2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Colorado
Looking for the best-value Healthcare degree programs in Colorado? We have ranked 86 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed 27 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Colorado
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Red Rocks Community College this year in Colorado. This public school is set in Lakewood, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,859, compared with $17,459 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,471 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,288. That is a strong return on a $14,471 median debt. See the full Red Rocks Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Aims Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Aims Community College is a public school based in Greeley, CO. Students from in state pay about $2,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,786. Aims Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,199 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,887 ten years out. Set against $11,199 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Aims Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pikes Peak Community College earned it the #3 place in Colorado. Located in Colorado Springs, CO, Pikes Peak Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,510 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,110. Pikes Peak Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $16,066 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pikes Peak Community College
Out of the 27 schools in Colorado in this year's value ranking, Colorado Northwestern Community College landed the #4 spot. Based in Rangely, CO, Colorado Northwestern Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,594, while out-of-state students pay about $7,304. Colorado Northwestern Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $18,127 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,526. Set against $18,127 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Colorado Northwestern Community College
Out of the 27 schools in Colorado in this year's value ranking, Morgan Community College landed the #5 spot. Morgan Community College is a public school based in Fort Morgan, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,252, with out-of-state students paying around $16,852. The median Healthcare program debt is $11,746. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,429 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Morgan Community College
Otero Junior College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Set in La Junta, CO, Otero Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $7,270. Typical Healthcare student debt is $21,759. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,018 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,759 median debt. Read more about Otero Junior College
Community College Of Aurora placed #7 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. This public school is set in Aurora, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,470, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. The median Healthcare program debt is $15,365. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Community College Of Aurora profile
Arapahoe Community College placed #8 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Arapahoe Community College is a public school based in Littleton, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,434, while out-of-state students pay about $17,034. Typical Healthcare student debt is $20,448. Arapahoe Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,341 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Arapahoe Community College report
Front Range Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Westminster, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, with out-of-state students paying around $17,263. Front Range Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $17,384 in debt. Front Range Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,910 a decade after entry. Set against $17,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Front Range Community College profile
Lamar Community College placed #10 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. This public school is set in Lamar, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,550, with out-of-state students paying around $7,260. Typical Healthcare student debt is $9,300. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,719 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lamar Community College
Trinidad State Junior College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Trinidad, CO. Students from in state pay about $4,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,318. Graduates carry a median of $10,502 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,475 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,502 median debt. See the full Trinidad State Junior College profile
Colorado Mountain College placed #12 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Located in Glenwood Springs, CO, Colorado Mountain College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,616, compared with $12,840 for out-of-state students. Colorado Mountain College Healthcare students take on a median of $12,953 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,127. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Colorado Mountain College
Pueblo Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Pueblo, CO, Pueblo Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,049, while out-of-state students pay about $17,649. Graduates carry a median of $14,106 in student loans. Pueblo Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,434 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,106 median debt. Read more about Pueblo Community College
Community College Of Denver came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denver, CO, Community College Of Denver is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,058, compared with $17,658 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $18,830. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,095. Set against $18,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Community College Of Denver
University Of Colorado Denver landed the #15 spot for value in Colorado this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. The median Healthcare program debt is $26,582. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Denver
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Colorado State University Fort Collins Healthcare students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school based in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. University Of Northern Colorado Healthcare students take on a median of $23,974 in debt. University Of Northern Colorado alumni report median earnings of $52,231 a decade after entry. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
Colorado State University Pueblo landed the #18 spot for value in Colorado this year. Located in Pueblo, CO, Colorado State University Pueblo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,720, compared with $17,944 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,325 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,563. Set against $25,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Colorado State University Pueblo report
Mesa State College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,310 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,823 ten years after entry. Set against $22,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mesa State College admits about 82% of applicants. More on Mesa State College
Metropolitan State College Of Denver ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $11,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,684. Typical Healthcare student debt is $27,484. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. Set against $27,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Metropolitan State College Of Denver
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs placed #21 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,906, with out-of-state students paying around $25,039. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs Healthcare students take on a median of $23,559 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs
Institute Of Business And Medical Careers landed the #22 spot for value in Colorado this year. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Institute Of Business And Medical Careers is a private for-profit institution. Institute Of Business And Medical Careers Healthcare students take on a median of $10,738 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,432 ten years out. Set against $10,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Institute Of Business And Medical Careers
Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs landed the #23 spot for value in Colorado this year. Located in Colorado Springs, CO, Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $39,095 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,180. Set against $39,095 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs report
Regis University placed #24 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Set in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,140 in tuition and fees. Regis University Healthcare students take on a median of $31,773 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,773 median debt. Regis University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Regis University
Colorado Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakewood, CO. Students from in state pay about $28,846 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $36,092 in student loans. Colorado Christian University alumni report median earnings of $50,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $36,092 median debt. Get the full Colorado Christian University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Colorado
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. University Of Denver Healthcare students take on a median of $22,534 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,155 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Denver
Intellitec College Grand Junction landed the #27 spot for value in Colorado this year. Based in Grand Junction, CO, Intellitec College Grand Junction is a private for-profit institution. The median Healthcare program debt is $11,767. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,541. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Intellitec College Grand Junction report
The Salon Professional Academy Colorado Springs landed the #28 spot for value in Colorado this year. See the full The Salon Professional Academy Colorado Springs profile
Redstone College
Redstone College placed #29 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. More on Redstone College
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
National Institute For Medical Assistant Advancement Nimaa ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Get the full National Institute For Medical Assistant Advancement Nimaa report
Concorde Career College Aurora offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Get the full Concorde Career College Aurora report
Xenon International Academy Denver placed #33 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Read the full report on Xenon International Academy Denver
Rolf Institute Of Structural Integration landed the #34 spot for value in Colorado this year. See the full Rolf Institute Of Structural Integration profile
University Of Colorado System Office landed the #35 spot for value in Colorado this year. Read the full report on University Of Colorado System Office
Iliff School Of Theology ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. More on Iliff School Of Theology
Delta Montrose Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Delta Montrose Technical College
Colorado School Of Traditional Chinese Medicine ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Get the full Colorado School Of Traditional Chinese Medicine report
Colorado College
Colorado College placed #39 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Read more about Colorado College
Stacey James Institute landed the #40 spot for value in Colorado this year. Read the full report on Stacey James Institute
Western State College Of Colorado placed #41 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Read the full report on Western State College Of Colorado
Colorado State University System Office offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read the full report on Colorado State University System Office
Pima Medical Institute Colorado Springs placed #43 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. Read more about Pima Medical Institute Colorado Springs
Adams State College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read more about Adams State College
Pima Medical Institute Denver landed the #45 spot for value in Colorado this year. More on Pima Medical Institute Denver
Platt College Aurora came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Platt College Aurora
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs landed the #47 spot for value in Colorado this year. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs
Fort Lewis College placed #48 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Colorado. See the full Fort Lewis College profile
Naropa University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. See the full Naropa University profile
Denver School Of Nursing came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Denver School Of Nursing report
More Healthcare Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 27 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 86 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).