Home to Community College of Denver, Metro State College, and University of Colorado Denver, the Auraria Campus is located in the heart of the Platte River Valley in Denver.

Colorado Christian University is a small private university located in Lakewood and committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. CCU is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and in the world.

Colorado College was established as a coeducational institution in 1874, two years before Colorado became a state. The school features liberal arts programs emphasizing small class size and a "block" curriculum program.

The Boulder campus of the University of Colorado is the largest of the university's three major campuses and home to the CU Buffs.

The University of Denver is a nationally recognized Division I university located south of downtown Denver. The school offers a full slate of degree programs with its graduate programs in law, business, and government of particular note.

The DU Pioneer athletic programs are also nationally recognized, with several NCAA championships in their history. The campus is also home to the Ritchie Center and Newman Center.