Colorado Online Colleges & Universities: Top Schools for 2017-2018

Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914 and is a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities. Distance learning through Colorado Christian University offers 9 associate degree programs, 14 bachelor degree programs and 11 master’s degree programs in full online or hybrid learning through lecture, group discussion, Internet courses, etc. The university uses Blackboard, which is a web-based virtual classroom that gives you the opportunity to connect with instructors and students. All of the degree programs, online and classroom-based, are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Associate of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Northern Colorado was one of the first schools to offer online programs, beginning in 1996. Offering more than 50 degree, licensure and certificate programs, UNC provides options for a variety of different learning styles and methods that fit within your schedule. Most of the faculty who teach on-campus also teach degree program courses online so students get the same coursework and experiences. Since 1916, UNC has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UNC utilizes the Blackboard course management system for online education.

Students can pursue undergraduate programs, master’s degree programs and a doctoral program at Adams State University in Colorado, with most of the courses offered online. The campus recently undergone a $65 million transformation and now houses state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories to strengthen student learning. Distance learning supports students seeking undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, K-12 educator professional development and high school students seeking early college credits. Associate degrees are available in both general studies and business, bachelor degrees are available in business administration, liberal arts, interdisciplinary studies, criminology, social welfare and RN in nursing. Adams State University utilizes the Blackboard course management system to deliver online course content.

The distance learning through the University of Colorado Denver offers more than 450 online courses and over 20 full online degree programs. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs include arts and media, business, education, engineering, liberal arts and sciences, nursing, pharmacy, public affairs and public health. In addition, at CU Denver students can combine both online courses with on campus courses for a customizable experience that fits individual learning styles. CU Denver utilizes the Canvas learning management system for all online courses, an advanced platform that integrates better security, innovative features and the integration of social media.

Western State Colorado University is in Gunnison, Colorado, in the beautiful Gunnison Valley. Research, undergraduate and graduate training are at the heart of the university’s academic curriculums. Degrees exist for adults across a broad range of specialties, including sciences, health, education and arts. Credit and non-credit classes are taught through the Extended Studies program. Specific offerings in the program include the Summer Teacher Institute, Career Step training courses, Outdoor and Wilderness Education program and international learning opportunities. Adults can also take Pearson VUE licensing certification exams through the Extended Studies program.

Nazarene Bible College’s main offices are in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As one of ten Nazarene postsecondary schools in the United States, Christ is at the center of the college. Future and current students have more than a dozen degrees to choose from. Pastoral ministries, Christian counseling, Bible and theology and leadership and ethics are highlighted training areas at Nazarene Bible College. Pastoral ministries and early education are other areas that associate and bachelor’s degrees are awarded in. Adults who want to serve in ministry as a deacon or elder can enroll in the college’s ministry preparation program.

Colorado Mesa University boasts a student population of about 10,660. The school is located in Grand Junction, Colorado, the most populated town in Mesa County. The school’s 86 acre main campus is near miles of natural land, including canyons and mountains. Since it was founded in 1925, Colorado Mesa has graduated thousands of undergraduate and graduate students in majors like art, sciences, mass communication, languages, business, education and arts. Distance learners are able to complete individual courses to apply towards their degrees entirely online.

Colorado State University - Pueblo offers students a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in four main schools: College of Education, Engineering and Professional Studies; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Science and Math and the Hasan School of Business. Students will enjoy an average class size of 25 students, hands-on educational opportunities and international programs. In addition, the university offers a program for part-time students through the Division of Extended Studies. Credit and non-credit courses, seminars and workshops area available to students living in Pueblo and off-campus sites.

Lamar Community College offers associate degrees and certificate programs in a number of fields both online and on campus. Certain online classes are offered strictly through LCC while others are through the consortium of Colorado Colleges. Students have the option to live and dine on campus and participate in student life events on and off campus. Free tutoring is offered six days a week and Office 365 is provided to every student after admission. Students who complete an associate's degree have to option to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor degree.

Trinidad State was the first college in the Colorado Community College system. It offers degree programs for associate degrees as well as career ready certificates at two campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa Colorado. Different degree programs are offered at each campus. At the Trinidad campus, a gunsmithing program affiliated with the National Rifle Association takes place, where students can gain experience in all aspects of gun making and marksmanship and earn an Associate of Applied Science in Gunsmithing. Southern Rockies Heritage School which is authorized by TSJC, offers classes available to students and community members in subjects like cultural arts and sustainable living.

