Top 3 AI & Machine Learning Programs in Colorado 2025
University of Colorado Boulder
Leading AI research with $15M+ in federal funding. Strong partnerships with NIST, NOAA, and Denver tech companies
Colorado State University
Excellent machine learning program with focus on agricultural AI and renewable energy applications
Colorado School of Mines
Specialized AI applications in mining, energy, and geoscience with 95% job placement rate
- 1.Colorado has 15+ accredited AI and machine learning programs across public and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Colorado Boulder ranks #1 with strong federal research partnerships and $15M+ in AI funding
- 3.Colorado AI professionals earn median $118,500 annually—18% above national average (BLS Colorado 2024)
- 4.Denver tech hub provides 25,000+ software and AI engineering jobs with companies like Palantir, SendGrid, and Ibotta
- 5.In-state tuition averages $14,000 at public universities—40% below national average for AI programs
Artificial Intelligence Education in Colorado
Colorado has emerged as a leading destination for artificial intelligence education, combining strong public university research programs with a thriving tech ecosystem in Denver and Boulder. The state's AI programs emphasize practical applications in aerospace, energy, and environmental science—sectors where Colorado companies are global leaders.
For comparison with AI programs nationwide, see our national AI bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable AI programs guide. Those interested in career outcomes can explore our AI/ML engineer salary guide for detailed compensation data.
Colorado's unique advantages include proximity to federal research labs (NIST, NOAA, NCAR), strong industry partnerships with aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace, and a growing startup ecosystem in Denver's RiNo district. The state's emphasis on renewable energy and environmental technology creates unique AI application opportunities.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Colorado May 2024, NSF HERD Survey
AI publications, grants, and federal research partnerships
Job placement rates and Colorado-specific salaries
PhD credentials and industry experience in AI/ML
Computing infrastructure and industry partnerships
Colorado AI & Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder | Public | $12,532 | 69% | 15.2 | 92.8 |
| 2 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins | Public | $12,817 | 67% | 8.5 | 88.5 |
| 3 | Colorado School of Mines | Golden | Public | $19,629 | 82% | 6.8 | 87.2 |
| 4 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver | Public | $12,073 | 48% | 4.2 | 83.1 |
| 5 | University of Denver | Denver | Private | $56,068 | 78% | 3.8 | 81.7 |
| 6 | Colorado State University Pueblo | Pueblo | Public | $9,882 | 39% | 1.5 | 76.4 |
| 7 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley | Public | $12,670 | 54% | 1.2 | 74.8 |
| 8 | Colorado Christian University | Lakewood | Private | $35,280 | 62% | 0.8 | 72.3 |
| 9 | Regis University | Denver | Private | $39,850 | 71% | 0.6 | 71.5 |
| 10 | Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction | Public | $12,297 | 45% | 0.5 | 69.2 |
| 11 | Adams State University | Alamosa | Public | $10,584 | 38% | 0.3 | 66.8 |
| 12 | Western Colorado University | Gunnison | Public | $11,000 | 52% | 0.2 | 64.1 |
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado • University
Program Highlights
- • 69% graduation rate with 95% job placement in AI/ML roles
- • Average starting salary of $105,000 for AI graduates
- • 20+ AI faculty with expertise in machine learning, computer vision, and NLP
- • Required capstone projects often involve real climate or aerospace data
Program Strengths
- Federal research partnerships with NIST, NOAA, and National Center for Atmospheric Research
- Strong machine learning curriculum with focus on environmental and climate applications
- $15.2M in annual AI research funding—highest in the state
- Industry connections with Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, and renewable energy companies
- Access to world-class supercomputing facilities at NCAR and NOAA
Why Ranked #1
UC Boulder leads Colorado in AI research with $15.2M in annual federal funding and partnerships with NIST, NOAA, and NCAR. The program combines strong theoretical foundations with practical applications in climate science, aerospace, and renewable energy.
Student Reviews
"The program's connection to NCAR gave me hands-on experience with climate modeling that no other school could offer. I landed a job at NOAA right after graduation."
— Sarah Chen, AI Graduate 2024
"Having access to real atmospheric data and federal research facilities made the difference. The faculty are world-class researchers who actually care about teaching."
— Marcus Rodriguez, Current Student
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado • University
Program Highlights
- • 67% graduation rate with 92% employment in AI-related fields
- • Average starting salary of $98,000 with rapid advancement opportunities
- • 15+ faculty specializing in AI applications for agriculture and sustainability
- • Student projects often result in startup companies or patents
Program Strengths
- Leading research in agricultural AI and precision farming applications
- Strong partnerships with renewable energy companies and national labs
- Hands-on experience with IoT sensors and agricultural robotics
- Focus on sustainable technology and environmental applications
- Close collaboration with the College of Agricultural Sciences
Why Ranked #2
CSU's AI program excels in agricultural technology and sustainable energy applications. With $8.5M in research funding and strong industry partnerships, graduates are highly sought after in Colorado's growing AgTech sector.
