10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Colorado 2025

If you're looking to advance your career with a graduate degree, Colorado has several universities with high-quality, affordable online master's programs. Available in fields like education, healthcare, business, and more, these programs combine flexibility, accessibility, and strong academic support to help you succeed. You can explore options with our guide to cheap online master's degree programs.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Colorado

Colorado offers a wide variety of low-cost, fully online, and hybrid master's programs across its public universities and colleges. Here are some of the state's cheap online master's degrees offering flexible learning formats to graduate students.

1. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) offers 21 online graduate programs in various fields, including business administration, healthcare, information technology, project management, criminal justice, marketing, and more. Programs range from 30 to 39 credits, depending on the student's education level at enrollment.

Additionally, tuition is fixed from day one and won't increase as long as you stay continuously enrolled. There are no hidden fees ?just tuition and course materials. This makes CSU Global one of the most straightforward providers of affordable master's degrees that pay well

• Average cost per credit hour: $675
• Financial aid: In addition to federal loans, scholarships, tuition discounts, and payment options are available to help students fund their higher education at CSU Global.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is located in Greeley, CO, with additional centers in Loveland and Denver for extended studies. It offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and 120+ graduate programs across a range of disciplines.

Its graduate-level online education includes over 30 master's degrees ranging from world languages and special education to literacy, nursing, and more. Most online courses are synchronous, with weekly deadlines that ensure consistent interaction and collaboration between students.

• Average cost per credit hour: $636
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study options are offered to students at UNC.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) has many online programs, providing flexible, high-quality education that allows students to learn from anywhere while advancing their careers, shifting paths, or pursuing personal goals.

In addition to bachelor's degrees, doctoral programs, and certificates, CU Denver offers 17 online master's degrees in specializations such as business, education, engineering, and public affairs. Online learners have access to personalized support from enrollment to graduation.

• Average cost per credit hour: $557 to $875
• Financial aid: For any online degree program, students can access grants, work-study opportunities, loans, and scholarships to pay for their schooling.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Colorado State University

Colorado State University (CSU), located in Fort Collins, CO, offers 43 online master's programs. With that comes a diverse selection of graduate programs in fields like aerospace engineering, data science, applied statistics, liberal arts, information systems, and computer science. These specialized degrees allow students to align their studies with professional goals, with tuition rates varying by program.

The graduate programs at CSU are also led by expert faculty, with access to cutting-edge research facilities and a supportive campus community.

• Average cost per credit hour: $580 to $1,175
• Financial aid: CSU offers a variety of financial aid opportunities for graduate students, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and grants. Students can also use federal loans to afford their education.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Colorado State University-Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and fully online programs designed to meet diverse student needs. Among its standout options are accelerated 3+2 programs, which allow students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years.

Online graduate programs feature specializations in areas such as business, construction management, education, health sciences, and nursing. As part of the CSU System, students also gain access to additional resources and statewide networking opportunities.

• Average cost per credit hour: $470 to $600
• Financial aid: CSU Pueblo offers many unique scholarships and tuition programs to ease students' financial burdens. Federal loans and grants are also available.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Fort Lewis College

Fort Lewis College (FLC) offers several Master of Arts in Education programs for current or aspiring teachers seeking to advance their careers in education. These programs are delivered through a combination of online and hybrid formats, accommodating various schedules.

Options include specializations in culturally and linguistically diverse education, principal leadership, special education, teacher licensure, and teacher leadership. These flexible pathways provide licensure, endorsements, and practical experience to support career advancement in education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $405
• Financial aid: FLC offers a range of financial aid options, including the College Opportunity Fund for Colorado residents, the FLC Tuition Promise for low-income families, and a tuition waiver for members of federally recognized Native American Tribes. Students can also access scholarships, grants, work-study, and FAFSA.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Denver College of Nursing

The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Denver College of Nursing is designed for working RNs with a BSN who want to advance into leadership and education roles. The curriculum covers advanced clinical knowledge, teaching strategies, curriculum development, and culturally responsive, evidence-based practice.

The program can be completed in 15 to 18 months over six quarters. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA with a minimum grade of 'C' required to pass courses.

• Average cost per credit hour: $317.80
• Financial aid: Denver College of Nursing offers several financial support options, including interest-free payment plans, federal financial aid via FAFSA, VA funding, and credit-based alternative loans for qualifying students.
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

8. Adams State University

Adams State University is one of Colorado's most comprehensive providers of online learning. It offers individual non-degree and GT courses, certificate programs, and fully online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Graduate degree specializations include counselor education, higher education administration leadership, kinesiology, humanities, business administration, music education, public administration, and teacher education.

Coursework is designed to be affordable and accessible, providing flexibility for online students and professionals seeking career advancement.

• Average cost per credit hour: $410 to $475
• Financial aid: Adams State University provides various financial aid options, including work-study programs, payment plans, FAFSA-based grants, and loans, as well as merit and need-based scholarships and grants.
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with distinctive concentration options, including trauma-informed practices, inclusive practices, English education, and business education. It also offers a master's degree in social work, with two different tracks for those who do not have a bachelor's degree in social work and those students who do. Both of these master's degree programs are 100% online.

• Average cost per credit hour: $487
• Financial aid: Financial aid options for the Metropolitan State University of Denver include the College Opportunity Fund, payment plans, scholarships, grants, and federal loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University offers graduate degrees with specializations in:

• creative writing
• ecology
• education
• high altitude exercise physiology
• gallery and museum management
• environmental management
• outdoor industry
• rural community health
• special education

Programs are on-campus, online, or hybrid with residencies and capstones required, depending on the chosen field of study. There are also full-time and part-time attendance options available.

• Average cost per credit hour: $359
• Financial aid: Western Colorado University students can access the College Opportunity Fund, scholarships, grants, federal loans, a tuition discount program, and work-study to help make their graduate education more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

We selected programs based on three key factors:

• Accreditation: Each school holds institutional accreditation from recognized accrediting bodies.
• Affordability: Programs were selected based on tuition costs, with additional consideration for financial aid options.
• Program reputation: Schools were evaluated for academic quality, student satisfaction, and graduation rates.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Colorado?

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about affordable online master's programs in Colorado. Whether you're looking to advance your career or deepen your expertise, these programs offer a flexible and affordable path to graduate-level education.

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

The cost of an online master's degree in Colorado varies by institution and program, typically ranging from $317 to $1,175 per credit hour. On average, most programs fall between $400 and $700 per credit, with some universities offering lower rates for in-state residents or through financial aid.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in Colorado?

Yes, most Colorado universities offer a range of financial aid options for online master's students. These include federal loans and grants via the FAFSA, scholarships, work-study programs, the College Opportunity Fund for state residents, and flexible payment plans to help manage costs.

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?

In some cases, yes. Online master's degrees in Colorado often have fewer campus-related fees and provide more affordable tuition options. Many programs are designed with working adults in mind, offering cost-effective formats, fixed tuition rates, and reduced living expenses compared to traditional on-campus study.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

Most online master's programs in Colorado can be completed in 15 to 24 months, depending on the program structure and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Some accelerated options and 3+2 programs allow students to finish in as little as five years when combined with undergraduate studies.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Explore top affordable online master's programs in Colorado and beyond on Learn.org. Find the right fit for your goals and connect directly with schools to get more information today.