15 Cheapest Universities in Colorado for International Students

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In Colorado, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Colorado, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 20 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Colorado, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Colorado for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Colorado ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
United States Air Force Academy 0 USD 100%
Colorado Technical University 10,200 USD 65%
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design 16,700 USD 43%
Colorado State University-Pueblo 17,200 USD 41%
Fort Lewis College 17,800 USD 39%
Western Colorado University 19,000 USD 34%
University of Northern Colorado 21,300 USD 26%
Adams State University 22,700 USD 21%
Colorado Mesa University 23,600 USD 18%
University of Colorado Colorado Springs 25,600 USD - 25,600 USD 11%
Metropolitan State University of Denver 26,300 USD 9%
University of Colorado Denver 27,300 USD - 29,600 USD 5%
Colorado State University 32,800 USD -14%
Naropa University 34,400 USD -19%
Colorado Christian University 36,700 USD -27%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 28,700 USD for universities in Colorado.

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1. United States Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy prepares the cadets that will serve in the Air Force and in the Space Force of the US. The academy provides a comprehensive education that prepares aspirants not only for serving in the military but also for being excellent professionals. Instruction in the Air Force Academy includes military training, academic education, research opportunities, development of leadership skills, and athletics. They offer a wide variety of bachelor’s programs in the areas of sciences, technology, social sciences, and humanities, but their programs in engineering have a great reputation because of the innovative courses and the high-quality education provided to students.

2. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University embraces technology to enhance the students’ creativity and learning experience. The university is committed to guiding and mentoring students to help them build their skills and confidence. It provides an industry-relevant education through innovative technology and experienced staff.

3. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is a specialized institution focusing on creativity and artistic training, especially for undergraduate students. Its on-campus programs are for bachelor’s students only, although it does offer online graduate programs. These courses cover a range of art fields, such as photography, graphic design, education, and more.

RMCAD’s education and training focus on the individual artist. They emphasize individuality and self-reflection to help pave brighter futures for young artists.

4. Colorado State University-Pueblo

Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU Pueblo), a public university in Pueblo, Colorado, mostly serves Hispanic students and is a part of the Colorado State University System. CSU Pueblo began in 1933 as Southern Colorado Junior College, with only 63 students. They have 31 undergraduate programs and 9 graduate programs in Education, Humanities, Science, Business, and Health Sciences.

5. Fort Lewis College

Fort Lewis College enables students to level up their curiosity and enjoy life as they learn about the field they are passionate about. The institution offers diverse educational programs and guides students with mentors with deep academic backgrounds. Fort Lewis College is a place where experiential learning happens and delivers vast opportunities for students.

6. Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University is a public university located in Garrison, Colorado, United States. The University of Western Colorado currently operates more than 100 undergraduate areas and seven graduate programs, and currently has about 2,600 students and 400 graduate students. The acceptance rate of this university is about 95%, and the unique thing about this university is that the rate of out-of-state students is high, with a quarter of all students. The university’s department encourages and values students’ academic history, leadership potential, diversity of experience, and participation in various activities.

7. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs and about 70 master’s degree programs across its five colleges. Its main campus is located in Greeley, but the university has buildings in three other cities in Colorado. Since this is a research-focused university, it has multiple opportunities for developing research projects at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In order to do so, it has 12 research centers and institutes, like the Center for Small Business Development or the Institute for Cancer Rehabilitation.

8. Adams State University

Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, Colorado. It was founded in 1921 and has been growing its student population over the years. Recognized as the most diverse university in Colorado, Adams State University is dedicated to providing quality education to minorities, first-generation students, and low-income students.

9. Colorado Mesa University

The University of Colorado Mesa is a public university located in Colorado. It has two campuses, Bishop Campus, located in the northwestern Grand Junction, and Montrose, Colorado. Currently, 2,000 students live in various structures such as apartments, traditional houses, and suites in the school. The university was founded in 1925, and has a building called Houston Hall as the first building on campus.

10. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is part of the CU system. Although a fast-growing university, its student-to-faculty ratio is low (15:1), as they want to ensure quality, personalized, and attentive education for its 12,000+ students. There is great diversity in both its students and programs available. National rankings indicate that CU Colorado Springs is doing well, placing 299th in the US News.

