If you’re still looking for the best state to acquire your MBA from, Colorado can be one of your wise options. Colorado is a great destination for MBA grads because of its broad economy, which includes booming industries including aerospace, technology, healthcare, tourism, renewable energy, and food and agriculture. Business careers in a variety of industries are possible in its robust business climate.

Tech startups have been sprouting here and there in many Colorado cities. In fact, whether you’re looking to launch your startup or work for the best startups in the state, start by choosing the top-rated MBA programs in Colorado.

Colorado’s economy will gain jobs in 2024, but unevenly and more slowly than this year, according to some estimates from experts. It is also said that in Colorado, employment growth is anticipated in seven of the state’s eleven major industries by 2024. With an estimated 14,500 new positions, the professional and business services sector is anticipated to have the most increases next year.

Colorado continues to be the home to several leading organizations and companies nationwide. By enrolling in an MBA with a specialization matched to your skills and goals, you can contribute to expanding industries in Colorado.

The Top 15 MBA Programs in Colorado

Anderson College of Business – Regis University

Regis University is a Jesuit Catholic institution dedicated to transforming education at the intersection of religion, reason, and culture in order to create a more fair and compassionate society.

The university is dedicated to assisting all members of the Regis community, regardless of their faith, to develop their skills as individuals and contribute to the creation of a more fair and compassionate world. They are dedicated to upholding the values of Jesuit Catholic higher education and respect.

An Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs-approved MBA school, the Anderson College of Business offers the Professional MBA track. Its cutting-edge MBA curriculum pushes today’s motivated students to become the moral leaders that society so desperately needs.

The areas of specialization are:

Business and Data Analytics
Finance
Finance and Accounting
General Business
Health Industry Leadership
Human Resource Management
Marketing
Project Leadership and Management
Strategy and Innovation

The Regis University Professional MBA program is eligible for the FastForward dual degree, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree simultaneously and accelerate their way to pursuing a career.

Leeds School of Business – University of Colorado Boulder

The Association of American Colleges (AAU), a consortium of establishments generally acknowledged as the country’s top research colleges counts the University of Colorado Boulder as one of the top 38 public research universities in the United States.

Striving to become a premier and selective graduate research institution in the state, the University of Colorado Boulder is globally acknowledged for its cutting-edge entrepreneurial MBA program that is dedicated to assisting students in realizing all facets of their academic and professional potential.

The ACBSP-accredited Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder offers the following different MBA tracks:

The Full-Time MBA program at Leeds School of Business provides an entirely comprehensive experience that enables you to explore numerous business sectors and determine the field that best suits your skill sets and interests.

The Evening MBA exposes students to a wealth of helpful resources for academic and networking growth through academic advising, mentoring, career coaching, clubs, and a peer cohort.

Hybrid MBA students attend classes conveniently online and in person while having access to the full suite of MBA academic support and program services at Leeds.

The Executive MBA or EMBA program at Leeds features a cohort of seasoned professionals from various fields of work. To achieve skills enrichment, they get a year’s worth of individual career coaching services and are offered immersive residencies within Boulder and abroad.

Daniels College of Business – University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private school that was founded on inquiry via research and cooperation between instructors and students, as well as between local and international communities. The school offers venues for participation and scholarship as they navigate numerous disciplines through the MBA program.

An AACSB-accredited school, the Daniels College of Business at DU features these MBA tracks:

The MBA programs feature a wealth of practicum projects, simulations, and interactions with local, regional, and international business leaders to integrate an in-depth understanding of business principles with practical experience. The Executive Education also includes webinars, seminars, and quick courses.

Daniels College of Business features expert business professionals—who are also nationally recognized scholars and educators—as professors.

The Daniels Pioneer Network of teachers, staff, business executives, students, graduates, and friends of the college is a great place to network and get professional mentorship.

Monfort College of Business – University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado is in a unique position to promote knowledge by discovery because of its ideal size, knowledgeable faculty, long history of research, and experiential learning. The Office of the President of the United States awarded the university with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2004.

The history of the Greeley-based school dates back to 1889. It was the year when the legislation establishing the State Normal School to provide certified instructors for the state’s public schools was signed into law.

The Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business at UNC is AACSB-accredited and renowned for providing top-notch business education. It offers the following MBA tracks:

The online Accounting MBA features financial and accounting analytics specialized coursework and a CPA preparation course. Accounting majors who enroll in the Accounting Analytics MBA may complete 150 hours for Colorado CPA eligibility.

The 100% online MBA in HRM program emphasizes talent management, performance administration, and organizational change management as core competencies.

The Healthcare Administration MBA program features practitioner-focused courses in healthcare systems, while also covering topics pertaining to healthcare economics and healthcare organization qualitative issue management.

Marketing MBA students are exposed to advanced concepts involving consumer psychology, digital marketing, marketing analytics, personal branding, user experience (UX) and customer experience (CX) design.