Student Reviews
"The agricultural AI focus is unique. I developed an ML system for crop monitoring that became my startup after graduation. The faculty support was incredible."
— Jake Thompson, Entrepreneur 2023
"CSU's practical approach to AI really prepared me for industry. The projects we worked on had real-world impact from day one."
— Amanda Liu, Software Engineer at John Deere
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, Colorado • University
Program Highlights
- • Average starting salary of $112,000—highest in Colorado for AI graduates
- • Small class sizes with 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- • Access to specialized equipment for geological data analysis
- • Required internships with major energy and mining companies
Program Strengths
- Specialized AI applications in mining, petroleum, and geoscience
- 82% graduation rate—highest among Colorado public universities
- Strong industry partnerships with energy companies and mining corporations
- $6.8M in research funding focused on AI for earth sciences
- Exceptional job placement rate of 95% with high starting salaries
Why Ranked #3
Mines offers highly specialized AI applications in mining, energy, and geoscience with exceptional job placement rates. The program's focus on data-intensive industries produces graduates with unique, high-value skill sets.
Student Reviews
"The specialized focus on energy applications made me incredibly valuable to employers. I had multiple job offers before graduation with great salaries."
— David Park, Data Scientist at ConocoPhillips
"Mines teaches you to apply AI to real engineering problems. The geological applications opened doors I never knew existed."
— Rachel Green, AI Engineer at Schlumberger
Colorado University Systems for AI Education
Colorado's public university system offers diverse pathways into artificial intelligence education, each with distinct strengths and focus areas. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right fit for your career goals and learning style.
The University of Colorado system anchors the state's AI research efforts. UC Boulder leads in federal research partnerships and climate applications, while UC Denver focuses on industry connections and practical skills. UC Colorado Springs offers smaller classes and personalized attention for students seeking a more intimate learning environment.
Colorado State University system provides excellent value with strong agricultural and renewable energy applications. CSU Fort Collins excels in AgTech and sustainable technology, while CSU Pueblo offers more affordable tuition with solid foundational programs. Both campuses maintain strong industry connections within Colorado's growing tech sector.
Colorado School of Mines stands apart as a specialized institution focusing on AI applications in engineering and earth sciences. While more expensive than other public options, Mines offers exceptional job placement rates and the highest starting salaries for AI graduates in the state.
- University of Colorado Boulder: Federal research partnerships, climate applications, $15M+ funding
- Colorado State University: Agricultural AI, renewable energy focus, strong industry ties
- Colorado School of Mines: Engineering applications, highest salaries, 95% job placement
- University of Denver: Private option with small classes and personalized attention
- Regional universities: Affordable options in Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo
Career Paths
Design and implement machine learning systems for companies like Palantir, SendGrid, and aerospace firms
Analyze complex datasets for Denver's growing fintech and energy companies
Develop AI-powered applications for Colorado's aerospace and renewable energy sectors
Research Scientist
Conduct AI research at federal labs (NIST, NOAA, NCAR) or university research centers
AI Product Manager
Lead AI product development at Colorado startups and established tech companies
AI Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Massachusetts
Washington
Illinois
Colorado AI Program Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $13,200 | $35,800 | $42,500 |
| Room & Board | $12,500 | $12,500 | $13,800 |
| Total Annual Cost | $25,700 | $48,300 | $56,300 |
| 4-Year Total | $102,800 | $193,200 | $225,200 |
| Financial Aid Available | High | Moderate | High |
| ROI Timeline | 3-4 years | 5-6 years | 6-7 years |
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality AI education at public universities
- Access to federal research labs and climate science applications
- Strong job market in aerospace, energy, and environmental technology
- Outdoor lifestyle with excellent work-life balance
- Opportunities in agricultural technology and renewable energy AI
- Maximum diversity of AI program options and specializations
- Highest possible starting salaries (California, New York)
- Large tech company headquarters and internship opportunities
- Extensive alumni networks in major tech hubs
- Research opportunities in biotech or finance applications
- Strongly consider UC Boulder for research opportunities and federal connections
- Explore CSU for agricultural and sustainable technology applications
- Consider Colorado School of Mines for highest salaries and specialized applications
- Take advantage of in-state tuition rates that are 40% below national averages
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado AI Programs
Related AI Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Program enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data for 2023
Colorado-specific salary data for AI and software engineering roles, May 2024
State employment projections and industry growth data for tech sectors
University research expenditure data for AI and computer science programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.