MBA in Colorado?

By Program Score, University of Colorado Boulder ranks first among the 8 MBA programs in Colorado we analyzed, with an 88.6 score and a 74% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.

How much does an MBA cost in Colorado?

In-state tuition among the ranked Colorado programs runs from $6,120 to $27,631 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.

Is an online MBA respected by employers?

Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.

What salary can graduates expect?

The BLS reports a national median of $105,770 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Colorado-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.

Data Sources