11. Metropolitan State University of Denver

The Metropolitan State University of Denver is the top choice for transfer students from colleges and universities in Colorado. They are committed to providing quality and accessible education, with CADRE as its core value: Community, Accessibility, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. It was founded in 1965 and is currently home to over 17,500 students.

12. University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver, a CU system campus, is a prestigious and top-ranked institution, both globally and nationally. It began as an extension of CU Boulder, one of the system’s first campuses, before becoming independent in 1973. Since then, the university has made a significant impact on both the Denver community and its students. CU Denver has earned its mark, even placing 51st for Nursing by the QS rankings.

13. Colorado State University

Tracing its roots in 1870, Colorado State University is a comprehensive research university in the United States. They are internationally recognized for their research contributions and activities in science, technology, and medicine. On the other side, they offer almost 300 academic programs at different levels. Students get to enjoy a variety of educational and social activities on campus.

14. Naropa University

Naropa University is a one-of-a-kind private institution that follows Buddhist and spiritual principles and welcomes students from all backgrounds and faith. Spiritual character is emphasized in the degree programs and activities offered on its two campuses. This university has 13 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs with different concentrations. Education here consists of a mandatory core curriculum and capstone project and includes different practices and activities such as meditation, mindfulness, and traditional ceremonies.

15. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University is a private institution that places faith at the core of university life. It’s divided into two colleges that offer around 30 bachelor’s degree programs and multiple online master’s degree programs. Since this is a Christian university, it has unique religious programs, like Worship Arts and Youth Ministry, and has additional requirements for graduating. For example, attending chapel is mandatory and students must complete a number of chapel hours to obtain their degrees. The university also requires students to do community service and encourages them to be actively involved in the academic community.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Colorado for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Colorado ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Adams State University 5,220 USD 71%
Regis University 6,864 USD - 12,300 USD 61%
University of Colorado Colorado Springs 7,256 USD - 13,500 USD 59%
Colorado Technical University 7,350 USD - 9,150 USD 59%
Fort Lewis College 7,500 USD 58%
Colorado Mesa University 7,957 USD - 16,500 USD 55%
Western Colorado University 9,369 USD 47%
Naropa University 12,000 USD - 24,000 USD 32%
Metropolitan State University of Denver 15,000 USD 15%
University of Colorado Denver 16,000 USD - 17,500 USD 9%
University of Northern Colorado 17,400 USD - 22,400 USD 2%
Colorado State University-Pueblo 17,900 USD -1%
Colorado College 18,000 USD -2%
University of Colorado Boulder 28,800 USD - 56,000 USD -63%
Colorado State University 31,800 USD -81%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 17,600 USD for universities in Colorado.

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1. Adams State University

Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, Colorado. It was founded in 1921 and has been growing its student population over the years. Recognized as the most diverse university in Colorado, Adams State University is dedicated to providing quality education to minorities, first-generation students, and low-income students.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Adams State University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,220 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Regis University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Regis University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Regis University is 6,864 USD to 12,240 USD.

Regis University, a Catholic university, is religiously affiliated with the Society of Jesus, making it a Jesuit institution. The predecessor of Regis Uni, Las Vegas College, was first established in New Mexico. It was only in 1884 when the institution relocated to Colorado – first in Morrison, then to Denver in 1887. Several programs are offered in the sciences, business, education, tech, health, and other fields.

3. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

University of Colorado Colorado Springs is part of the CU system. Although a fast-growing university, its student-to-faculty ratio is low (15:1), as they want to ensure quality, personalized, and attentive education for its 12,000+ students. There is great diversity in both its students and programs available. National rankings indicate that CU Colorado Springs is doing well, placing 299th in the US News.

The tuition fee at University of Colorado Colorado Springs for incoming international master’s students is 7,256 USD to 13,468 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Colorado Technical University

Another affordable university to consider in Colorado is Colorado Technical University.

Colorado Technical University embraces technology to enhance the students’ creativity and learning experience. The university is committed to guiding and mentoring students to help them build their skills and confidence. It provides an industry-relevant education through innovative technology and experienced staff.

The tuition fee in Colorado Technical University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,350 USD.

5. Fort Lewis College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Fort Lewis College has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 7,500 USD yearly.

