Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Colorado has 31 two- and four-year colleges, 103 private religious institutions/seminaries and 354 private occupational colleges. More than 85,000 students study in Colorado’s private colleges, with 268,000 students enrolled in the state’s public colleges. Numerous colleges in Colorado have added online and blended learning options to their programs, as well. But how can a student find the best online college in Colorado? It all starts with a close examination of cost, quality and the resources students need to turn their college degree into a successful career. Read on to get started.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Many online schools and colleges in Colorado provide affordable and flexible alternatives to on-campus learning. A college degree makes candidates more competitive in Colorado’s job market. Data from the Colorado Skills for Jobs Report projects that 74% of all jobs in the state will require a postsecondary degree or postsecondary training by 2020.

This guide provides information about choosing the best online college for your needs. The following sections explore financial aid and tuition options, accreditation information, and resources for prospective and current students.

Students considering online schools and colleges in Colorado have plenty of options. Learners should research prospective institutions to find the best choice for their needs. The Colorado Department of Higher Education provides a list of all colleges in the state. The link below also provides information about online learning options in Colorado.

According to a study by the American Institutes for Research, many postsecondary degrees below a bachelor’s degree can lead to middle-class earnings in Colorado.

The chart below shows the national medians for full-time annual salaries by degree level. Higher education levels typically correlate with higher salaries, in Colorado and throughout the United States. However, specific earning potential depends on factors including field and position.

Source:BLS

When calculating the overall cost of a degree, prospective students should consider tuition, fees, and related expenses. In-state tuition rates are typically significantly lower than out-of-state rates. Learners can fund their education through financial aid, student loans, scholarships, and grants.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the average in-state tuition and fees at ranked public schools rose by 4% for the 2019-2020 school year.

The tables below list the average in-state, out-of-state, and national costs of tuition and fees at public and private four-year institutions.

Source:National Center for Education Statistics

The tables above do not reflect some fees and expenses, such as housing and transportation costs. Below are some considerations prospective students should take into account when budgeting for college.

Some Colorado schools offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of residency status. This can save out-of-state students thousands of dollars in tuition. The Colorado Department of Higher Education website lists the residency requirements for the state.

Students can also research reciprocity agreements and exchange programs. Colorado recognizes several exchange groups, including the Western Undergraduate Exchange, the Western Regional Graduate Program Exchange, and the Professional Student Exchange Program.

Learners can find information about tuition rates and residency requirements on their prospective school’s website.

Students attending online schools and colleges in Colorado can apply for a variety of financial aid options. Scholarships and grants are ideal forms of funding; unlike loans, these awards do not require repayment.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) sets standards for postsecondary institutions. Colleges must meet these standards to receive accreditation, which serves as a mark of quality. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also monitors accrediting boards. The following sections provide information about the different types of accreditation.

Government funding of online and adult education programs can help reduce the financial burden on students. The sections below include statistics about adult education in Colorado and links to state-funded initiatives.

Before applying to online schools and colleges in Colorado, students should research the accessibility and affordability of their options. Online resources can help learners determine their goals, next steps, and desired outcomes. Below are five websites that provide tools and information for Colorado students.