Colorado is known for amazing mountains, extreme weather (some areas receive 40+ inches of snow per year!), and an adventurous outdoor culture.
Because of this, whether you want to spend time on outdoor adventures or keep up with your degree program no matter the weather, an online degree program could be the perfect fit for you if you live in Colorado. Online programs offer flexibility that allows you to create a schedule that fits you and your lifestyle. This article ranks the best 12 schools in Colorado that offer online degree programs in a variety of fields. Whether you want to study business or biology, education or engineering, criminology or computer science, one of these colleges in Colorado has a degree program for you.
Colorado State University–Fort Collins is a land–grant university established in 1870. Nearly, 32,000 students attend the Colorado State University System’s flagship school. The school has more than 50 academic departments and over 150 degree programs. Colorado State University–Fort Collins offers this diverse array of programs through its eight colleges: Agricultural Sciences, Business, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, and the Warner College of Natural Resources.
Colorado State University–Fort Collins has a strong selection of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs available online. Online bachelor’s degree offerings include economics, anthropology, and psychology. Online master’s degrees at Colorado State University–Fort Collins include dietetics, engineering, and social work. Doctoral degree options include higher education leadership and organizational learning. The school offers a variety of online certificate programs.
Online students have access to an online library with a scholarly article database, a dissertation database, and an online writing center.
Colorado State University Global, (CSU Global) an online public university, went live in 2007. The university, a member of the Colorado State University System, teaches more than 11,000 students and offers a plethora of undergraduate and graduate degrees. CSU Global was the first non–profit, all–online state university in the US, starting with a class of 200 online students. CSU Global is made up of two schools through which its bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and continuing education programs are offered: the School of Management and Innovation and the School of Professional Studies
Colorado State University Global has a wide variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees available exclusively online. Online bachelor’s degree options include human resources, criminal justice, and information technology, while available master’s degrees include finance, education, and accounting. Online certificate options include business administration, computer programming, educational leadership, and project management.
Online student resources include an online library with a librarian available 24/7, a career services department with career coaches and online resume help, 24/7 technical support, and online tutoring.
Regis University is a private, Jesuit university. The Society of Jesus established the university in 1877. Regis University is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The university has welcomed several Nobel Peace Prize recipients as guest speakers, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, David Trimble, Betty Williams, and Pope John Paul II. The university has five academic colleges and serves over 8,000 students.
Three of the academic colleges at Regis University offer a variety of online bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs. The College of Computer and Information Sciences offers an online bachelor’s degree in computer science, the College for Professional Studies offers an online master’s degree in criminology, and the Rueckert–Hartman College for Health Professions offers several online certificates, including a program in health care informatics.
Online resources available to Regis University students include an extensive online library with a scholarly article database, financial aid, and academic advising.
The University of Denver, founded in 1864, is a private university with nearly 12,000 students. The university sits on a beautiful, nature–filled campus, with an arboretum housing 2,000+ trees. Presidential debates have been held at the University of Denver campus in years past. The university provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional programs. University of Denver consists of 10 schools and colleges: the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, the Daniels College of Business, the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, the Morgridge College of Education, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, the Graduate School of Social Work, the Sturm College of Law, and the University College.
The University of Denver offers its online bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs through its University College. The University College offers career–focused online and evening educational options, designed for busy students looking to advance academically and professionally. Available online bachelor’s degrees include environmental studies and information technology. Online master’s degree options include the arts and security management. Online certificate programs include human resource management and geographic information systems.
Online resources available to students include online library services, including an academic journal article database, as well as academic advising and 24/7 technical support.
5
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Established in 1912, the University of Colorado–Denver, is a public research university, and part of the University of Colorado System. The university serves nearly 24,000 students and offers over 140 degree programs. The university is among the largest research institutions in Colorado and has one of the most prolific graduate schools in the state. University of Colorado–Denver has a sister campus, the Anschutz Medical Campus, that offers programs for students in the medical fields and houses state–of–the–art facilities, including two new hospitals.
The University of Colorado–Denver provides bachelor’s degrees online in subjects such as nursing and writing. Graduate students can choose from a variety of online master’s degrees including a Master of Arts in Information and Learning Technologies, a Master of Criminal Justice degree, and several online certificates. Certificate programs include health care informatics and nonprofit management.
Resources available to online students at University of Colorado–Denver include a library with a scholarly article database.
Colorado Christian University, a Christian liberal arts university founded in 1914, serves over 7,000 students. The university has two academic colleges: the College of Undergraduate Studies and the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. Both colleges offer numerous degree programs in a variety of fields. Each traditional student attending on–campus classes is required to sign a Lifestyle Covenant pledging that the student will commit to living by a biblical lifestyle.
Colorado Christian University offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies. Online associate degrees include psychology and criminal justice. Online bachelor’s degrees include accounting and business administration. Online master’s degree options include counseling and nursing. Online certificate programs include ethics and online teaching and learning.
The library at Colorado Christian University offers a variety of online services, including live chat with a librarian, an online eBook library, a scholarly article database, and an online music library.
