2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Colorado

1

Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO

Our analysis ranked Colorado Mountain College the best value for a degree in general education in Colorado. Located in the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,616, compared with $12,840 for out-of-state students. General Education graduates carry a median of $12,953 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Colorado Mountain College generally make around $48,694. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Colorado State University Pueblo earned it the #2 place for general education. Set in the city of Pueblo, Colorado State University Pueblo is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,720, with out-of-state students paying around $17,944. Students borrow a median of $25,325 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $48,078. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.

3

Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Denver, CO

Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $27,484. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Metropolitan State College Of Denver generally make around $49,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State College Of Denver admits about 99% of applicants.

4

Mesa State College
Grand Junction, CO

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Mesa State College, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Grand Junction, Mesa State College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,124. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $22,310. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Mesa State College generally make around $52,796. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mesa State College admits about 82% of applicants.

5

Western State College Of Colorado
Gunnison, CO

Western State College Of Colorado is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Gunnison, Western State College Of Colorado is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,318, while out-of-state students pay about $24,434. Students borrow a median of $23,455 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Western State College Of Colorado earn a median of $51,949 early in their careers. Set against $23,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western State College Of Colorado admits about 100% of applicants.

6

University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO

University Of Northern Colorado ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. University Of Northern Colorado is a large public school located in the city of Greeley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $23,974 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $46,262 early in their careers. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.

7

University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Colorado Denver ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Students borrow a median of $27,936 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Colorado Denver generally make around $45,284. That is a strong return on a $27,936 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.