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The Best Online Colleges in Colorado for 2018

The Best Online Colleges in Colorado

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.

Four reasons to find an online college in your state:

  • Guaranteed in-state tuition saves you money
  • Be a part of a university or college you know and love
  • Get a degree from a school employers know and trust
  • Be close enough to easily visit when desired

Ranking guidelines for the best online colleges in Colorado:

We selected the online colleges and universities here 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.

Note: In ranking the best online colleges in Colorado, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in Colorado may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school to rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who is leading the way in delivering quality online degrees in Colorado.

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The Best Online Colleges in Colorado

1. University of Denver – University College

Denver, Colorado

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.

The University of Denver is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of The University of Denver’s top rankings on TBS

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2. Colorado State University – Fort Collins

Fort Collins, Colorado

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-Fort Collins is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of Colorado State University-Fort Collins’s top rankings on TBS

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3. Colorado State University – Global Campus

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Colorado State University-Global Campus, (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 Campus 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.

Colorado State University-Global Campus is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of Colorado State University-Global Campus’s top rankings on TBS

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4. Regis University

Denver, Colorado

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 a number of 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.

Regis University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of Regis University’s top rankings on TBS

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5. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, Colorado

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 a number of 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.

The University of Colorado-Denver is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus’s top rankings on TBS

6. Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado

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.

Colorado Christian University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of Colorado Christian University’s top rankings on TBS

7. University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado

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 a number of education programs, as well as sports administration, nursing, dietetics, and more. Students can also pursue a number of 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.

University of Northern Colorado is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of University of Northern Colorado’s top rankings on TBS

8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado

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.

The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs’s top rankings on TBS

9. Adams State University

Alamosa, Colorado

Adams State University, established in 1921, was originally a teacher training school in an effort 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 a number of 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.

Adams State University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of Adams State University’s top rankings on TBS

10. Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado

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 a number of supports and resources for students enrolled in online degree programs. This includes library, advising, and financial aid services.

Colorado Mesa University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

11. University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado

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.

University of Colorado-Boulder is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

See some of University of Colorado-Boulder’s top rankings on TBS

12. Western State Colorado University

Gunnison, Colorado

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 the majority of 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.

Western State Colorado University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, Colorado


Additional Online Colleges in Colorado Featured on TBS

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Colorado Northwestern Community College

Rangely, Colorado

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Denver Seminary

Littleton, Colorado

Front Range Community College

Westminster, Colorado

Iliff School of Theology

Denver, Colorado

Nazarene Bible College

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo, Colorado

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Lakewood, Colorado

The College for Financial Planning

Centennial, Colorado

William Howard Taft University

Lakewood, Colorado


The above list includes the colleges and universities offering leading online degree programs in the state of Colorado. From small schools that serve around 1,000 students, to large institutions with tens of thousands of enrolled students, each of the schools on this list have a different student population and school culture. Some of the colleges are public, while other institutions are private; some are religiously affiliated while others are secular. We know that students are diverse in their identities, backgrounds, goals, and needs so we created a list to help you find an online degree program at a school in Colorado that perfectly suits you and your academic and professional needs and goals. Each of the schools on this list offers a number of strong online degree and certificate programs, so that you can find a distance learning program that’s right for you.

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