Key takeaways
- Several Colorado colleges and universities offer business entrepreneurship degrees, including colleges in Colorado Springs, and colleges in Denver, Colorado.
- Bachelor’s degrees in entrepreneurship equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed in entrepreneurial ventures.
- The state has a healthy entrepreneurial infrastructure, a thriving economy, and a higher than the national average job opening rate of 5.9%, making it ideal for entrepreneurs.
- State initiatives such as Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Startup Colorado have a proven track record of aiding new ventures to launch and scale operations.
- When selecting entrepreneurship schools look into program frameworks, admission requirements, acceptance rate, cost, and Colorado college ranking.
- University of Colorado, Denver, and Colorado Mesa University offer excellent business entrepreneurship degrees.
- Colorado Christian University is a private university with one of the best entrepreneurship schools in Colorado.
Entrepreneurship has the potential to be a very rewarding career path. But it is also one of the most challenging ones. Luckily for aspiring entrepreneurs, there are several colleges across the US offering a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship. Our concentration focus in this article is on Colorado colleges for entrepreneurship.
Colorado features a wide range of educational institutions, including private and public universities, and community colleges. Combined with the thriving economy, easygoing culture, developed entrepreneurial infrastructure, and availability of technologies, Colorado has a lot to offer students.
Here we discuss what makes Colorado a great study destination, what to consider when choosing a college, and list some Colorado colleges for entrepreneurship degrees.
List of Colorado colleges for business entrepreneurship degrees
Colorado is one of the most scenic states in the US. Studying in one of the most beautiful destinations in the US is a privilege. Combined with the plethora of excellent educational institutes, research opportunities, and a sustainable infrastructure for budding entrepreneurs.
Here are some Colorado colleges for entrepreneurship.
University of Colorado, Denver
The University of Colorado, Denver offers a major in entrepreneurship at the bachelor level. Students can pursue the 120-credit hour program either full-time or part-time. The majority of classes are also available online allowing students to pursue a hybrid mode of learning.
The entrepreneurship major at the University of Colorado, Denver is ideal for students hoping to develop or enhance business acumen. Through the four-year program, they will learn a variety of business skills, optimal resource utilization, and problem-solving.
A key focus of the program is to encourage students to think outside the box. They are encouraged to find creative solutions to the most pressing problems not just in business organizations but also the society.
The vast scope of the program calls for a comprehensive theoretical and practical framework that teaches students transferable skills and knowledge. With an undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship from the University of Colorado, Denver, students can embark on their professional career path with confidence.
Additionally, the students can benefit from multiple professional training courses, including career events, student organizations, resume and personal branding workshops, and career planning resources.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Denver, Colorado | 2.0 | 74.6% | $9,562 |
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University is among the best private Colorado colleges. It offers a flexible entrepreneurship major.
Students can take it up as an independent, on-campus bachelor’s degree, or pursue it as a minor with a business or technology degree. Additionally, they can also pursue it as a dual degree, where students undertake a few master’s level courses.
The four-year program is designed specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs and provides them with in-depth knowledge and technical skill sets. Students will learn all aspects of business establishment, operation, and growth.
Additionally, students will benefit from a number of on-campus engagement opportunities Through healthy competition, they will learn to challenge themselves and utilize innovation to enhance their entrepreneurship capabilities.
Moreover, students must fulfill practical experience requirements in the form of an internship to complete program graduation requirements. A unique feature of the entrepreneurship major at Colorado Christian University is that students must create a business plan and strategize how to turn it into a viable business.
The university also provides resources on what you can do with an entrepreneurship degree. It is ideal for students who are unsure of what career path to take post-graduation.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Lakewood, Colorado | 3.0 | 67% | $37,432 |
Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a flexible business entrepreneurship degree. The entrepreneurship program features several required and elective courses, allowing students to tailor the program to their unique requirements.
Besides regular courses, students will also pursue a for-credit internship that will contribute greatly to their overall learning experience. Candidates passionate about pursuing entrepreneurship as a career will love the entrepreneurship and innovation program at Colorado State University.
