Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on September 20, 2023

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.

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15 Best Online Colleges in Colorado

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.

#1 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

  • Location-markerFort Collins, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,426
  • Out-of-state$28,147
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,520
  • Out-of-state$25,791
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled33,426
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment26%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

  • Location-markerColorado Springs, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,284
  • Out-of-state$20,082
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,912
  • Out-of-state$24,438
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled12,807
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Colorado Christian University

  • Location-markerLakewood, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$23,502
  • Out-of-state$23,502
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,045
  • Out-of-state$13,045
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled7,587
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Regis University

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,830
  • Out-of-state$37,830
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,441
  • Out-of-state$14,441
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate71%
  • Students Enrolled6,908
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment60%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Johnson & Wales University-Denver

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,054
  • Out-of-state$33,054
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,734
  • Out-of-state$13,734
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled927
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment12%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

University of Northern Colorado

  • Location-markerGreeley, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,596
  • Out-of-state$19,854
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,867
  • Out-of-state$19,620
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled12,930
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment32%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

University of Colorado Boulder

  • Location-markerBoulder, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,728
  • Out-of-state$34,930
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,826
  • Out-of-state$31,284
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled37,883
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment11%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Nazarene Bible College

  • Location-markerColorado Springs, CO
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,880
  • Out-of-state$8,880
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled698
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

University of Denver

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$51,336
  • Out-of-state$51,336
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$51,336
  • Out-of-state$51,336
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled12,931
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,920
  • Out-of-state$24,408
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,786
  • Out-of-state$22,590
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled24,910
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Metropolitan State University of Denver

  • Location-markerDenver, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,432
  • Out-of-state$20,009
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,892
  • Out-of-state$12,607
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate61%
  • Students Enrolled20,080
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Adams State University

  • Location-markerAlamosa, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,736
  • Out-of-state$17,160
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,590
  • Out-of-state$7,830
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled3,114
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Colorado Mesa University

  • Location-markerGrand Junction, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,787
  • Out-of-state$20,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,000
  • Out-of-state$13,500
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled9,373
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment35%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Colorado State University-Pueblo

  • Location-markerPueblo, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,349
  • Out-of-state$19,658
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,651
  • Out-of-state$16,803
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled7,081
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment16%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

Colorado State University-Global Campus

  • Location-markerAurora, CO
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,400
  • Out-of-state$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,000
  • Out-of-state$9,000
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled12,670
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes

How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Colorado?

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.

How Much More Do College Grads in Colorado Make?

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.

Salary Comparison by Degree
Less Than a High School DiplomaHigh School DiplomaAssociate DegreeBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeDoctoral Degree
$28,756$37,960$44,824$62,296$74,568$94,900

Source:BLS

Paying for Online College in Colorado: Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

Public 4-Year Institution
In-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNational Average
$7,924$20,061$9,037 (In-State), $25,657 (Out-of-State)
Private 4-Year Institution
In-State TuitionNational Average
$22,837$30,731

Source:National Center for Education Statistics

Cost Considerations for Online Students in Colorado

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.

  1. 1

    Residency Requirements

    Some programs include on-campus requirements for distance learners. These components may require students to incur housing or travel expenses.

  2. 2

    Technology Fees

    Many online schools charge technology fees to cover online resources and technical support. These may be one-time or annual fees.

  3. 3

    Summer, Evening, and Weekend Tuition

    Universities often vary tuition rates according to each student’s class schedule. Learners should research fees associated with summer, evening, and weekend courses.

  4. 4

    Textbooks and Materials

    Online courses may require physical or digital textbooks, along with online learning resources.

  5. 5

    Required Travel

    Some distance education programs require internships or practicums that involve travel.

Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Colorado

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.

Paying for College in Colorado: Scholarships and Financial Aid

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.

Scholarships for Colorado College Students

The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Colorado

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.

  • Regional and National Accreditation

    Public universities and state schools typically receive regional accreditation. National accreditation typically applies to private colleges, trade schools, and vocational institutions. Regional accreditation is older and is generally considered to be more prestigious.

    The Higher Learning Commission awards regional accreditation to Colorado institutions. The ED and CHEA oversee both regional and national accrediting agencies.

  • Subject-Specific Accreditation

    Subject-specific accreditation agencies evaluate individual programs. Professionals and experts in the field oversee specialized accrediting agencies. Students can find these organizations and accredited programs in the CHEA database and the ED database.

  • How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited

    Most accredited schools showcase their institutional and programmatic accreditation on their website. Prospective students can determine a Colorado institution’s regional accreditation status through the Higher Learning Commission’s website. Learners should search the ED and CHEA databases to learn whether a program holds accreditation.

Online College and Adult Education in Colorado

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.

By the Numbers: Adult Education in Colorado

  • Adults with a bachelor’s degree have a 2.1% unemployment rate in Colorado.
  • Adults with a bachelor’s degree earn a median salary of $48,818 in Colorado.
  • The Department of Education projects that about 74% of all jobs in Colorado will require a postsecondary degree or training by 2020.

Sources: CDE

Adult Education Programs for Colorado Students

  • Colorado High School Equivalency Program: The Colorado Department of Education approves three tests for students to receive a high school equivalency diploma: the GED credential, the High School Equivalency Test, and the Test Assessing Secondary Completion.
  • Integrated Education and Training: The IET initiative offers classes in basic skills and English language to help learners obtain occupational and college certificates. Students can earn a high school equivalency certificate and a college certificate simultaneously.
  • English Language Acquisition: This program helps individuals whose native language is not English. Students learn speaking, writing, and reading skills that they can use in college courses and their professional lives.

Online College Resources for Colorado Students

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.

This website allows students to enter their high school GPA, test scores, and class schedule to learn whether they meet the admission standards of Colorado institutions.
Students can search this database by career to find suitable training programs and courses. This website lays out pathways of study for each career, with variations for unique specializations and goals.
The federal government provides many different types of financial aid for college students. This website explains each type of financial aid and helps students determine which kind is right for them.
Partnered with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, this organization provides information on college applications, residency requirements, affordability, and financial aid. This website also explains transfer policies, exchange programs, and extended study options.
This website curates various resources for college students. Students enter their goals to learn about the steps they must take to reach their desired outcome.