The Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Updated October 10, 2023
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Studying online in Colorado can simultaneously open up prospects in your career and in the great outdoors.
Online colleges in Colorado offer undergraduate and graduate degrees on a flexible, convenient schedule. Students may also find an online degree more affordable than on-campus options.
Online students can study through one of the four campuses within the University of Colorado (CU) System or through Colorado State University (CSU), which offers online programs through CSU-Global. CSU-Global is as the first independent, fully online public university in the United States. Online students can also attend technical and two-year institutions.
Online colleges in Colorado provide educational programs in disciplines that align with the state's employment needs and opportunities. Manufacturing, health and wellness, and outdoor recreation are all big employers in the state, so many online programs in Colorado cater to those sectors.
The rankings below offer insight into what the best online colleges in Colorado are and how they can work for you.
Featured Online Schools
The Best Online Colleges in Colorado
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider Colorado State University. The school, a public institution, hosts 39 programs for remote learners at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners often choose to study at this school because of its experience with online education and reputation for academic quality.
Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the Fort Collins campus. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Representatives at the school can provide additional information about application and program specifics.
Colorado State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 8,786
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 19
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 16%
Admission Rate: 81%
#2 The Best Online Colleges in Colorado
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Northern Colorado offers online programming that ranks highly among similar opportunities. The school, a public institution, hosts 24 programs for remote learners at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.
The school offers additional support to online learners through the academic and career services offices at its Greeley campus. These advisors facilitate career-planning events like virtual job fairs for interested degree-seekers. The internship programs that the school offers help many students prepare for their future careers. An accredited degree is awarded to graduates upon completing their program.
Prospective applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.
University of Northern Colorado at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,138
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 15
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 22%
Admission Rate: 91%
#3 The Best Online Colleges in Colorado
University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Career and academic service associates located at the campus also assist online learners. Online offerings by academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work in the field. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Career and academic service associates located at the school's campus also assist online learners. Online offerings from academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work in their field. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
University of Colorado Denver at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,637
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Online Master's Programs: 16
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 23%
Admission Rate: 67%
#4 The Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado Mesa University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar options. Remote programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels are available at this public institution. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
Online learners not located near the Grand Junction, Colorado, campus can still take advantage of academic and career advising services. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with these academic advisors. The school's internship programs give students a chance to gain hands-on field experience. Graduates of the institution's programs obtain a bachelor's degree with full accreditation.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
Colorado Mesa University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,258
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 10%
Admission Rate: 78%
#5 The Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a high-quality online college experience. The public institution makes seven of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school has experience facilitating online classes and a reputation for strong academics, attracting many remote students.
The school offers additional support to online learners through the academic and career services offices at its campus. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long term success. Hands-on learning through internship programs helps many students prepare for work in their field. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.
For more information on how to apply and what programs are available online, contact the school directly.
Metropolitan State University of Denver at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 8,275
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 1
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 6%
Admission Rate: 61%
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.
Employment in Colorado
With 14 major industrial sectors, Colorado offers employment opportunities across academic disciplines. Half of the top industries in Colorado incorporate an aspect of STEM, while recreation and tourism careers are also popular. Colorado ranked in the top five of states for start-up activity in 2015, and it is the top employer in the private aerospace sector in the United States.
While the cost of living index in Colorado is above the national average, health, grocery, and utility costs are comparable with those found throughout the United States. Housing remains the top expense for individuals living in Colorado — a cost that varies by region.
In Colorado, unemployment remained relatively consistent through 2020, topping out at 7% in August. In January 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported unemployment was down to 6.6%.
Below are a few of the highest paying roles employing more than 2,500 individuals in Colorado. Salary information applies specifically to Colorado, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians | $219,310 | 4% | Doctoral |
| Airline Pilots | $200,040 | 5% | Bachelor's |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $178,120 | 3% | Bachelor's |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $118,220 | 10% | Bachelor's |
| Marketing Managers | $172,140 | 6% | Bachelor's |
| Sales Managers | $170,500 | 4% | Bachelor's |
The following data reflects the highest paying roles employing more than 10,000 professionals in Colorado. Salary figures apply specifically to Colorado, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers | $148,330 | 4% | Doctoral |
| General and Operations Managers | $144,390 | 4% | Bachelor's |
| Software Developers | $112,700 | 22% | Bachelor's |
| Construction Managers | $107,000 | 8% | Bachelor's |
| Management Analysts | $102,840 | 11% | Bachelor's |
| Civil Engineers | $98,520 | 2% | Bachelor's |
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities have expanded online education options for students. This holds true for undergraduate and graduate learners alike. Online colleges in Colorado offer programs that mirror on-campus degrees. Some online programs incorporate hybrid components to supplement online coursework or include both asynchronous and synchronous learning options.
Common online associate degrees in Colorado include business administration, management, accounting, and health administration services. The foundational knowledge and skills built through an online associate degree can prepare graduates for entry-level careers, like accounting assistant and office manager. Colorado students can earn statewide guaranteed transfer degrees in areas such as biology, economics, and English — ideal for individuals who plan to transfer to a bachelor's program.
Online graduate programs in Colorado tend to correspond with the top industries in the state. This meets the needs of working professionals, traditional students, and employers in the state. For example, CSU-Global offers online master's degrees in 10 areas, including agricultural sciences, communication, business, and engineering.
Similarly, students at CU Online can earn online master's degrees in areas like business analytics, nursing, and information systems. Master's degrees in management and organization, financial and risk management, and supply chain management prepare individuals for top-paying and in-demand roles, like construction manager and management analyst.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Prestigious College in Colorado?
The best colleges in Colorado include public schools, like the CU and CSU systems, and private institutions, like the University of Denver.
Does Colorado Have Good Colleges?
Colorado is home to good two- and four-year colleges. Specialized technical institutions include the Colorado School of Mines and the United States Air Force Academy.
Is Online College Accredited in Colorado?
Online programs in Colorado typically hold accreditation through their host institutions' regional or national accreditation status. Learners should also check to see if individual programs have specialized accreditation.
Melissa Sartore
Melissa Sartore holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her BA and MA in history are from Western Illinois University. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries.
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