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Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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2023 Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

60 Schools Ranked
$42,590 Average Earnings
$23,061 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for students. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Grad Degree Search has created the Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 60 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah
22,896 Total Awards
$62,838 Average Earnings
$26,218 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Western Governors University to be the most popular school for students in the Rocky Mountains Region . WGU is a private not-for-profit institution located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The school has a large population, and it awarded 22,896 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WGU accumulate an average of $26,218 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, WGU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,838 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Read full report on Western Governors University

#2

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah
3,737 Total Awards
$51,388 Average Earnings
$22,086 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Utah helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Rocky Mountains Region . Salt Lake City, Utah is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,737 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from U of U accumulate an average of $22,086 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from U of U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,388 during the early years of their career. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Utah

#3

University of Denver

Denver, Colorado
3,319 Total Awards
$51,736 Average Earnings
$25,437 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of Denver is a great place for students. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Denver, Colorado, and it awarded 3,319 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from DU accumulate an average of $25,437 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $579 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, DU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,736 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Full University of Denver Report

2,769 Total Awards
$56,691 Average Earnings
$28,012 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. This large public school is located in Denver, Colorado, and it awarded 2,769 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,012 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $251, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, CU Anschutz graduates make an average of $56,691 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

#5

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado
2,324 Total Awards
$48,893 Average Earnings
$20,697 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Colorado Boulder helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in the Rocky Mountains Region . Located in Boulder, Colorado, the large public school handed out 2,324 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,697 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $566. Once they receive their degree, CU - Boulder graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,893 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

Full University of Colorado Boulder Report

2,386 Total Awards
$45,865 Average Earnings
$23,304 Avg Student Debt

Colorado State University - Fort Collins did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #6 on the list. Colorado State University - Fort Collins is a large public school located in Fort Collins, Colorado that handed out 2,386 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Colorado State accumulate an average of $23,304 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $397 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Colorado State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,865 during the early year of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Colorado State University - Fort Collins Report

1,790 Total Awards
$49,482 Average Earnings
$36,481 Avg Student Debt

Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs is a large private for-profit school located in Colorado Springs, Colorado that handed out 1,790 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $36,481 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $170, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs graduates make an average of $49,482 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

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#8

Colorado State University - Global Campus

Greenwood Village, Colorado
1,706 Total Awards
$59,059 Average Earnings
$31,798 Avg Student Debt

Colorado State University - Global Campus came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Colorado State University - Global Campus is a fairly large public school located in Greenwood Village, Colorado that handed out 1,706 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,798 in student loans.After graduating from Colorado State University - Global Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,059 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on Colorado State University - Global Campus

#9

Boise State University

Boise, Idaho
1,316 Total Awards
$42,749 Average Earnings
$26,461 Avg Student Debt

Boise State University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Boise State University is a large public school located in Boise, Idaho that handed out 1,316 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,461 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $259. Once they receive their degree, Boise State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,749 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Boise State University

#10

Regis University

Denver, Colorado
1,314 Total Awards
$53,795 Average Earnings
$32,679 Avg Student Debt

Regis University ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Regis U is located in Denver, Colorado and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,314 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $32,679 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $373, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Regis U graduates make an average of $53,795 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read full report on Regis University

#11

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana
1,235 Total Awards
$38,416 Average Earnings
$25,131 Avg Student Debt

The University of Montana came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Missoula, Montana is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,235 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,131 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $275, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UM, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,416 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full The University of Montana Report

#12

Utah State University

Logan, Utah
1,197 Total Awards
$42,623 Average Earnings
$18,083 Avg Student Debt

Utah State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. This large public school is located in Logan, Utah, and it awarded 1,197 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,083 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from USU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,623 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Utah State University

1,157 Total Awards
$46,470 Average Earnings
$14,534 Avg Student Debt

Brigham Young University - Provo ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. BYU is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Provo, Utah. It awarded 1,157 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,534 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, BYU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,470 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 43% were women.

Full Brigham Young University - Provo Report

#14

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado
977 Total Awards
$40,180 Average Earnings
$23,336 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Colorado landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, Colorado and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 977 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $23,336 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $281. Once they receive their degree, University of Northern Colorado graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,180 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

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#15

University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming
768 Total Awards
$44,258 Average Earnings
$21,087 Avg Student Debt

University of Wyoming ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. University of Wyoming is a fairly large public school located in Laramie, Wyoming that handed out 768 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UW accumulate an average of $21,087 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from UW, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,258 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Wyoming

#16

University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho
736 Total Awards
$38,989 Average Earnings
$24,511 Avg Student Debt

University of Idaho ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. U of I is a public institution located in Moscow, Idaho. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 736 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from U of I accumulate an average of $24,511 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $241, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from U of I, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,989 during the early years of their career. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#17

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho
696 Total Awards
$44,640 Average Earnings
$27,404 Avg Student Debt

Idaho State University ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Pocatello, Idaho, the fairly large public school handed out 696 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from ISU accumulate an average of $27,404 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, ISU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,640 during the early year of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Idaho State University

#18

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
660 Total Awards
$44,256 Average Earnings
$24,627 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the fairly large public school handed out 660 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,627 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $289 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UCCS graduates make an average of $44,256 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read full report on University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

#19

Colorado School of Mines

Golden, Colorado
610 Total Awards
$72,191 Average Earnings
$26,133 Avg Student Debt

Colorado School of Mines landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Golden, Colorado, the medium-sized public school handed out 610 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,133 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $549 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Mines, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $72,191 during the early years of their career. Around 28% of those degree recipients were women.

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#20

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
591 Total Awards
$42,198 Average Earnings
$24,435 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Montana State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This fairly large public school is located in Bozeman, Montana, and it awarded 591 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MSU Bozeman accumulate an average of $24,435 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $305, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, MSU Bozeman graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,198 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#21

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah
511 Total Awards
$34,962 Average Earnings
$15,205 Avg Student Debt

Southern Utah University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Cedar City, Utah, the fairly large public school awarded 511 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Southern Utah University accumulate an average of $15,205 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Southern Utah University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,962 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Southern Utah University

#22

Adams State University

Alamosa, Colorado
407 Total Awards
$40,945 Average Earnings
$26,227 Avg Student Debt

Adams State University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Alamosa, Colorado is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 407 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,227 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Adams State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,945 during the early years of their career. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Adams State University

384 Total Awards
$39,544 Average Earnings
$28,409 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan State University of Denver came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Denver, Colorado is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 384 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MSU Denver accumulate an average of $28,409 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from MSU Denver, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,544 during the early years of their career. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Metropolitan State University of Denver Report

377 Total Awards
$86,454 Average Earnings

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #24 on the list. RMUoHP is located in Provo, Utah and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 377 degrees to qualified students.

During the early years of their career, RMUoHP graduates make an average of $86,454 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read More…

#25

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah
360 Total Awards
$46,655 Average Earnings
$21,703 Avg Student Debt

Weber State University ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. WSU is located in Ogden, Utah and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 360 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $21,703 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, WSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,655 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Full Weber State University Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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