2023 Best MBA Programs in Colorado

Compare MBA Degrees in Colorado for 2023

Key Highlights:

• • Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Colorado.

• • Detailed profiles of both online and on-campus MBA programs in Colorado, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.

• • Insights into Colorado's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.

Colorado has a diverse economy with thriving sectors such as technology, tourism, renewable energy, aerospace, and agriculture, making it an excellent place for MBA graduates. Its strong business environment and opportunities across multiple sectors are conducive for any business-related career.

Colorado's technology industry has seen significant growth over the years, with Denver and Boulder becoming hubs for tech startups. As a result, MBA graduates with a concentration in technology management or entrepreneurship may find exciting opportunities here.

Tourism, a major revenue-generating sector for the state, offers various roles in hospitality management, strategic planning, and marketing for MBA graduates. For those with an interest in this sector, a concentration in hospitality or tourism management might be beneficial.

In renewable energy and aerospace, Colorado is home to several leading companies and organizations. MBAs with a focus on these sectors can leverage their business acumen to innovate, strategize, and lead in these rapidly evolving industries.

Lastly, Colorado's agriculture industry provides opportunities in agribusiness management for MBAs. From supply chain management to sustainability, there are roles to fit varied interests.

Compare MBA Program Averages Across

Colorado, the U.S. and Online

Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Colorado

What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Colorado?

While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Colorado is about $81,951, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $60,500 from Colorado Christian University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $105,000 from Regis University.

The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Colorado is between $60,500 from Colorado Christian University and $105,000 from Regis University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Colorado is $80,705.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $84,096 from Colorado's 13 In-Person MBA Programs
• Lowest In-Person: $60,500 from Colorado Christian University
• Highest In-Person:$105,000 from Regis University

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $80,705 from Colorado's 9 Online MBA Programs
• Lowest Online: $60,500 from Colorado Christian University
• Highest Online: $105,000 from Regis University

What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in Colorado?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it's best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

While the average in-person MBA program in Colorado will cost about $38,947, the least expensive MBA program is $19,155 from Colorado Mesa University, and the most expensive is $96,654 from University of Denver.

An Online MBA program from an institution in Colorado will cost you between $19,155 from Colorado Mesa University and $96,654 from University of Denver. The average cost of online MBA programs within Colorado is $45,689.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $38,947 from Colorado's 13 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: $19,155 from Colorado Mesa University
• Highest in-person: $96,654 from University of Denver

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $45,689 from Colorado's 9 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: $19,155 from Colorado Mesa University
• Highest online: $96,654 from University of Denver

What is the ROI for MBA Programs in Colorado?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school's reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you're not just making a decision—you're making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

While the average in-person MBA program ROI from Colorado is 132%, the lowest ROI is 45% from University of Denver, and the best ROI is 262% from Colorado Mesa University.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Colorado range between 45% from University of Denver and 262% from Colorado Mesa University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Colorado is 125%.

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 132% from Colorado's 13 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 45% from University of Denver
• Highest in-person: 262% from Colorado Mesa University

Online ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 125% from Colorado's 9 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 45% from University of Denver
• Highest online: 262% from Colorado Mesa University

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Colorado?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Colorado is 544, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 500 from Colorado Christian University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 630 from University of Colorado at Boulder.

The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Colorado is between 500 from Colorado Christian University to 590 from University of Denver. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Colorado is 532.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: 548 from Colorado's 13 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 500 from Colorado Christian University
• Highest in-person: 630 from University of Colorado at Boulder

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

• Average: 532 from Colorado's 9 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 500 from Colorado Christian University
• Highest online: 590 from University of Denver

Which MBA Schools Have the Highest Student Enrollment in Colorado?

The importance of networking, whether it's by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Colorado state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 9 and 518. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 52 and 1,396.

Average Enrollment for Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Lowest: 9 from Colorado State University-Pueblo
• Highest: 518 from University of Colorado at Boulder
• Average: 186 from Colorado's 15 MBA Programs.
• Average: 243 from 879 the nation's campus MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for Score for Online MBA Programs

• Lowest: 39 from University of Colorado Denver
• Highest: 301 from University of Denver
• Average: 148 from Colorado's 9 MBA Programs.
• Average: 201 from 327 nation's online MBA Programs.

What MBA Concentrations Available in Colorado?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Colorado businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 43 MBA concentrations including:

• Accounting: 14
• Marketing: 13
• General Business: 12
• Finance: 12
• Management: 12
• Information Systems: 8
• International Business: 8
• Entrepreneurship: 7
• Economics: 7
• Supply Chain: 6

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• Colorado Technical University: 22
• Colorado Christian University: 16
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs: 15
• University of Northern Colorado: 14
• Fort Lewis College: 14
• University of Colorado Denver: 14
• Colorado Mesa University: 13
• U.S. Air Force Academy: 12
• Regis University: 11
• University of Denver: 11

The Importance of MBA Accreditation

The importance of accreditation can't be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

Cities Offering MBA Programs in Colorado

Looking for a particular city in Colorado with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Colorado. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.

• Boulder
• Colorado Springs
• Denver
• Durango
• Fort Collins
• Greeley
• Pueblo
• USAF Academy

MBA Program Options Available in Colorado

Options for earning your MBA in Colorado have never been more flexible. Colorado MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

Colorado has 15 Accredited MBA programs. 1 private and 9 public schools offering MBA programs.

Colorado has 9 public schools and 1 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

15 Accredited MBA programs.  and 9 public schools offering MBA programs.

Colorado schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Colorado including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.

To meet the diverse needs of Colorado businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 43 MBA concentrations to specialize in.

Awards for MBA Programs in Colorado

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 15 accredited MBA programs offered in Colorado, 10 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes and BW) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Colorado schools have earned a total of 14 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:

• Colorado State University: 5
• U.S. Air Force Academy: 1
• University of Denver: 1
• University of Northern Colorado: 1
• Metropolitan State University of Denver: 1
• Fort Lewis College: 1
• Colorado State University-Pueblo: 1
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs: 1
• University of Colorado Denver: 1
• University of Colorado at Boulder: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Colorado schools:

• MBAGuide: 10
• US News: 1
• Forbes: 1
• BW: 1