Fort Lewis College enables students to level up their curiosity and enjoy life as they learn about the field they are passionate about. The institution offers diverse educational programs and guides students with mentors with deep academic backgrounds. Fort Lewis College is a place where experiential learning happens and delivers vast opportunities for students.

6. Colorado Mesa University

The University of Colorado Mesa is a public university located in Colorado. It has two campuses, Bishop Campus, located in the northwestern Grand Junction, and Montrose, Colorado. Currently, 2,000 students live in various structures such as apartments, traditional houses, and suites in the school. The university was founded in 1925, and has a building called Houston Hall as the first building on campus.

7. Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University is a public university located in Garrison, Colorado, United States. The University of Western Colorado currently operates more than 100 undergraduate areas and seven graduate programs, and currently has about 2,600 students and 400 graduate students. The acceptance rate of this university is about 95%, and the unique thing about this university is that the rate of out-of-state students is high, with a quarter of all students. The university’s department encourages and values students’ academic history, leadership potential, diversity of experience, and participation in various activities.

8. Naropa University

Naropa University is a one-of-a-kind private institution that follows Buddhist and spiritual principles and welcomes students from all backgrounds and faith. Spiritual character is emphasized in the degree programs and activities offered on its two campuses. This university has 13 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs with different concentrations. Education here consists of a mandatory core curriculum and capstone project and includes different practices and activities such as meditation, mindfulness, and traditional ceremonies.

9. Metropolitan State University of Denver

The Metropolitan State University of Denver is the top choice for transfer students from colleges and universities in Colorado. They are committed to providing quality and accessible education, with CADRE as its core value: Community, Accessibility, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. It was founded in 1965 and is currently home to over 17,500 students.

10. University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver, a CU system campus, is a prestigious and top-ranked institution, both globally and nationally. It began as an extension of CU Boulder, one of the system’s first campuses, before becoming independent in 1973. Since then, the university has made a significant impact on both the Denver community and its students. CU Denver has earned its mark, even placing 51st for Nursing by the QS rankings.

11. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs and about 70 master’s degree programs across its five colleges. Its main campus is located in Greeley, but the university has buildings in three other cities in Colorado. Since this is a research-focused university, it has multiple opportunities for developing research projects at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In order to do so, it has 12 research centers and institutes, like the Center for Small Business Development or the Institute for Cancer Rehabilitation.

12. Colorado State University-Pueblo

Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU Pueblo), a public university in Pueblo, Colorado, mostly serves Hispanic students and is a part of the Colorado State University System. CSU Pueblo began in 1933 as Southern Colorado Junior College, with only 63 students. They have 31 undergraduate programs and 9 graduate programs in Education, Humanities, Science, Business, and Health Sciences.

13. Colorado College

Colorado College offers over 40 undergraduate programs in its 36 departments. It also offers two master’s degree programs in the Department of Education. Classes at Colorado College are offered in blocks, which means that students will only cover one course at a time for 3.5 weeks in order to allow them to fully focus on the content and projects related to that subject. Once the block ends, students have a four-day break during which the college offers different events and festivals. Although it has a small student body, Colorado College has more than 100 student organizations and multiple sports teams.

14. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder, shortly known as CU Boulder, is the flagship and largest university of the University of Colorado system, comprising three other campuses. CU Boulder strives to leave its mark on its students and the world. This effort is relevant in its many enterprises, including its membership in the Association for American Universities, a selective research association in the USA. Such impact is also reflected in its research track record; CU Boulder has an excellent lineup of research faculty and an impressive portfolio of research projects.

15. Colorado State University

Tracing its roots in 1870, Colorado State University is a comprehensive research university in the United States. They are internationally recognized for their research contributions and activities in science, technology, and medicine. On the other side, they offer almost 300 academic programs at different levels. Students get to enjoy a variety of educational and social activities on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Colorado?

Applying to cheap universities in Colorado requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Colorado?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Colorado. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Colorado is the Adams State University, which offers Business Administration with an Agribusiness Emphasis, Communication and Media Studies, and English to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Adams State University offers Counselor Education, Business Administration, and Cultural Resource Management .

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Colorado, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Colorado as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Colorado for international students was helpful!