Students in these 12-month MBA programs must complete courses in ethical leadership, economics, managerial accounting, advanced finance, international business, data analytics, and strategic management.

College of Business – Colorado State University

Graduate students at Colorado State University benefit from a top-notch educational experience that is produced by a combination of world-class teaching and research.

The College of Business at Colorado State, an AACSB-recognized business school, maintains a teaching level that is only attained by 5% of the 16,000 business schools worldwide! It offers the following MBA tracks:

Connecting with students both inside and outside the classroom, the MBA programs at Colorado State emphasize the value of collaborative work to develop new products, processes, services, and profit-driven products using tools and technology.

The student experience is a priority in the College of Business at Colorado State. Through their experienced, world-class faculty and peer learning, you’ll gain business knowledge and skills that will help you excel.

Davis School of Business – Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University provides both technical programs that meet the needs of the vocational workforce and high-quality academic programs based on a solid liberal arts foundation that supports students’ interests and enhances their professional skills.

The AACSB-accredited Davis School of Business at CMU offers the MBA 3+2 Program that combines the MBA program with an undergraduate program, particularly a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance concentration, Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, or a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Applicants should have earned only one major, and students should graduate with both degrees in five years.

CMU MBA students are expected to have earned specialized knowledge, quantitative fluency, oral and written communication fluency, critical thinking skills, information literacy, and ethical reasoning.

College of Business – Metropolitan State University of Denver

As an active urban university that fosters connections between the community and the institution, the Metropolitan State University of Denver is known for its student-centered teaching and generous scholarships.

The College of Business at MSU Denver, an AACSB-approved school, offers an MBA program with these concentrations:

Accounting
Business Analytics
Strategic Management
Human Resource Management

To earn their MBA, students must complete 36 credit hours consisting of 27 hours of the core courses and 9 hours for their chosen concentration.

Whether you want online choices, traditional learning formats, or a flexible schedule, the College of Business boasts a faculty of diverse business experience and expertise. With exceptional internship and networking, as well as practical learning opportunities in partnership with local firms, students enter the labor market with the greatest possible competitive edge.

College of Adult and Graduate Studies – CCU or Colorado Christian University

Located in Lakewood, Colorado, Christian University offers top-notch education to traditional and adult learners through its more than 200 academic program options in a range of academic disciplines.

The Higher Learning Commission-approved CCU College of Adult and Graduate Studies MBA tracks are:

The 39-credit-hour MBA program can be completed in as fast as 18 months. Students may transfer up to nine credit hours.

The CCU MBA program cultivates critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills relevant to business. MBA students emerge as experts in business education and general management.

Eller College of Management – Colorado Heights University

Did you know that Colorado Heights University reactivated its name only in January 2020? Following legal processes recognized by the Colorado State Government, the university has terminated its association with the Teikyo University Group institution.

The AACSB-accredited Eller College of Management at Colorado Heights University offers a high-quality MBA program that places a high focus on innovation, communication, and hands-on application:

A popular track, the full-time MBA provides a range of dual programs. Eller MBA students who also hold a graduate degree in a legal, scientific, or technological subject.

These advanced degree programs are intended to prepare students for employment in government, management, or education by teaching them about contemporary scientific research methodologies as they relate to both general and particular management problems.

Hasan School of Business – Colorado State University-Pueblo

Colorado State University-Pueblo, as part of the Colorado State University System, offers these MBA tracks through the Hasan School of Business:

First offered in 1984, the CSU Pueblo MBA program is offered online at an accelerated pace, featuring small class sizes, world-renowned faculty, and competitive tuition. This AACSB-approved MBA highlights convenience and flexibility with eight-week courses featuring

lectures, seminars, and case studies to help students thrive in the integrative and interdisciplinary decision-making processes in the business world.

Holders of a bachelor’s degree in any undergraduate field of study may apply. Leveling courses include business statistics, financial accounting, microeconomics, marketing, management, and finance.

Both MBA tracks can be completed in one calendar year. Most MBA students earn the degree in 24 months. Students get one-on-one academic advising throughout the MBA program.

Graduate School of Business Administration – University of Colorado Colorado Springs

From a little commuter satellite school to one of Colorado’s fastest-growing colleges, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs has expanded as a component of the University of Colorado System.

UCCS is regularly regarded as one of the most esteemed graduate research universities in the state, featuring selective admission standards. The two MBA tracks offered are:

36-credit-hour MBA with any of these areas of emphasis:
- Accounting (Campus)
- Cybersecurity Management (Online)
- Finance (Campus & Online)
- General Business (Campus & Online)
- Healthcare Administration (Online)
- Innovation Management (Campus & Online)
- Management (Campus & Online)
- Marketing (Campus & Online)
- Operations & Supply Chain Management (Online)
- Project Management (Online)
- Sport Management (Online)
30-credit-hour General MBA

These MBA tracks are offered in these formats:

The AACSB-approved UCCS Graduate School of Business Administration delivers a future-focused education with ground-breaking research that advances both science and good business practices.