Northeastern Junior College became the first iPad college in Colorado in 2015, meaning every student is required to have an iPad to use during classes, labs and shops. Students can earn transfer, two-year and certificate degrees both on-campus and online. Online courses are offered in the in the fall, spring and summer in 15, 10 and six-week sessions, allowing students to take classes at their own pace. Hybrid classes also exist that mix online course work with sporadic on campus meetings in a number of departments. All online classes us Blackboard, an online learning tool used by college across the United States.

As one of 13 colleges in the Colorado Community College System, Morgan Community College works to give students man different pathways to learning. This means they provide accredited, associate degree in art, science, applied science and general studies, as well as certificate programs. As part of the CCCS, Morgan has the ability to bring more than 200 online course offerings to students, from colleges all across Colorado. MCC partners with a local meat plant Cargill to bring workers and their families workplace education training where they can learn English as a Second Language, prep for the GED and acquire basic computer skills.

Otero Junior College offers more than 50 associate degree and certificate programs, accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. As a participant in the Alternative Credit Project, OJC gives students who have taken classes at other colleges the chance to transfer 53 approved classes to earn credit toward their degree. Outside of the classroom students have the opportunity to participate in many on-campus clubs including an honor society and drama club. Classes are available in the fall, spring and summer semesters both online and in the classroom. Online courses have a fast track class that lasts six weeks or a late start course that lasts 10 weeks.

Arapahoe Community College has three campuses and an online learning module, widening their reach across not only the state but the country. Utilizing the Brightspace learning management system gives ACC the unique opportunity to offer more than 200 online courses during the fall, spring and summer. Though the use of iTunes, many instructors upload video lectures that students can watch on their computer, tablet or smartphone at will. ACC offers a concurrent enrollment program for qualified high school students. This program allows them to earn both college and high school credit for classes taken on the ACC campus.

With four campuses around the state, Front Range Community College offers learning opportunities in multiple counties across Colorado. There more than 50 educational programs give students the chance to prepare for careers, earn associate degrees, and work on their general education courses. Those who meet the requirements receive a guaranteed transfer to multiple four-year colleges including the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado. Student looking for more challenging coursework and participate in an exclusive honors program that features special advising. Students who can't attend on-campus classes can complete 33 different degree programs completely online.

More than 7,000 students attend Aims Community College annually to work toward more than 160 different degree and certificate programs. The college is spread across four campuses and offers day and evening classes during the spring, summer and fall semesters. ACC offers a full load of online courses with certain classes offered on a fast-track basis. Students who are unsure what career path they want to work toward may participate in an online "Who Are You" quiz to find out their personality type. Once complete ACC provides each student with a list of courses that best match these results.

Pikes Peak Community College is the largest educational institute in Southern Colorado spanning, three campuses, two smaller learning centers and two military centers. Its 158 associate degree and certificate programs are offered online and on-campus and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ten of their associate degree programs can be completed 100 percent online with full semester and fast paced options available. Students who want online classes, that feature on campus meet-ups can participate in hybrid classes. Students and community members can also take non-credit community classes for additional learning opportunities in fields including baking and retirement planning.

Students who attend the Community College of Aurora have the opportunity attended classes in both Denver and Aurora Colorado. Classes are small with the student teacher ratio at 21:1. Online and hybrid classes, as well as self-paced and open entry, are offered for CCAs 40+ associate degree and certificate programs. Self-paced classes allow students to complete a 15-week class at their own pace and begin at the beginning of the semester. Open entry is a unique experience where students can begin a class at any time during the semester and must complete it within a 15-week (fall/spring) and a 10-week (summer) time frame.

Community College of Denver rests in the heart of Denver and offers more than 100 certificate and associate degree programs. Class sizes vary from as few as 14 students a class to as many as 20 and features one of the best welding programs in the state of Colorado. Classes are offered at both two separate campuses as well as a state of the art manufacturing center near CCDs main campus. Traditional, hybrid, self-paced and online courses are provided, allowing CCD to cater to every student type. Students who need help transitioning into college life can get help by signing up for the "First Year Experience Program."

Sprawled across the state of Colorado, Pueblo Community College features 4 campuses hundreds of associate degree and certificate programs as well as on Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. Apart from in-class instruction, PCC supplies students with three distance education alternatives. Hybrid classes are offered along with two online course offerings. Online courses are offered through PCC and taught by instructors of the college, while others are provided by the Colorado Community College system. PCC gives students the opportunity participate in the Presidential Leadership Program Certificate program. This program teaches students leadership skills they can take into the workforce or with them as the continue their education.