Founded in 1889 as State Normal School to train qualified teachers for Colorado’s public schools, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) began with four instructors and 96 students. Today the public, non–profit university serves around 13,000 students and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In 1970, the name of the university was changed to its current title, University of Northern Colorado, to better represent its educational offerings, including, a strong education department. With five main colleges—Education and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Monfort College of Business, Natural and Health Sciences, and Performing and Visual Arts—students at University of Northern California have a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral pathways to choose from.
Through University of Northern Colorado’s Extended Campus department, students can earn UNC degrees in a convenient, accessible online format. Online bachelor’s programs offered by UNC Online include specialties in American Sign Language and interpreting, communication studies, psychology, and nursing. Online master’s degrees at University of Northern Colorado include several education programs, as well as sports administration, nursing, dietetics, and more. Students can also pursue several doctoral degrees in education through UNC Online.
Online students at Northern Colorado University receive a variety of services and support, including library access and career services.
Established in 1965, University of Colorado–Colorado Springs serves more than 12,000 students. It has six academic colleges: the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences; the Beth–El College of Nursing and Health Sciences; the College of Business and Administration; the College of Education; the School of Public Affairs; and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
The University of Colorado–Colorado Springs offers many online bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs. Online bachelor’s degrees include criminal justice and sociology. Online master’s degree options include nursing and education. Online doctoral degrees include nursing, while online certificates include instructional technology and nonprofit management.
Resources available to the online students at University of Colorado–Colorado Springs include an online library with scholarly article databases.
Adams State University, established in 1921, was originally a teacher training school to provide rural areas with qualified teachers. Since its inception, Adams State University has obtained a reputation of serving people who would otherwise remain underrepresented. It was the first university to be designated by the federal government as a Hispanic Serving Institution. Around 25% of its 3,000+ students are Hispanic.
Adams State University offers several distance programs, including mail correspondence programs for the incarcerated. Adams State University offers several online associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Available online associate degrees include business and emergency management. Online bachelor’s degrees include history and criminology. Online students at Adams State University can also pursue master’s degree programs in education.
Online student resources at Adams State University include an online library with streaming video and a scholarly article database.
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public, non–profit university, founded in 1925. CMU serves a diverse population of students, with liberal arts, professional, and technical programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels. Colorado Mesa University serves nearly 10,000 students through 13 academic departments: Art and Design; Biological Sciences; Business; Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics; Engineering; Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Languages, Literature, and Mass Communication; Music; Physical and Environmental Sciences; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Teacher Education; and Theatre Arts.
Colorado Mesa University offers several 100% online degree programs, all focused on offering accessible education to students who need to balance work, family, and personal commitments, in addition to pursuing a degree. Colorado Mesa University offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Online degree programs include specialties in nursing, sport management, radiology, education, and social science.
Colorado Mesa University offers several supports and resources for students enrolled in online degree programs. This includes library, advising, and financial aid services.
Founded in 1876, University of Colorado–Boulder is the flagship institution of the University of Colorado System. Today, University of Colorado–Boulder serves nearly 34,000 students. University of Colorado–Boulder is one of 34 universities to belong to the prestigious Association of American Universities, and the only member from the Rocky Mountain region to belong to this research–focused organization. The school has nine colleges—the College of Arts and Sciences, the Leeds School of Business, the School of Education, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the Graduate School, Continuing Education and Professional Studies, the University of Colorado Law School, the College of Media, Communication, and Information, and the School of Music—and offers 90+ academic degree programs.
In addition to a variety of on–campus degree programs, University of Colorado–Boulder offers online post–baccalaureate, master’s, and certificate programs. Most of the online offerings from University of Colorado–Boulder are master’s degree programs. Options for master’s students include degrees in business administration, education, and engineering.
Students in online programs at University of Colorado–Boulder receive support from the university, same as students enrolled in traditional, on–campus programs. Resources include financial aid, academic advising, and library services.
Founded in 1901, Western State Colorado University offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Western State Colorado University is an open, welcoming institution, holding core values of diversity, inclusivity, scientific inquiry, and creative expression. The school serves nearly 3,000 students, and its most popular undergraduate programs include business administration, biology, and exercise and sport science, while its most popular graduate programs are education, environmental management, and creative writing.
While most degree programs at Western State Colorado University are traditional, on–campus programs, the school has several strong online offerings. Online degrees include a Masters of Arts in Education with numerous options for certification and specialization. This all–online master’s degree can be completed in as little as two years. Western State Colorado University also offers several online career development and certificate programs.
Students in online programs at Western State Colorado University receive substantial support from the university. Resources include library access, academic advising, and financial aid.
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End of list, bravo!
Ranking Methodology
Online Colleges in Colorado Ranking Guidelines
We selected the online schools in Colorado based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Methodology for College Rankings
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
Considers range of electives within that discipline
Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
Considers education background of the faculty
Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
Faculty
Curriculum
“Freshness” of academic knowledge
Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants
5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]
Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
Considers the following of the online classes:
Types of online technology used to deliver content
Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
Considers the following of instructors:
Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
Ratio to number of students in a class
Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
Accreditation
Public or private status
Acceptance rate
Retention rate
Graduation rate
ACT/SAT requirements
Cost in-state / out of state
Undergrad, grad, or both offered
Region
State
City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
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