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 that employers know and trust
Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking Guidelines for the Best Online Colleges in Colorado
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.
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.
Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Ten of CSU Global's online undergraduate and graduate degrees in business are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The online bachelor's and master's degrees in project management are accredited by the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).
About this school
CSU Global is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, but students of this nonprofit, public institution enroll from across the state and country. CSU Global offers 12 online undergraduate certificates, 13 online bachelor's degrees, 13 online master's degrees, and 7 online graduate certificates, including:
Bachelor's degree in accounting
Bachelor's degree in marketing
Bachelor's degree in criminal justice
Bachelor's degree in computer science
CSU Global stands out among affordable online colleges in Colorado through its dedication to distance learners. With working professionals in mind, CSU Global offers flexibility, with monthly start dates, asynchronous scheduling, and accelerated eight-week courses. The Canvas learning management system is desktop- and mobile-friendly, making it easy to access course materials, discussion boards, and interactive lectures at home and on the go. Online students can also access support services like tutoring and career counseling.
To enhance affordability, CSU Global locks in starting tuition prices for students with continued enrollment and good academic standing. Students know the exact cost of education up front. Out-of-state learners pay the same rates and receive the same tuition guarantee as in-state learners.
Adams State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online master of arts in music education program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
About this school
From its campus in Alamosa, Colorado, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges, ASU serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university's diverse selection of online programs also provides flexible academic opportunities for students who cannot attend traditional on-campus classes. ASU offers two online bachelor's degrees, eight online master's degrees, and one online doctoral degree, including:
Bachelor of science in business administration
Bachelor of arts in sociology
Bachelor of science in biochemistry
Bachelor of arts in English
Bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies
Many of the college's online degrees offer concentration options for students to customize their educations according to their career goals. ASU delivers online course content through the asynchronous learning management system called Blackboard, where students can send messages, submit assignments, and participate in class discussions.
Online students can take advantage of various support resources, including academic counseling, tutoring, career advising, and access to extensive research databases from the Nielsen Library. Despite the fact that distance education students do not qualify for the guaranteed tuition program, ASU remains one of the most affordable online colleges in Colorado for state residents. Nonresident students pay higher tuition rates to attend.
Colorado Mesa University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The online radiologic science bachelor's is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
About this school
CMU is a public university with campuses in Grand Junction and Montrose, Colorado. More than 11,000 students learn from 288 full-time faculty members in 13 departments. CMU first began offering online programs in 2010. Today, CMU offers three online certificates, one online associate degree, five online bachelor's degrees, three online master's degrees, and one doctoral degree, including:
Bachelor of science in nursing, RN-to-BSN
Bachelor of business administration in management
Bachelor of applied science in radiologic sciences
Bachelor of art in liberal arts, elementary education licensure
Online course material and grades are delivered to students through Desire2Learn (D2L), a learning management system. This platform provides easy access to email, quizzes, and assignment submission tools on both desktop and mobile devices. Services available to online students include an ePortfolio, library database access, academic advising, and tech support.
Like other affordable online colleges in Colorado, CMU offers competitive tuition rates across the board for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Nonresidents enrolled exclusively in online classes pay in-state tuition with no additional fees for out-of-state course delivery. CMU also offers tuition discounts to qualifying in-state students through the College Opportunity Fund.
Colorado State University-Pueblo is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
About this school
CSU-Pueblo serves more than 4,500 students from its 275-acre campus in Pueblo, Colorado. More than 50 undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional degrees are available from the school's eight academic departments, including online studies. For distance learners, CSU-Pueblo offers one online certificate, two online bachelor's degrees, and three online master's degrees, including:
Bachelor of science in nursing, RN-to-BSN
Bachelor of science in construction management
CSU-Pueblo faculty have more than five centuries of combined professional experience. On-campus and online students enjoy personal attention from their professors, with a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size numbering 25 students. The college delivers course content, classroom discussion, and assignments through the popular learning management system Blackboard. Students also receive a free Microsoft 365 email account, library research databases, one-on-one academic advising, and tech support.
As a public, nonprofit institution, tuition at CSU-Pueblo is extremely competitive. Tuition rates vary by program, but all online students pay the same low prices, regardless of state residency. Online classes last eight weeks each, with two start dates occurring each fall, spring, and summer semester.
University of Northern Colorado is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online dietetics bachelor's is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The online nursing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The online ASL-English interpretation bachelor's is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).
About this school
UNC is a public research university serving more than 13,000 students from Greeley, Colorado and beyond. Among the most affordable online colleges in Colorado, UNC stands out for its diverse catalog where graduate degrees are especially well-represented. The UNC extended campus offers 11 online certificates, six online bachelor's degrees, 33 online master's degrees, and five doctoral degrees, including:
Bachelor of science in nursing, RN-to-BSN
Bachelor of arts in American Sign Language interpretation
Bachelor of science in dietetics
Bachelor of arts in early childhood education, teaching emphasis
UNC utilizes the Canvas learning management system to deliver course content, facilitate communication and collaboration, and allow students to track their grades and progress. Online students can also take advantage of personalized academic advising, career services, tech support, and on-campus/off-campus library services.
To enhance affordability for all students, the extended campus charges flat-rate, per-credit tuition regardless of state residency. Online students from the U.S. are charged no additional fees for course delivery. In addition to the college's low rates, undergraduate Colorado residents may apply for the College Opportunity Fund stipend to help lower out-of-pocket costs.