School of Graduate Studies – Western Colorado University

Situated in the majestic Rocky Mountains, Western Colorado offers MBA programs through the School of Graduate Studies. Western Colorado’s SGS features a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students get the one-on-one support they need.

The Outdoor Industry MBA program is ideal for professionals in the outdoor industry seeking to advance their careers, switch jobs, or launch their own businesses.

The MBA concentrations are:

Product Concentration
Service Concentration

A flexible two-year hybrid program with online course delivery, the Outdoor Industry MBA program features online classes (evening and immersive experience opportunities that provide valuable industry insights.

Emphasizing material relating to the Outdoor Industry, students learn about hospitality management, sustainability, economics and competitive outdoor industry dynamics as part of the coursework. Students can also earn specialized certificates in Leadership, Marketing, and Finance.

CU Denver Business School – University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver offers many diverse programs for all kinds of learners, providing students with the convenience and flexibility of distance study. CU Denver’s on-campus and online programs help students reach their full potential, establish enduring business relationships, and acquire the skills employers require.

Designed for working professionals and career changers, the business school offers these MBA programs:

Professional MBA
One Year MBA
Executive MBA
Health Administration MBA
Executive MBA in Health Administration

The CU Denver Business School at CU Denver offers the Online MBA with these specializations:

MBA in Accounting
MBA in Business Intelligence
MBA in Commodities
MBA in Entrepreneurship
MBA in Finance
MBA in Information Systems
MBA in Management
MBA in Managing Sustainability
MBA in Marketing
MBA in Risk Management and Insurance
General MBA Track

Recognized by AACSB, it is intended for ambitious business executives who are prepared to develop the adaptable skills necessary to succeed in a global business environment.

Upon graduation, MBA degree holders are expected to demonstrate their business leadership abilities with an in-depth knowledge of business concepts based on their career-focused specialty of choice.

Business and Management Department – Colorado Technical University

The mission of Colorado Technical University is to do business with honesty. At CTU, integrity is a collective and individual responsibility shared by their international community of instructors, staff, and students.

CTU welcomes new technology and applies it creatively to improve every student’s educational experience. Whether on campus, virtually, or a combination of the two, students get the full university experience with a variety of classroom delivery choices, mobile access to their coursework, and social networking opportunities.

The Business and Management Department at CTU offers the following different MBA tracks:

The practical experience, expertise, and familiarity with industry-relevant trends make every member of the CTU MBA faculty stand out. This AACSB-accredited MBA program produces graduates who are fully prepared to meet the challenges facing businesses in any industry within or outside Colorado.

Online MBA – CSU Global Campus

CSU Global takes great pride in being a member of a state university system that is trusted and recognized by organizations, professors, and students worldwide. The first state university in the nation to be founded entirely online, independently, and with full accreditation, CSU Global features world-class business and leadership education.

The CSU Global learning model is known for its inherent convenience. Global offers 100% online instruction with flexible scheduling, enabling students to complete their degree at their own pace.

CSU Global Campus offers the MBA Online program, an applied degree program for professionals seeking to develop their business acumen and make novel and creative contributions to their communities.

The MBA program’s curriculum emphasizes skills in leadership, strategy, innovation, globalization, systems thinking, decision-making, and ethics in an effort to promote effective navigation of dynamic corporate contexts.

Students may finish this graduate degree in less than two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the famous industries in Colorado?

Colorado’s industry success has always been rooted in a collaborative culture, a creative mindset, and a pro-business atmosphere. Companies of all stripes are drawn to Colorado’s abundance of resources because it allows them to enter the market and establish a name for themselves in key industrial sectors. Some of these are mentioned below:

Food and Agriculture
Aerospace
Tourism
Manufacturing
Health and Wellness
Creative Industries
Technology
Bioscience
Food and Agriculture
Electronics
Financial Services
Outdoor Sports
Energy and Natural Resources

Which cities in Colorado are offering MBA programs?

Are you trying to find an MBA school that is accredited in a certain Colorado city? The good news is that you don’t have to search deep and have a hard time. The list above comprises the best and top MBA programs all over Colorado state.

The following cities are where you can find great MBA programs:

Colorado Springs
Durango
Boulder
Pueblo
Fort Collins
Denver
USAF Academy
Greeley

Is it worth it to study for an MBA in Colorado?

The cost of a master’s degree in business administration can be high; annual tuition at prestigious universities can range from $50,000 to $80,000. While that may be the case, pursuing an MBA in one of the best states in the US, such as Colorado, is always worthwhile! In a state with numerous opportunities for professionals with advanced skill levels and educational knowledge, MBA graduates can expect satisfying ROI.

Before you go, see the following: