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The population of Colorado has never had more options for higher education than now.
The topography of the Rocky Mountains leaves 42 percent of counties as rural. Within those counties, less than 20 percent of residents complete college degrees. Conversely, highly populated counties attract college graduates, and 60 percent of their residents hold postsecondary diplomas. The state colleges and universities of Colorado decided to offer online learning options to raise overall education rates. Their efforts have measurable results.
What kind of online degree can you earn in Colorado?
Today, 38 percent of all Colorado residents hold a college degree, which is the second best rate in the country. Retention rates across the state held steady at 75.8 percent in 2010 to 2011, and graduation rates of 59.2 percent contribute to its high national ranking. Colorado’s College Opportunity Fund (COF) gives a stipend to in-state residents attending the state’s colleges and universities both on- and off-campus. To participate, students must be undergraduates enrolled in college. Proof of Colorado residency must accompany the COF application.
The top career fields in Colorado require college degrees, but projections indicate tremendous state job growth in the next five years. Through the year 2022, foreign language interpreters will see job creation rise 70 percent, petroleum engineering will surge 67 percent, and 58 percent more information security analysts will be needed.
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How much money do people make with an online degree in Colorado?
Income for Colorado residents averages $59,000, which is 13 percent higher than the U.S. average. The robust economy in the state of Colorado makes it an appealing choice for students planning to settle in the state after graduation.
As of May 2017, the state boasts an unemployment rate of just 2.3 percent. Job creation outpaces the national average, which is 1.2 percent. The state holds the #2 spot for the fastest population expansion of any U.S. state. The numbers are on your side!
What can you do with an online degree in Colorado?
The sky's the limit! Recent statistics show that it doesn't really matter what field you pursue in Colorado - you're going to do just fine regardless! Colorado ranks high in several key award categories. Forbes ranks Colorado first for Labor Supply and seventh in its “State to Make a Living” (2015). The site 24/7 Wall Street named Colorado the second fastest growing state in 2016, and Yahoo! Ranks the state as the second most educated for 2015.
It seems clear that Colorado residents who enroll in-state will find employment and job security after college. For those rural students, working parents, and post-baccalaureate professionals, pursuing an online education in the state makes higher education attainable.
What are the best online colleges in Colorado?
To assemble the top online colleges and universities in Colorado, the data team at College Choice follows a strict methodology. Each school exceeds educational standards of excellence, and each produces successful, skilled, well-rounded graduates.
Excellence depends on critical factors such as class size, faculty-to-student ratio, assessment scores, degree attainment rates, and return on investment. Successful graduates report reasonable debt-to-income ratios, high starting salaries, and job placement within the first year of graduating.
To find these numbers, we examined data from the IPEDS database of the National Center for Education Statistics, reports from U.S. News and World Report, income figures by Payscale, the website of each college or university, and various research websites.
Best Online Colleges in Colorado
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
Colorado State University Global
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online
Colorado State University Global is a wise choice for people seeking flexible online study.
The school supports 15 remote bachelor's programs and 12 online master's programs. After enrolling, degree-seekers join a supportive online learning community where they connect with peers and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. While enrolled, students can customize their coursework, select electives, and pursue experiential learning opportunities. The college can connect enrollees with academic advising, career services, and other learning resources.
Those seeking to apply should connect with the admissions office or their program of interest to learn about degree requirements, application materials, and other information. Learners can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal aid. The percentage of admitted students who receive financial assistance is unknown.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
Regis University
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Regis University offers a premier online education, guaranteeing flexibility for people from all walks of life. Distance learners can connect with 4,116 other remote students across 110 online programs.
Enrollees connect with faculty and staff through a virtual learning environment, while studying alongside classmates and attending remote lectures. While enrolled, participants complete industry-relevant coursework, with the option to pursue internships, research projects, and other learning opportunities in preparation for their future career. Students can receive guidance throughout their studies by connecting with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Prospective applicants can discuss admission requirements and degree eligibility with the admissions office. Eligible enrollees can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. The college reports that 99% of learners receive some form of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
The University of Colorado Boulder
- Boulder, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From the University of Colorado System's main campus, the University of Colorado Boulder provides seven top-ranked online programs to 4,200 distance learners as a public institution.
Of its online degrees, one is a bachelor's program, and six are master's programs. Students attend lectures and complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment, alongside peers and faculty. Enrollees gain knowledge in and outside of the classroom, through coursework, research projects, and internships. While enrolled, participants can benefit from academic advising, career services, and other learning resources.
