The Best MBA Programs in Colorado for 2026
The best MBA programs in Colorado are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 12 business programs in Colorado on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where an MBA actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 12 ranked programs in Colorado runs from $6,120 to $27,631 a year, a $21,511 spread for the same credential.
University of Colorado Boulder tops the list with an 88.6 Hakia Score on a 74% graduation rate, at $13,510 a year in-state. Across all 12 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 49%, ranging from 19% to 74%. The national median pay in the field is $105,770 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best MBA Programs in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder ranks first among Colorado's business programs with an 88.6 Hakia Score and a 74% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 12 ranked Colorado programs spans $6,120 to $27,631 a year, a $21,511 gap for the same MBA.
- The 12 ranked Colorado programs graduate 49% of students on average, from 19% to 74%.
- 9 of the 12 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Colorado residents.
- 7 of the 12 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $105,770 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Colorado program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 12 accredited programs in Colorado reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 12 Best MBA Programs in Colorado, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado BoulderBoulder, CO | Public | $13,510 | 74% | 78% | 88.6 |
| 2 | Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO · online option | Public | $10,610 | 67% | 89% | 81.1 |
| 3 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver, CO | Public | $9,360 | 46% | 75% | 78.2 |
| 4 | Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood, CO · online option | Nonprofit | $27,631 | 64% | NR | 76.7 |
| 5 | Regis UniversityDenver, CO · online option | Nonprofit | $23,700 | 61% | 86% | 74.1 |
| 6 | University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, CO · online option | Public | $9,047 | 51% | 86% | 69.5 |
| 7 | University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO · online option | Public | $9,022 | 47% | 97% | 68.6 |
| 8 | Western Colorado UniversityGunnison, CO | Public | $7,308 | 50% | 100% | 65.6 |
| 9 | Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction, CO · online option | Public | $8,807 | 41% | 82% | 65.6 |
| 10 | Colorado Technical University-Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, CO · online option | For-profit | $12,090 | 19% | NR | 63.3 |
| 11 | Adams State UniversityAlamosa, CO | Public | $6,120 | 39% | NR | 63.3 |
| 12 | Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver, CO | Public | $9,135 | 32% | 99% | 58.7 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
MBA Programs in Colorado, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
A Closer Look at the Top MBA Programs in Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO · Public
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $13,510
- Out-of-state
- $41,212
University of Colorado Boulder graduates 74% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on an 88.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 88.6, #1 of 12
- 74% graduation rate
- $13,510 in-state vs $41,212 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
University of Colorado Boulder is a public institution in Boulder, CO. Its MBA program ranks #1 of the 12 analyzed here with an 88.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 71.1 group average. The program graduates 74% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Colorado Boulder admits 78% of applicants, more selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 38,799 students.
On cost, University of Colorado Boulder charges $13,510 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $41,212 out-of-state rate. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 89%
- In-state
- $10,610
- Out-of-state
- $32,298
Colorado State University-Fort Collins graduates 67% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on an 81.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 81.1, #2 of 12
- 67% graduation rate
- $10,610 in-state vs $32,298 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public institution. Its MBA program lands at #2 of the 12 ranked here, earning an 81.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.1 group average, in the top third of the 12 ranked programs, 7.5 points behind top-ranked University of Colorado Boulder. The program graduates 67% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Colorado State University-Fort Collins admits 89% of applicants, less selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%.
On cost, Colorado State University-Fort Collins charges $10,610 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $32,298 out-of-state rate. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with an online option.
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO · Public
- Grad rate
- 46%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $9,360
- Out-of-state
- $28,368
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus ranks #3 of the 12 mba programs in this analysis, with a 78.2 Hakia Score and a 46% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 78.2, #3 of 12
- 46% graduation rate
- $9,360 in-state vs $28,368 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a public institution in Denver, CO. Its MBA program ranks #3 of the 12 analyzed here with a 78.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.1 group average, in the top third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 46% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus admits 75% of applicants, more selective than the 88% average for the group. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 23,124 students.
On cost, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus charges $9,360 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $28,368 out-of-state rate. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $27,631
- Out-of-state
- $27,631
Colorado Christian University graduates 64% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on a 76.7 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 76.7, #4 of 12
- 64% graduation rate
- $27,631 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its MBA program lands at #4 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 76.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.1 group average, in the top third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%. The university enrolls 9,951 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Colorado Christian University charges $27,631 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 4x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with an online option.
Regis University
Denver, CO · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $23,700
- Out-of-state
- $23,700
Regis University graduates 61% of its students, above the 49% average across this ranking, on a 74.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 74.1, #5 of 12
- 61% graduation rate
- $23,700 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its MBA program lands at #5 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 74.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Regis University admits 86% of applicants, more selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%. The university enrolls 4,605 students overall.
On cost, Regis University charges $23,700 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 4x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 51%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $9,047
- Out-of-state
- $24,125
At $9,047 a year in-state, University of Northern Colorado is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 69.5 Hakia Score on a 51% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.5, #6 of 12
- 51% graduation rate
- $9,047 in-state vs $24,125 out-of-state
- Online option available
Based in Greeley, CO, University of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Its MBA program lands at #6 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 69.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 51% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Northern Colorado admits 86% of applicants, more selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%.
