Best Online Colleges & Universities in Denver

Check out our list of the best online colleges in Denver. Get your degree from one of the city's top institutions of higher learning.
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Updated on May 23, 2023
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Denver is home to multiple research universities and liberal arts colleges. In addition to on-campus learning, many of these schools offer online programs that allow students to earn a certificate or degree while working full time and taking care of their families.

By pursuing a college degree, you can gain the specialized knowledge and skills needed to work in Denver's top industries, which include digital communications, healthcare, aerospace, software development, and renewable energy. You can also pursue a career in the city's robust financial services sector, which paid an average annual salary of $106,100 in 2019.

This guide ranks the 10 best online colleges in Denver to help you pick the school that fits your schedule, interests, and goals.

Ranking compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

#1 University of Denver Denver, CO
#2 Regis University Denver, CO
#3 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO
#4 Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO
#5 Community College of Denver Denver, CO

How We Rank Schools

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At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.

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.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Denver

Best Online Colleges in Denver

  1. University of Denver
    Location

    Denver, CO

    DU offers 70 online bachelor's and master's programs in business, computer science, education, environmental studies, healthcare, humanities, law, public service, and social sciences.

    Students may earn their degrees completely online through both synchronous and asynchronous learning. On-campus and in-person requirements vary by program.

    One of the most popular programs, MBA@Denver, enables students to earn an MBA degree from the nation's eighth-oldest business school. Learners may also seek master's degrees in subjects like health informatics, social work, and data science.

    DU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  2. Regis University
    Location

    Denver, CO

    Thanks to a variety of distance learning opportunities, Regis has earned a reputation as one of the best accredited online colleges in Denver. The school offers 127 bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs.

    Students may complete most of these programs completely online. Nearly all courses feature asynchronous schedules, making them a good fit for working adults.

    Regis even provides an online undergraduate certificate in craft brewing that focuses on best practices in the industry and real-world experience working with the region's top breweries and taprooms.

    While the university serves students of all faiths and backgrounds, it delivers instruction using a Jesuit-based approach that focuses on positively impacting society.

    Regis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  3. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
    Location

    Denver, CO

    Tuition

    $14477

    CU Denver offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Part of the state's largest higher education system, the university tailors its distance learning programs to the needs of adult learners and working adults. Most classes use an asynchronous format, and students can often complete their degrees without ever setting foot on CU Denver's downtown campus.

    Online students benefit from numerous services and resources, including success coaches, a 24/7 librarian, an online writing center, and technical support. Enrollment navigators help distance learners choose the right courses and remain on track toward graduating on time.

    CU Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  4. Metropolitan State University of Denver
    Location

    Denver, CO

    Tuition

    $15248

    Offering dozens of online bachelor's degrees and minors, along with several master's programs, MSU Denver offers plenty of variety and flexibility.

    Through the university's online learning programs, students can take all or most of their classes from a distance, using an asynchronous format. MSU Denver also offers several hybrid programs that combine online learning with some in-person experiences.

    MSU Denver has demonstrated a commitment to reducing costs for students, even winning a state competition for reducing textbook fees in 2020. Distance learners also gain access to resources like online tutoring, academic advising, enrollment support, career services, and wellness programs. The university serves more than 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year.

    MSU Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  5. Community College of Denver
    Location

    Denver, CO

    Tuition

    $6736

    To provide the flexibility adult learners need as they pursue higher education, CCD offers a variety of completely online associate degrees and certificates.

    Students may choose from two-year programs in fields like biology, business, dental hygiene, economics, mathematics, and philosophy. The college focuses on building quantitative literacy, effective communication, intercultural awareness, and critical thinking in its students.

    CCD allows students to take 100% of their classes from a distance. However, students may also opt for a hybrid model, combining online learning with some on-campus sessions. CCD delivers most online coursework asynchronously.

    CCD is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Top Degree Programs in Denver

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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