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Majoring in English offers numerous advantages, including diverse job prospects, intellectual engagement, and the opportunity to connect with some of history’s most influential thinkers. But which programs in Colorado stand out for aspiring English majors in 2026?
At Zippia, we analyzed data from 133 higher education institutions across the Centennial State to identify which programs provide the best career pathways for English majors.
Our research revealed the top colleges for English majors in Colorado:
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Denver
- Colorado College
- Colorado State University-Pueblo
- University of Northern Colorado
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins
If you’re enrolled at one of these institutions, you likely already realize the quality of your education. For those still exploring options, read on to discover what makes these schools top choices for English programs in Colorado.
How We Determined the Best English Schools in Colorado
At its essence, English studies involve language and critical thinking. To determine the best English programs, we approached the ranking analytically, using data to compare school performance across various criteria.
This method ensures you make an informed choice for your education.
We utilized data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and College Scorecard from ED.gov to assess which English departments offer the most promising career opportunities:
- Career Results
- Mean Earnings After 6 Years
- Mean Earnings After 10 Years
- Employment Ratio After 10 Years
- English Emphasis
- Graduating Class Percentage of English Majors (Higher is better)
- School Performance
- Admissions Rate (More selective is better)
- Graduation Rate
- Average Cost of Attendance (Lower is better)
- Average Student Debt
Choosing a selective school with a strong English program can significantly influence your earning potential after graduation.
After collecting this data, we ranked each of the 133 Colorado institutions based on the criteria above, with 1 representing the best performance in each category.
The final step involved averaging the ranks to create an “English Quality Index.” The highest score was awarded to Metropolitan State University of Denver, earning it the title of the ‘Best College for English’ in Colorado.
1. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Enrollment: 23,788
Metropolitan State University of Denver stands out for having the best English department in Colorado. It combines affordability with strong admission selectivity, making it a top choice for English majors.
2. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Enrollment: 11,312
UCCS excels in multiple areas, offering the second most affordable program in the state, alongside favorable outcomes in student debt and earning potential post-graduation.
3. University of Colorado Denver
Enrollment: 18,000
Graduates from the University of Colorado Denver command some of the highest salaries in the state, averaging $93,000 annually after a decade. The program also boasts a reasonable cost of attendance, offering excellent value for English majors.
4. University of Colorado Boulder
Enrollment: 33,612
As Colorado’s flagship university, CU Boulder attracts numerous English enthusiasts. While it has a higher admission rate (87%), graduates still enjoy strong earning potential, ranking third in salaries ten years post-graduation.
5. University of Denver
Enrollment: 11,797
University of Denver graduates enjoy the second-highest incomes among English majors in Colorado, complemented by a high graduation rate of 77%.
6. Colorado College
Enrollment: 2,050
Colorado College offers an intimate educational environment with a low admission rate of 22% and an impressive graduation rate of 88%. This personal attention can greatly benefit English majors.
7. Colorado State University-Pueblo
Enrollment: 5,192
CSU Pueblo presents an accessible program with affordability as a key feature. Notably, many graduates remain employed in their field ten years after graduation, highlighting the program’s effectiveness.
8. University of Northern Colorado
Enrollment: 12,075
The English department here is one of the more selective in Colorado, with a solid graduation rate and competitive cost of attendance.
9. Colorado Mesa University
Enrollment: 10,662
Located in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University offers a beautiful campus and high-quality education. It ranks as the fifth-least expensive English program, with graduates leaving with relatively low debt.
10. Colorado State University – Fort Collins
Enrollment: 32,000
CSU Fort Collins boasts a large student body and impressive graduation rates, contributing to strong post-graduation employment outcomes for English majors.
Detailed List of the Best Schools for English Majors in Colorado
| City | Rank |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | 1 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | 2 |
| University of Colorado Denver | 3 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 4 |
| University of Denver | 5 |
| Colorado College | 6 |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo | 7 |
| University of Northern Colorado | 8 |
| Colorado Mesa University | 9 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | 10 |
| Regis University | 11 |
| Adams State University | 12 |
| Colorado Christian University | 13 |
| Fort Lewis College | 14 |
| Western State Colorado University | 15 |
| Naropa University | 16 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
