Best Online Colleges In Colorado

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Updated September 21, 2023

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Top Colorado accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Colleges and universities throughout the United States offer online programs, making higher education accessible to millions of recent high school graduates and nontraditional students. Colorado online colleges offer learners numerous degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Shorter certificate programs help working professionals attain in-demand skills.

Public colleges and universities charge in-state online students the most affordable tuition rate. Recent Colorado transplants must live in the state for 12 continuous months to qualify for in-state tuition. However, Colorado schools make exceptions in specific circumstances, such as for active-duty service members and their dependents.

In creating this list of the top online colleges in Colorado, we analyzed each school's affordability and quality; the top online programs in California offer you the best educational experience at the most affordable prices. This list shows what excellent online universities offer students regarding majors, flexibility, and online learning resources. In other words, pay close attention to each program's top qualities.


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AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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.

Featured Online Programs

These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.

Best Online Colleges in Colorado

#1 Best Online Colleges In Colorado

University of Northern Colorado

  • Greeley, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its public campus in Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado ranks among the best online schools, enrolling 4,138 distance learners in its undergraduate and graduate programs. Degree-seekers pick from six online bachelor's programs and 15 online master's programs.

The school meets the needs of students with diverse career goals by offering online programs in popular fields, such as business, STEM, and healthcare. Remote classroom spaces let participants engage with the virtual program content. Remote learners fulfill in-person requirements with local internships, practicums, clinicals, or other placements. Online students get access to student services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.

In four years' time, many degree-seekers graduate with their bachelor's degree. Students can graduate faster by bringing in credits from previous college experience. Some programs also feature accelerated options.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,596
Out-of-state
$19,854
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,867
Out-of-state
$19,620
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
12,930
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Online Colleges In Colorado

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

  • Fort Collins, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public school that offers a total of 39 degrees online. Online learning allows students to work full time while earning their degree. Benefits of joining student organizations include opportunities to develop professional connections with peers.

Students at Colorado State University-Fort Collins can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

Colorado State University-Fort Collins Facts:

Undergraduate School Tuition Rate: $9,426 in-state; $28,147 out-of-state

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,750

Average Price With Aid: $16,793

Percent of Students Who Graduate: 70%

Offers Transfer Credits: No

The school has an 81% admission rate, and degree-seekers can use test scores to bolster their application. Undergraduate students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to secure positions in their field.  The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,426
Out-of-state
$28,147
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,520
Out-of-state
$25,791
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
33,426
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Colleges In Colorado

Colorado Mesa University

  • Grand Junction, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Colorado Mesa University is a public school located in Colorado. Students enroll in the school’s residential and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learners choose from a catalog of 119 online degrees. Students pursue degrees in the liberal arts and professional studies. The school offers degrees in a variety of fields.

Students learn through classroom theory and practical experience, such as internships and practicums. Nontraditional learners complete degrees online with limited on-campus residencies. Students complete online programs with no residency requirements. Professors teach using real-world examples. 

The school’s online services include academic tutoring. Colorado Mesa University admits students at an acceptance rate at 78%, and students pay for their education with affordable tuition and financial aid. Distance learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they live. The college awards an average total aid of $6,637.

The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,787
Out-of-state
$20,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
9,373
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Colleges In Colorado

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  • Denver, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The top-ranked online programs at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus make it one of the best online schools. The public institution offers programs in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science. Completing an entirely online degree is an option with many programs. Remote enrollees complete course requirements from the comfort of home, rather than traveling to the Denver, Colorado, campus.

Learners in online programs interact with each other and their teachers in a remote classroom space. Participants leave the program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the institution's many experiential learning opportunities. The school offers academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling to support distance learners.

The accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level programs meet the needs of a diverse group of students. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible format, meeting graduation requirements more easily.

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus At a Glance:

Students Enrolled in Online Programs: 7,637

Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 12

Total Available Online Master's Programs: 16

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 82%

Students Receiving Loans: 28%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,920
Out-of-state
$24,408
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,786
Out-of-state
$22,590
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
24,910
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Colleges In Colorado

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Aurora, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

The top-ranked online programs at Colorado State University-Global Campus make it one of the best online schools. Online learners at the public institution enroll in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science programs. Many programs feature a 100% virtual path to earning a college degree. 

Online programs feature virtual learning environments where remote learners communicate with teachers and peers. The institution's experiential learning opportunities prepare participants to enter the workforce. Distance learners at the school benefit from the support of academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.

Diverse students get their different needs met by the accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level program offerings. The flexible format allows degree-seekers to complete their graduation requirements more easily.

Colorado State University-Global Campus Numbers:

Tuition Per Credit: 408

Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 15

Total Number of Online Master's Programs: 12

Percentage of Learners Awarded Student Loans: 42%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
12,670
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Why Choose Colorado for Online Higher Education?

Prospective students planning to live in Colorado after graduation should explore the state's largest and fastest-growing industries. Approximately 16,000 companies employ healthcare workers, and more than 40,000 professionals work in the infrastructure engineering field.

Prospective learners can explore these and other career opportunities by using their school's career advisors and online job-hunting resources. Tools such as career assessments help degree-seekers select a major matching their interests.

Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Colorado

The best colleges in Colorado offer students multiple majors and minors. The following five majors can lead to a fulfilling career in one or more in-demand fields.

Cost of Attending an Online College in Colorado

Colorado online colleges help students save money in numerous ways. In-state learners save by paying the most affordable per-credit tuition rate at public two- and four-year schools. Out-of-state students often pay significantly more for the same education. Private colleges and universities charge the same tuition rate to all degree-seekers, making them a more affordable option for out-of-state students.

Online students do not incur fees for student housing or meal plans. They also do not pay for the fuel or transit pass needed to commute to campus. Other cost savings target learners who work full time, as many online programs run asynchronously and allow enrollees to complete assignments at their convenience.

Average Undergraduate Tuition in Colorado
Location Public Four-Year College Private Four-Year College Public Two-Year College
In-State $9,394 $23,560 $3,655
Out-of-State $30,140 N/A $7,967

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Colorado

The best colleges in Colorado offer majors, minors, and certificates leading to multiple career opportunities. College graduates can attain the positions below either right out of school or after gaining some professional experience. These jobs provide a salary allowing workers to live comfortably throughout the state.

Career Salary Potential
Career Median Annual Salary Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029)
Computer and Information Systems Managers $172,810 10%
Marketing Managers $171,970 6%
Sales Managers $167,260 4%
Financial Managers $164,370 15%
Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,700 3%

Source: BLS

Online Colorado Colleges FAQ's


Do online credits cost more or less in Colorado?

The answer depends on whether students attend a public or private school and if they qualify for in-state tuition. Colorado State University stands out from other public schools, as online learners do not pay out-of-state tuition.

What is the most affordable college in Colorado?

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is the most affordable college in Colorado for in-state students. Degree-seekers pay less in tuition by applying for scholarships or qualifying for grants.

How long do you have to live in Colorado to get in-state tuition?

Active-duty service members living outside of Colorado and other specific groups pay in-state tuition. Students in one of these groups submit appropriate documentation to their college or university.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org 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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