Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Colorado 2025

For busy students, especially working adult learners, learning online is the key to student success. Online programs provide a flexible learning option, and many schools in Colorado offer online programs.

While higher education can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable bachelor's degrees online that allow you to learn remotely while keeping costs down. Keep reading to discover affordable online bachelor's degree programs in Colorado.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Colorado?

Tuition in Colorado depends on many factors, starting with what school you choose. Most of the cheapest online bachelor's degrees in Colorado come from public institutions. In Colorado, many public schools charge less than $500 per credit, but there are several private schools and even a few public ones that charge more.

Other factors that can influence your costs include whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, if you have transfer credits, and what financial aid you qualify for. There are many cheap online colleges that accept financial aid to help you lower your tuition. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every year to see what they're eligible for.

Colorado provides several financial aid opportunities to help students. One is the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend, which reduces the in-state tuition rate at many Colorado institutions. Another is the Colorado Promise, which covers up to the full tuition costs for two years for eligible in-state students at public schools in Colorado. This program varies by school.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Colorado

Several Colorado colleges and universities offer online bachelor's degrees. We've highlighted the most affordable options below.

1. Adams State University

Adams State University is a public institution in Alamosa, CO. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like business, communication, sociology, and teaching.

In-state tuition at Adams State is $255 per credit after the College Opportunity Fund (COF), and out-of-state online tuition is $395 per credit. Through the Adams Promise Scholarship, in-state students with a family income of $70,000 or less can receive free tuition for two years.

Average in-state tuition: $255 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $395 per credit

Financial aid: Adams State accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid like the Adams Promise Scholarship, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Metropolitan State University of Denver

At Metropolitan State University of Denver, students can choose from over two dozen online programs at the bachelor's level. Areas of study include business administration, healthcare management, human development, and social work.

MSU Denver, a public university, is located in Denver. It charges $304.50 per credit for in-state students and $956.50 per credit to out-of-state students. Online, in-state residents qualify for the school's promise program, called the Roadrunner Promise.

Average in-state tuition: $304.50 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $956.50 per credit

Financial aid: MSU Denver offers institutional aid, including scholarships and the Roadrunner Promise. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

3. Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University offers a handful of bachelor's degrees to online learners. WCU is a public university in Gunnison, CO.

Online bachelor's degrees are available in business communication, general studies, and teaching. In-state tuition is $304.50 per credit, while out-of-state tuition is $851 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $304.50 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $851 per credit

Financial aid: WCU offers institutional aid, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University offers a few online bachelor's degrees. Areas of study include business administration, nursing, and sport management.

CMU, located in Grand Junction, CO, is a public university. It charges $343.32 per credit to online in-state students and $459.32 to online students from out-of-state. Eligible in-state students may qualify for the school's CMU Promise program.

Average in-state tuition: $343.32 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $459.32 per credit

Financial aid: CMU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid, like the CMU Promise.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is the online campus of the Colorado State University (CSU) System. It offers a variety of online bachelor's and master's programs in fields like computer science, criminal justice, human services, and project management.

Tuition at CSU Global is $375 per credit for all students, regardless of their state of residency. Students here don't qualify for the COF, but can receive up to $400 per term through the CSU Global Colorado Promise Grant.

Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit

Financial aid: CSU Global accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid like the CSU Global Promise, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

6. Columbia College

Students at Columbia College can earn a bachelor's degree through online education. Several areas of study are available, including computer science, healthcare management, project management, and sociology.

This private, nonprofit institution is based in Columbia, MO, but has a campus in Denver. Tuition for online undergraduate programs here is $375 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit

Financial aid: Columbia College offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

7. Colorado State University Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo offers several bachelor's degrees online in fields like business management, health sciences, nursing, and organizational leadership. CSU Pueblo is a public institution in Pueblo, CO.

All online bachelor's degree students pay the same rate. Most programs are $425 per credit with the exception of the business administration degree, which is $450 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $425 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $425 per credit

Financial aid: CSU Pueblo offers institutional aid, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Over a dozen online bachelor's degrees are available through the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Areas of study include communication, criminal justice, healthcare, and social work.

UCCS, located in Colorado Springs, CO, is a public research university. It charges a tuition rate of $436 per credit to in-state students and $636 per credit to out-of-state students. Residents may qualify for aid up to $12,500 per year through the school's Clyde's Pride Promise program.

Average in-state tuition: $436 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $636 per credit

Financial aid: UCCS accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional aid, like the Clyde's Pride Promise.

Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado is a public institution in Greeley, CO. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like American Sign Language, early childhood education, nursing, and psychology.

Tuition ranges from $350 per credit for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to $503 per credit for the degrees in ASL and dietetics. All other programs are $444 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $444 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $444 per credit

Financial aid: UNC accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

10. Colorado State University

Through the main Colorado State University campus, students can choose from several bachelor's degrees online. Areas of study include agriculture, computer science, emergency services, and tourism.

This public research university is based in Fort Collins, CO. Tuition here is $476 per credit for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $476 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $476 per credit

Financial aid: CSU offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the Colorado online schools listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited, ensuring they provide high-quality education programs.
• Affordability: Once we narrowed down which accredited Colorado schools offer online programs, we looked at which have the lowest tuition rates.
• Program reputation and quality: All programs come from accredited, nonprofit schools that are known for quality programs.
• Online format: Every school on this list offers at least three online bachelor's degrees.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Colorado

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about the cheapest online bachelor's degrees in Colorado.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Colorado?

The school offering the cheapest online bachelor's degrees in Colorado is Adams State University. Tuition here is $255 per credit for in-state students.

Note that with the Colorado Promise programs offered at various institutions, Colorado residents could earn the first few years of their degrees for free. However, not all Colorado schools offer their promise program to online students.

You can also look for online colleges that accept the Pell Grant, which is a federal grant that can cover a large amount of your tuition. To find out if you qualify, fill out the FAFSA.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

In Colorado, the best way to get a cheap college degree is through financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA to see what federal and state programs you qualify for and look for scholarships for online students.

If you're still in high school, look for opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school, such as through Advanced Placement (AP) courses. You can also start your education at a lower-cost community college, many of which offer online classes, then transfer your coursework into a four-year college. Look for online colleges that accept transfer credits; the majority of schools will accept credits from accredited colleges.

Is Online College Worth It?

For many students, online college is worth it. Online learning gives college students flexibility that in-person classes don't offer. In most online courses, you're able to complete your coursework at a time that works best for your schedule, and you don't have to worry about commuting to campus. This allows you to focus on other obligations, like work or family, while still completing your higher education.

What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?

Fees for online bachelor's degrees can vary significantly between schools. For example, some schools charge the same fees to on-campus and online students, while others charge online students a technology fee but waive many of the campus-specific fees. You can usually find a list of typical fees on the college or university website.

Some scholarships and grants cover these extra fees. If you're concerned about cost, talk to the financial aid office or look for online colleges with tuition payment plans.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Find the perfect bachelor's degree by exploring the online colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.