Best Online Colleges in Colorado
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Whether you're drawn to the endless sunshine of Denver, the outdoorsy opportunities in Boulder, or the history of Pueblo, Colorado offers endless opportunities for beautiful locations — and top colleges.
Many of the schools throughout the state provide online degree pathways, making it easy for students to pursue a quality education no matter their location. Online colleges in Colorado can provide the same educational experience virtually.
Online programs offer maximum flexibility without sacrificing quality, but it's important to make sure you take time to research your options thoroughly and make an informed decision. We'll help you learn more about what's available in the Centennial State.
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Colorado
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $430
Out-of-State | $1,125
Credits to Graduate: 120
At Colorado State University, students experience the same academic programs taught by the same faculty as in-person students. The program is designed to combine the college's academic excellence with online learning.
Students may choose from online programs toward their bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. in addition to graduate certificates and professional education. There were over 4,500 students enrolled in Colorado State's online program in 2023.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,335
Out-of-State | $1,335
Credits to Graduate: 183
The University of Denver offers a range of full degree programs and certificates through its online program. Some of the certificates can be completed in as little as six weeks. There are students from over 50 states and 10 countries enrolled in the online program.
You can choose from bachelor's and master's programs, as well as a bachelor's degree completion program. The school limits class size for students so that they're able to better connect with faculty on a more personal level.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,361
Out-of-State | $1,361
Credits to Graduate: 120
Regis University is one of the pioneers in online education, offering one of the first online MBA programs in 1997. Many of its online programs are designed in an accelerated format based on five or eight-week schedules in order to provide maximum flexibility for students. Courses also start up to six times a year, making it even more convenient to start.
It has an 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, and there are over 6,000 students enrolled at the school as a whole.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $494
Out-of-State | $494
Credits to Graduate: 120
Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914 and is ranked as one of the top 2% of colleges nationwide. It's also one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States.
Colorado Christian University has over 100 online degree programs that are open to students in the United States and abroad. You can pursue a bachelor's degree in everything from cyber security to healthcare administration.
For added convenience, most courses are taught in five-week blocks. And on average, the online class size at CCU is just nine students.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Cost of College in Colorado
Attending college in Colorado can come with varied price tags, depending on whether you attend a public or private institution and qualify for in-state tuition.
If you hold Colorado state residency, state schools offer a much cheaper pathway than private institutions. That said, the average private tuition cost in Colorado ($26,784) is less than the national average ($34,041).
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $9,573 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $31,699 |
| Private Four-Year | $26,784 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $3,329 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $9,530 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Colorado
According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, several jobs in Colorado are projected to grow between 2022 and 2032, opening the door to opportunities after graduation.
When considering your online college options, review whether or not they offer degrees that correspond to these in-demand careers.
Many of the roles anticipated to expand in the coming years are centered in healthcare, including nurse practitioners and epidemiologists. Other fast-growing industries include information security, technology, and energy alternatives.
| Job | Job Growth 2022-2032 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Attendants | 5.2% | $57,180 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 4.52% | $116,440 |
| Epidemiologists | 4.34% | $70,780 |
| Information Security Analysts | 4.21% | $118,480 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 4.08% | $61,080 |
| Statisticians | 3.97% | $92,240 |
| Data Scientists | 3.93% | $116,560 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 3.83% | $48,350 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 3.73% | $185,960 |
| Web Developers | 3.50% | $84,650 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Colorado
What is the cheapest online college in Colorado?
One of the cheapest online colleges in Colorado is Colorado State University Global, with a reasonable rate of $350 per credit.
Attending a community college during your first two years of school can help you save thousands of dollars. The average in-state tuition for two-year colleges was $3,329 in 2022, compared to $9,573 per year for in-state tuition at a four-year college.
How many online colleges are in Colorado?
According to Colorado's Department of Higher Education, you can choose from 34 different public and private institutions throughout the state. Many of these offer online classes — or full online degrees — to help make earning a degree easier for every learner.
Can you go to college for free in Colorado?
In some cases, yes. The Career Advance Colorado program provides free tuition to students who agree to use their degree to fill the need in high-demand careers.
This program exists through the Colorado Community College System and includes degrees focused on construction, early education, education, firefighting, forestry, law enforcement, and nursing. You should also submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see what federal grants you are eligible for.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Colorado?
Colorado State University Global admits 97% of all applicants, making it a great option if you want to increase your chances of getting in. Metropolitan State University of Denver, another public four-year institution, has a 98% acceptance rate.
What is the #1 college in Colorado?
The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, and University of Colorado Denver are often considered some of the top schools in Colorado.
Colorado State University Global is one of the top online colleges in the state, with an annual enrollment of nearly 20,000 learners. You can choose from a wide variety of bachelor's and master's degrees, giving you the flexibility needed to find the right program.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 9, 2024.