On cost, University of Northern Colorado charges $9,047 a year in-state, roughly 2.7x the $24,125 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 97%
- In-state
- $9,022
- Out-of-state
- $23,155
At $9,022 a year in-state, University of Colorado Colorado Springs is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 68.6 Hakia Score on a 47% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.6, #7 of 12
- 47% graduation rate
- $9,022 in-state vs $23,155 out-of-state
- Online option available
University of Colorado Colorado Springs is a public institution in Colorado Springs, CO. Its MBA program ranks #7 of the 12 analyzed here with a 68.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. University of Colorado Colorado Springs admits 97% of applicants, less selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%.
On cost, University of Colorado Colorado Springs charges $9,022 a year in-state, roughly 2.6x the $23,155 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO · Public
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $7,308
- Out-of-state
- $20,424
At $7,308 a year in-state, Western Colorado University is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 65.6 Hakia Score on a 50% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 65.6, #8 of 12
- 50% graduation rate
- $7,308 in-state vs $20,424 out-of-state
- Admits just 100% of applicants
Western Colorado University is a public institution in Gunnison, CO. Its MBA program ranks #8 of the 12 analyzed here with a 65.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.1 group average, in the middle third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, above the 49% average across the ranked schools. Western Colorado University admits 100% of applicants, less selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%.
On cost, Western Colorado University charges $7,308 a year in-state, roughly 2.8x the $20,424 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 41%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $8,807
- Out-of-state
- $24,004
At $8,807 a year in-state, Colorado Mesa University is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 65.6 Hakia Score on a 41% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 65.6, #9 of 12
- 41% graduation rate
- $8,807 in-state vs $24,004 out-of-state
- Online option available
Colorado Mesa University is a public institution in Grand Junction, CO. Its MBA program ranks #9 of the 12 analyzed here with a 65.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 41% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Colorado Mesa University admits 82% of applicants, more selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%.
On cost, Colorado Mesa University charges $8,807 a year in-state, roughly 2.7x the $24,004 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 19%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $12,090
- Out-of-state
- $12,090
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs ranks #10 of the 12 mba programs in this analysis, with a 63.3 Hakia Score and a 19% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 63.3, #10 of 12
- 19% graduation rate
- $12,090 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Colorado Springs, CO, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs is a private, for-profit institution. Its MBA program lands at #10 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 63.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 19% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 31,830 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs charges $12,090 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 9x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Adams State University
Alamosa, CO · Public
- Grad rate
- 39%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $6,120
- Out-of-state
- $18,240
At $6,120 a year in-state, Adams State University is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 63.3 Hakia Score on a 39% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 63.3, #11 of 12
- 39% graduation rate
- $6,120 in-state vs $18,240 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Adams State University is a public institution in Alamosa, CO. Its MBA program ranks #11 of the 12 analyzed here with a 63.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 39% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,901 students.
On cost, Adams State University charges $6,120 a year in-state, roughly 3.0x the $18,240 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 17x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO · Public
- Grad rate
- 32%
- Admit rate
- 99%
- In-state
- $9,135
- Out-of-state
- $28,695
Metropolitan State University of Denver ranks #12 of the 12 mba programs in this analysis, with a 58.7 Hakia Score and a 32% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 58.7, #12 of 12
- 32% graduation rate
- $9,135 in-state vs $28,695 out-of-state
- Admits just 99% of applicants
Based in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public institution. Its MBA program lands at #12 of the 12 ranked here, earning a 58.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.1 group average, in the lower third of the 12 ranked programs. The program graduates 32% of its students, below the 49% average across the ranked schools. Metropolitan State University of Denver admits 99% of applicants, less selective than the 88% average for the group. That is more open than the 75% rate at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 74%.
On cost, Metropolitan State University of Denver charges $9,135 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $28,695 out-of-state rate. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,120 at Adams State University to $27,631 at Colorado Christian University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for CO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $105,770 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 12 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
What an MBA Costs in Colorado
In-state tuition among the 12 ranked MBA programs in Colorado runs from $6,120 to $27,631 a year. Adams State University anchors the low end at $6,120, while Colorado Christian University sits at the top at $27,631. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the two-year math and the gap widens: about $12,240 in tuition at the low end against roughly $55,262 at the high end for the same MBA. Against the national median of $105,770 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an MBA count with employers and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online MBA Options in Colorado
7 of the 12 ranked Colorado programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online MBA carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
MBA Careers and Pay After a Colorado Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $105,770 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $6,120 or $27,631 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Colorado program compete in that same national pay structure.
Common Questions About MBA Programs in Colorado
What is the best MBA in Colorado?
By Hakia Score, University of Colorado Boulder ranks first among the 12 MBA programs in Colorado we analyzed, with an 88.6 score and a 74% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an MBA cost in Colorado?
In-state tuition among the ranked Colorado programs runs from $6,120 to $27,631 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online MBA respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $105,770 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Colorado-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
Our Methodology for Ranking MBA Programs in Colorado
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.