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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Colorado
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Colorado? This list ranks 86 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Trade College evaluated 25 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 Trade Degree Schools in Colorado
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Aims Community College to be the best-value Trade school in Colorado. Aims Community College is a public school based in Greeley, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,258, compared with $11,786 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $11,199. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,199 median debt. Read more about Aims Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Red Rocks Community College earned it the #2 place in Colorado. Based in Lakewood, CO, Red Rocks Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,859, compared with $17,459 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,471 in student loans. Red Rocks Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,288 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,471 median debt. See the full Red Rocks Community College profile
Out of the 25 schools in Colorado in this year's value ranking, Colorado Northwestern Community College landed the #3 spot. Colorado Northwestern Community College is a public school based in Rangely, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,594, compared with $7,304 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $18,127. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,526. Set against $18,127 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Colorado Northwestern Community College
Out of the 25 schools in Colorado in this year's value ranking, Trinidad State Junior College landed the #4 spot. Located in Trinidad, CO, Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,608, compared with $7,318 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $10,502. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,475. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Trinidad State Junior College profile
Front Range Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in Colorado. Front Range Community College is a public school based in Westminster, CO. Students from in state pay about $4,663 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,263. Students borrow a median of $17,384 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,910 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,384 median debt. More on Front Range Community College
Morgan Community College placed #6 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Located in Fort Morgan, CO, Morgan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,252, while out-of-state students pay about $16,852. The median Trade program debt is $11,746. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $11,746 median debt. More on Morgan Community College
Pikes Peak Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Colorado this year. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $16,066 in student loans. Pikes Peak Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,796 a decade after entry. Set against $16,066 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Pikes Peak Community College
Community College Of Aurora ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Aurora, CO, Community College Of Aurora is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,470, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. Typical Trade student debt is $15,365. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Community College Of Aurora profile
Otero Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in La Junta, CO, Otero Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, compared with $7,270 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $21,759. Otero Junior College alumni report median earnings of $39,018 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Otero Junior College
Arapahoe Community College placed #10 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Based in Littleton, CO, Arapahoe Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,434, with out-of-state students paying around $17,034. Students borrow a median of $20,448 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,341. That is a strong return on a $20,448 median debt. Get the full Arapahoe Community College report
Colorado Mountain College landed the #11 spot for value in Colorado this year. Set in Glenwood Springs, CO, Colorado Mountain College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,840. Typical Trade student debt is $12,953. Colorado Mountain College alumni report median earnings of $44,127 a decade after entry. Set against $12,953 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Colorado Mountain College
Lamar Community College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lamar, CO, Lamar Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,550, while out-of-state students pay about $7,260. Graduates carry a median of $9,300 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,719. That is a strong return on a $9,300 median debt. Get the full Lamar Community College report
Pueblo Community College landed the #13 spot for value in Colorado this year. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $14,106 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,434. That is a strong return on a $14,106 median debt. Get the full Pueblo Community College report
Northeastern Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Sterling, CO, Northeastern Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,730, compared with $8,267 for out-of-state students. Northeastern Junior College Trade students take on a median of $13,156 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,893. Set against $13,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeastern Junior College
Community College Of Denver landed the #15 spot for value in Colorado this year. Located in Denver, CO, Community College Of Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,058, compared with $17,658 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,830 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,095. That is a strong return on a $18,830 median debt. More on Community College Of Denver
Colorado State University Pueblo landed the #16 spot for value in Colorado this year. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,720, while out-of-state students pay about $17,944. Graduates carry a median of $25,325 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,563. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Colorado State University Pueblo profile
Mesa State College landed the #17 spot for value in Colorado this year. Set in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,927, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. Students borrow a median of $22,310 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,823. That is a strong return on a $22,310 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Mesa State College
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $23,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado
Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs is a private for-profit school based in Colorado Springs, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750. The median Trade program debt is $39,095. Median earnings reach $37,180 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs
Metropolitan State College Of Denver placed #20 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, while out-of-state students pay about $30,684. The median Trade program debt is $27,484. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,484 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
Institute Of Business And Medical Careers came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Institute Of Business And Medical Careers is a private for-profit institution. Institute Of Business And Medical Careers Trade students take on a median of $10,738 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,432. Set against $10,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Institute Of Business And Medical Careers
Colorado Christian University placed #22 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakewood, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,846. Graduates carry a median of $36,092 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,416. That is a strong return on a $36,092 median debt. Read more about Colorado Christian University
Regis University placed #22 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Set in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,140. Regis University Trade students take on a median of $31,773 in debt. Regis University alumni report median earnings of $72,105 a decade after entry. Set against $31,773 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Regis University profile
Intellitec College Grand Junction came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Intellitec College Grand Junction is a private for-profit school based in Grand Junction, CO. Students borrow a median of $11,767 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $31,541 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,767 median debt. Read the full report on Intellitec College Grand Junction
Intellitec College Colorado Springs landed the #24 spot for value in Colorado this year. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, Intellitec College Colorado Springs is a private for-profit institution. Typical Trade student debt is $15,716. Intellitec College Colorado Springs alumni report median earnings of $42,169 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Intellitec College Colorado Springs profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Colorado
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Emily Griffith Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Emily Griffith Technical College
Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Colorado Springs placed #27 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. See the full Toni And Guy Hairdressing Academy Colorado Springs profile
Institute Of Taoist Education And Acupuncture came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Institute Of Taoist Education And Acupuncture report
Colorado Media School ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Get the full Colorado Media School report
Bel Rea Institute Of Animal Technology came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Bel Rea Institute Of Animal Technology
University Of Colorado System Office placed #31 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Read more about University Of Colorado System Office
Arizona College Of Nursing Aurora landed the #32 spot for value in Colorado this year. Get the full Arizona College Of Nursing Aurora report
Academy Of Natural Therapy Inc placed #33 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Read more about Academy Of Natural Therapy Inc
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
Cheeks International Academy Of Beauty Culture Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. See the full Cheeks International Academy Of Beauty Culture Fort Collins profile
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Get the full University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs report
Stacey James Institute placed #37 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. See the full Stacey James Institute profile
Delta Montrose Technical College landed the #38 spot for value in Colorado this year. Read more about Delta Montrose Technical College
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. More on Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs
Rocky Vista University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Rocky Vista University
Colorado State University System Office came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Colorado State University System Office report
Fort Lewis College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Get the full Fort Lewis College report
Concorde Career College Aurora landed the #43 spot for value in Colorado this year. Get the full Concorde Career College Aurora report
Denver School Of Nursing ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. See the full Denver School Of Nursing profile
International Salon And Spa Academy ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read the full report on International Salon And Spa Academy
Aveda Institute Denver placed #46 among the best-value Trade schools in Colorado. Get the full Aveda Institute Denver report
Platt College Aurora ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. See the full Platt College Aurora profile
Tuana European Beauty Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Get the full Tuana European Beauty Academy report
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #49 spot for value in Colorado this year. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
Pima Medical Institute Aurora ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read more about Pima Medical Institute Aurora
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · 25 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).
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