Through the program, they will develop a well-rounded sense of what running a business enterprise is all about. From setting up a new venture to scaling operations, marketing, recruitment, human resource management, and so much more.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Fort Collins, Colorado | 3.0 | 90.8% | $12,874 |
Colorado Mesa University
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship at Colorado Mesa University is one of the best programs in the state. The holistic program framework and ideal combination of theoretical and practical coursework are what distinguish it from others.
The program curriculum is designed to prepare students for the dynamic business landscape of today and tomorrow. Through hypothetical scenarios and case studies, students are encouraged to find solutions to problems they may encounter.
It is one of the most sought-after programs in the market because of the transferable skills it teaches. Entrepreneurship graduates are true all-rounders in the business field. They are ideal candidates for managerial positions, especially at the upper management levels.
Through the four-year program, they develop a comprehensive skill set, and leadership abilities, allowing them to lead all types of organizations confidently. Make sure you look at the prerequisite admission requirements of the program before applying.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Grand Junction, Colorado | 3.0 | 81.8% | $9,297 |
What makes Colorado a great place to study?
Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the United States of America. Even during the winter season, the state sees a healthy amount of sunshine because of its altitude. It is one of the few states where excellent educational institutes are just the cherry on top.
Even though the state has plenty to offer, here are just some of the best reasons why you should look into Colorado colleges for higher education.
Education attainment
According to a report by the World Population Review, Colorado is the fourth most educated state in the US. The state has the second-highest number of bachelor’s degree holders at 39.4% and the highest number of associate degree holders. 41.6% of the state’s population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The educational attainment score is important for various reasons. A higher attainment score means higher salaries. Even though that may not always be the case it is highly likely. If you are looking for a state with high-paying salaries, consider Colorado colleges.
Economy
As of 2023, Colorado has the 15th largest GDP in the US according to a report by Statista. With a GDP of $428.04 billion. With an average annual economic growth rate of 3.1% over the last five years (2019-2024), Colorado state’s economy is growing at a steady rate.
Some of the highest-grossing industries in Colorado are Automobile wholesale, oil drilling and gas extraction, and new car dealers. Commercial banking and IT consulting are also high-grossing industries in the state providing employment opportunities for entrepreneurship graduates.
For aspiring entrepreneurs hoping to study at a Colorado college, the steady economic growth is excellent news. With a steady economic growth rate, and lower than the national average unemployment rate of 3.9%, Colorado offers many employment and investment opportunities that aspiring entrepreneurs can take advantage of.
Job opportunities
Colorado’s thriving economy brings with it several opportunities. In June 2024 alone there were 188,000 job openings in the state. In May the figure was only slightly lower at 174,000 according to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
With a job opening rate of 5.9% in June, Colorado is way ahead of the national rate of 4.9%. If the availability of employment opportunities is a key concern, then you can choose from the many colleges in Denver, Colorado, or some of the best colleges in Colorado Springs, CO.
Several other cities in Colorado also have excellent entrepreneurship schools that you can look into.
Outdoor excursions
Colorado is nicknamed the Mountain State and that should tell you plenty about its terrain and available outdoor activities. Skiing, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and bike riding are just some of the activities students can undertake.
If you enjoy skiing in particular, then look for colleges in Denver, Colorado as it is close to many ski resorts situated in the Rocky Mountains. If hiking trails and stunning mountainous views are what you seek, then look for college in Colorado Springs, CO.
Besides these two sought-after cities, Lakewood, Fort Collins, Greeley, and Boulder also have some excellent business schools for entrepreneurship.
Affordability
According to the Education Data Initiative, Colorado is one of the more affordable states with lower-than-average tuition fees. The state ranks at #27 in the platform’s list of most-to-least expensive in-state college fees.
Even though housing costs are significantly higher in Colorado, utilities and other costs, are significantly lower. Additionally, students opt for shared housing facilities to reduce costs.