Prospective applicants can schedule an appointment with the admissions office to inquire about degree requirements and application materials. Eligible learners can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid towards tuition and other educational expenses. Of all students, 66% benefit from financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
The University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Denver offers a premier online education, guaranteeing flexibility for people from all walks of life. Students can choose from one of 23 remote programs and join its 3,623-person virtual community.
Degree-seekers benefit from a supportive online learning community, where they connect with fellow distance learners and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Participants gain knowledge in and out of the classroom, through coursework, research projects, and internships. Enrollees can benefit from learning resources, academic advising, and career services throughout their studies.
Prospective applicants can meet with the admissions department to discuss admission requirements, application materials, and other information. Students seeking to defray educational costs can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. The institution reports that 90% of learners benefit from some form of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
Colorado State University-Main campus
- Fort Collins, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Individuals seeking flexible online study should consider Colorado State University. The college boasts 39 online programs, reaching 8,786 distance learners worldwide.
Students connect with faculty, peers, and staff through a virtual learning environment, where they receive support and guidance. Enrollees can individualize their studies through course electives, degree minors, and experiential learning opportunities like internships. While enrolled, participants can connect with career services, academic advising, and other learning resources to receive guidance during their studies.
Prospective applicants can meet with the admissions department to discuss admission requirements and other application materials. Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance awards. According to the institution, 79% of all incoming learners receive some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
University of Colorado Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Colorado Denver provides 34 top-ranked online programs to 7,637 distance learners as a public institution.
Students attend lectures and complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment, alongside peers and faculty. Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select electives, minors, and concentrations. Participants can connect with academic advising, career services, and other resources to receive guidance throughout their studies.
Interested applicants can meet with the admissions department to discuss admission requirements and degree eligibility. Learners can meet with the financial aid office to explore scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid packages. According to the institution, 82% of all incoming enrollees receive some form of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
Colorado Mesa University
- Grand Junction, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University offers top-ranked online degrees for distance learners worldwide. They can choose from 12 remote programs and join the school's 3,258-person virtual community.
Students attend lectures and complete coursework through a virtual classroom environment, alongside other learners and faculty. While enrolled, participants gain industry-relevant knowledge through coursework, internships, and other learning opportunities. The college connects degree-seekers with institutional resources geared towards student success, such as career services and academic advising.
Prospective applicants can meet with the admissions department to discuss degree requirements and other application materials. To offset the costs of a degree, students can inquire about funding opportunities through the financial aid office. On average, 90% of enrollees receive financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its public campus in Colorado Springs, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs provides 28 top-ranked online programs to 4,854 distance learners near and far.
Degree-seekers benefit from a supportive online learning community, where they connect with fellow students and faculty through a virtual classroom setting. Enrollees can individualize their studies through course electives, degree minors, and experiential learning opportunities like internships. A leader in student success, the college connects participants with academic advising, career services, and other success-oriented resources.
Those seeking to apply should connect with the financial aid office or their program of interest to learn about degree requirements, application materials, and other information. At the college, 81% of all learners receive financial aid awards, to offset educational costs.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Individuals seeking flexible online study should consider the University of Northern Colorado. The college boasts 24 remote programs, reaching 4,138 distance learners worldwide.
Enrollees benefit from a supportive online learning community and connect with other students, faculty, and staff through a virtual classroom setting. Participants complete general and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select electives, minors, and concentrations. Degree-seekers can receive guidance through career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
Prospective applicants can meet with the admissions office to discuss admission requirements and other application materials. Depending on eligibility, learners can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards to offset the costs of study. The institution reports that 93% of students benefit from some form of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Most Affordable Online Colleges In Colorado
Colorado Christian University
- Lakewood, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado Christian University provides flexible online study options for people from all walks of life. Distance learners can connect with 4,192 other remote students across 54 virtual programs.
Degree-seekers learn alongside their classmates in a virtual learning environment, where they connect with faculty and staff. While enrolled, participants gain industry-relevant knowledge through coursework, internships, and other learning opportunities. Enrollees can receive guidance throughout their studies by connecting with academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Prospective applicants can meet with the admissions office to discuss admission requirements and other application materials. Eligible learners can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid towards tuition and other educational expenses. Around 100% of all incoming students receive some form of financial assistance.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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