Community College of Aurora is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
When seeking out affordable online colleges, Colorado residents can't go wrong with CCA. CCA provides educational opportunities from two convenient campus locations in Aurora and Denver. A variety of professional industries and academic disciplines are represented in the college's 20 departments, including one of the top-ranked film schools in the nation. Distance learners can take advantage of online, hybrid, and self-paced learning options. CCA offers five online certificates and 13 online associate degrees, including:
Associate of arts in business
Associate of arts in elementary education
Associate of science in biology
Associate of applied science in applied technology
Associate of general studies
Approximately 11,000 students enroll in CCA courses each year. To allow for personalized attention from professors, CCA maintains a 24-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and classes hold no more than 33 students at a time. Online learners access course materials through Desire2Learn (D2L). This learning management system enables asynchronous access to lectures, course materials, and quizzes. From the D2L homepage, students can send emails, engage in class discussions, and download or print course content for offline access.
CCA strives for affordability and accessibility. Nonresident online learners pay only about $50 more than residents. All CCA associate degrees help make the university transfer process as easy as possible. Distance students can access resources like online career services, academic advising, and multiple academic research databases.
Front Range Community College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online early childhood education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
About this school
FRCC serves nearly 15,000 undergraduate students at four campus locations throughout Colorado, including Westminster, Boulder, Larimer, and Brighton. Forty percent of all students take at least one online class. FRCC offers the most extensive distance learning catalog of all online community colleges in Colorado, featuring 17 fully online certificates, 28 fully online associate degrees, and 12 primarily (80%) online associate degrees and certificates, including:
Associate of arts in early childhood education
Associate of arts in criminal justice
Associate of applied science in database administration
Associate of science in psychology
Healthcare customer service basics certificate
The college's online programs utilize the Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system. From the D2L homepage, students can access course grades, syllabi, and content; contact professors, classmates, and support services; and monitor course progression. Students receive access to a variety of online resources, including library research databases, academic advising, and 24/7 tech support.
Qualifying credits earned in an associate of arts or associate of science at FRCC are guaranteed to transfer to public universities throughout the state. FRCC consistently produces the greatest number of transfer students to top Colorado universities, including the University of Colorado-Boulder and Colorado State University-Fort Collins. Online learners pay competitive tuition rates, with nonresidents responsible for only $50 more per credit compared to residents.
Community College of Denver is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
About this school
CCD comprises one main academic campus, a manufacturing center focused on trade programs, a health sciences center, and a college-preparatory magnet high school, all located in Colorado's capital city. CCD serves over 8,000 undergraduates on campus and online through Desire2Learn (D2L), a learning management system. CCD offers 6 online certificates, 18 online associate degrees, and one online bachelor's degree, including:
Associate of arts in history
Associate of arts in economics
Associate of applied science in business administration
Bachelor of applied science in dental hygiene
Food, nutrition, and wellness certificate
The D2L system offers intuitive 24/7 access to course materials, lectures, and communication platforms, which can be used to contact professors and classmates. Online courses feature asynchronous formats, allowing students to log in and complete weekly assignments at their convenience. Students enrolled online can access all on-campus and virtual resources, including the computer lab, library, and career center.
CCD strives to make the college experience as streamlined as possible. Students with qualifying experience outside the classroom can obtain college credit for almost any course through prior learning assessment options. To help eliminate the need for guesswork and independent transfer policy research, CCD also participates in a statewide guaranteed transfer program. Qualifying credits earned by associate degree graduates are guaranteed to transfer to four-year public universities in Colorado.
Lamar Community College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
About this school
From the southeastern plains of Colorado, LCC serves over 1,000 students. The college boasts more than 30 fields of study within their certificate and degree offerings, including specialized academic disciplines, career-oriented training, and general education options designed to transfer to four-year institutions. For distance learners, LCC offers one online certificate and eight online associate degrees, including:
Associate of arts in economics
Associate of arts in early childhood teacher education
Associate of arts in criminal justice
Associate of science in psychology
Accounting certificate
Hundreds of online courses are offered each semester. Students work closely with academic advisors to customize their schedules, keep up with degree requirements, and ensure they stay on track for timely graduation.
Online students also can access various resources, including one-on-one tutoring, the Library/Learning Resource Center, career and transfer advising, and tech support. LCC sets students up for success, demonstrated by a 40% three-year graduation rate. By comparison, the nationwide three-year graduation rate at community colleges is only 22%.
LCC delivers online course content through the Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system, which allows students to access lectures and materials, take quizzes, turn in assignments, and communicate with professors and peers, all from one convenient webpage. LCC boasts extremely competitive tuition rates. Nonresident online students pay less than $50 more per credit than resident learners, and many full-time online students are eligible for $1,000 institutional scholarships.
Pueblo Community College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
About this school
PCC serves over 7,000 students from four locations in southern Colorado: Pueblo, Cañon City, Cortez, and Durango. Access to one of the top online community colleges in Colorado also extends to students throughout the state thanks to the college's e-learning options. PCC offers three online certificates, four online associate degrees, and one online bachelor's degree, including:
Bachelor of applied science in dental hygiene (degree completion)
Associate of applied science in library technician
Associate of applied science in health information technology
Health information technology certificate
Students interested in a health information technology certificate or associate degree can select from three degree focuses in medical coding, management and support, or network security. Additional PCC programs offer hybrid completion options, consisting of primarily online study supplemented with some on-campus courses. Online students can visit campus for on-site library services, tutoring services, and guidance counseling.
Each semester, PCC makes a varying set of online courses available for registration. Students work closely with their academic advisors to select classes according to their degree plans and schedules. Most PCC online students graduate in 2-4 years, depending on whether they enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. The Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system streamlines the education process. From a central home page, students access lectures, study materials, quizzes, discussion boards, and an internal email client.
Additional Online Colleges in Colorado Featured on TBS
The list below 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 several strong online degree and certificate programs, so that you can find a distance learning program that’s right for you.
