2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Colorado

1

Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College tops our 2026 list of the best value general education schools in Colorado. Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Glenwood Springs. Students from in state pay about $2,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,840. Students borrow a median of $12,953 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Colorado Mountain College generally make around $48,694. Set against $12,953 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University Pueblo came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Colorado State University Pueblo is a large public school located in the city of Pueblo. In-state tuition and fees average $9,720, while out-of-state students pay about $17,944. Students borrow a median of $25,325 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Colorado State University Pueblo generally make around $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

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan State College Of Denver earned it the #3 place for general education. Located in the city of Denver, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. General Education graduates carry a median of $27,484 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Metropolitan State College Of Denver generally make around $49,122. That is a strong return on a $27,484 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

4

Mesa State College
Grand Junction, CO

A rank of #4 makes Mesa State College one of the best values for general education. Located in the city of Grand Junction, Mesa State College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,927, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. General Education graduates carry a median of $22,310 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $52,796. That is a strong return on a $22,310 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

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. Western State College Of Colorado is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Gunnison. Students from in state pay about $11,318 in tuition and fees, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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. Set in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $23,974. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $46,262. That is a strong return on a $23,974 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

7

University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Colorado Denver placed #7 among the best values for general education. University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. General Education graduates carry a median of $27,936 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $45,284. Set against $27,936 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.