The state aims to make quality education accessible for all, thus the Colorado Department of Higher Education offers plenty of help for students looking for financial assistance.
What to consider when reviewing Colorado colleges for entrepreneurship degrees?
Even though Colorado may seem like the ideal choice, there is a lot to consider when planning for college. Candidates must consider the pros and cons of attending each college, these vary for each individual, available resources, cost, and more. Maybe a candidate might want to explore online programs. They will have to explore which colleges offer online degrees, or whether it is even worth pursuing an online degree in entrepreneurship.
For many the sheer number of factors to consider can seem daunting. To make searching for colleges for entrepreneurship degrees easier, here is a list of factors to consider.
Program coursework
First and foremost, do a quick scan of the program coursework for the entrepreneurship degree offered by Colorado colleges of your choice. Look for program requirements, timelines, courses, and available specializations.
Doing so will give you an idea of what you will be studying in the next four years and help you differentiate between different programs. The specialization options in particular are of the essence.
If you are looking for a particular focus area of study in the entrepreneurship field, an initial review of the coursework can help you shortlist your options.
Admission requirements
The second step should be to analyze the admission requirements. Typically, these include minimum GPA, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and an essay of interest. International students will also have to provide language testing scores.
However, these requirements are not set in stone and the particularities vary by college and program of study. For example, some universities may be willing to overlook a lower GPA for a higher standardized test score.
Make sure you acquaint yourself with the requirements and application deadlines early on in your senior year so you can file your application timely.
Acceptance rate
Each college application has a set application fee. The exact amount varies by college, but the broad range is $25 to $100. However, some colleges do charge more than that and applicants need to search for the exact amount before filling out the application form.
If the cost of applying is higher than average, we suggest you self-assess your chances of getting accepted. The acceptance rate gives an idea of how many applications out of every 100 a college accepts.
Combine that with your academic profile strength to get a better idea of where you stand among the general application pool. However, do not get disheartened and if you have found your dream school, take the leap of faith and apply anyway.
Tuition cost
Lastly, but most importantly, factor in the tuition cost. Pursuing a business entrepreneurship degree at a private college is going to cost a lot more than one of the public Colorado colleges.
College education at private business schools for entrepreneurship in Colorado costs 15.28% less than the national average, as per the Education Data Initiative’s report. Even though public Colorado colleges cost about 6.5% higher than the national average, they are still a cheaper option than private institutes.
However, with the availability of financial aid, scholarships, and other state and college financial assistance resources, students can pursue education at the best colleges in Colorado.
Colorado college ranking
Rankings are not an ideal determining factor for whether a college is right for you or not. Students must conduct primary research on whether a college is ideal for them or not. However, if you please, you can search for the best colleges in Colorado to determine individual Colorado college rankings before applying.
Why study entrepreneurship at Colorado colleges?
Colorado not only offers a multitude of excellent educational institutes offering business entrepreneurship degrees but also an empowering support system for entrepreneurs. Organizations such as Startup Colorado and Entrepreneurs Organization provide budding entrepreneurs with the network and resources needed to succeed.
Additionally, several cities in the state have thriving business communities, including Colorado Springs. Students who want to benefit from a strong peer-to-peer network and feedback from industry leaders should look for colleges in Colorado Springs.
The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC equips aspiring entrepreneurs with numerous resources to successfully launch and scale their startups. Quantum Metric, Red Leg Brewing, and Cherwell Software are just some examples of successful entrepreneurial ventures to have benefited from the state infrastructure.
Study the best entrepreneurship programs at Colorado colleges!
Entrepreneurship education at Colorado colleges prepares students for a successful career. Metropolitan cities like Denver, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, and Aurora also offer hundreds of thousands of job opportunities to graduates.
Studying in a state with one of the best educational attainment scores will help you succeed in your entrepreneurial career. Colorado has one of the highest levels of educated individuals, and a skilled workforce is an asset to aspiring entrepreneurs.