Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2025

In the 2021-22 school year, over 35,000 students in Colorado earned their bachelor's degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Having a college degree, whether through in-person or online college programs, can make a huge difference in your career path.

Students with busy lives can earn accredited degrees online. Online college degrees in Colorado range from the associate through the doctoral levels in fields like business, education, healthcare, and technology.

The best online colleges give students the flexibility to work on their own schedules but still offer high-quality courses. Keep reading to discover the top online colleges in Colorado.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

For many students in Colorado, online universities are the most convenient way to complete their higher education. We've highlighted some of the best online colleges in Colorado.

1. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a research institution in Fort Collins, CO. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, horticulture, and social sciences.

These programs allow online learners to earn the same degree as on-campus students but in a more flexible format. Students receive in-depth support and helpful advisors every step of the way.

CSU charges in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition price for online degree programs: $476 per credit for bachelor's degrees. Several scholarships and grants are available, and 74% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,896

Out-of-State: $33,751

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $11,159

Out-of-State: $27,361

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Retention Rate: 85%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Colorado Christian University

At Colorado Christian University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, computer science, education, and psychology.

All first-time undergraduate students receive financial aid at CCU. Most of the online bachelor's degrees cost $494 per credit hour.

The Christian school is located in Lakewood, CO. The online programs here allow students to pursue their passion and find the work and life experience they've always wanted.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $39,266

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $15,509

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 79%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like communication, education, healthcare, and sociology. UNC is a public university in Greeley, CO.

Online learning at UNC gives students the same quality education that in-person students receive. The online classroom is accessible 24/7 and allows students to interact with other students and their professors to facilitate discussion.

Most online courses for bachelor's students cost $444 regardless of the student's state of residence. Several financial aid programs are available, with 96% of students being awarded some type of aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,010

Out-of-State: $26,204

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $12,204

Out-of-State: $22,842

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Colorado Denver

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through the University of Colorado Denver. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, English, and psychology.

About 90% of students receive financial aid, primarily grants and scholarships. In-state tuition for most online undergraduate programs is $506 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $607 per credit.

Online education at the public university features the same academic standards, industry-experienced faculty, and engaging curriculum as the on-campus programs. Students develop the skills employers demand, build lifelong connections, and unlock their potential.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,017

Out-of-State: $28,209

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,100

Out-of-State: $25,200

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

5. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public institution in Denver. It offers primarily bachelor's degrees online in fields like anthropology, healthcare, media studies, and social work. It also offers two master's degrees online�one in health administration and another in social work.

MSU Denver's online programs help busy students reach their career goals. Nearly 80% of students work full-time or part-time as they study.

In-state tuition is $420.50 per credit hour, while out-of-state tuition is $956 per credit. Student aid, including grants and scholarships, is available, and 76% of students receive financial assistance.

Tuition Cost

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,780

Out-of-State: $29,503

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $9,209

Out-of-State: $11,288

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, communication, criminal justice, and education.

Roughly 85% of students receive financial aid at UCCS. Most online undergraduate degrees cost $435 per credit for in-state students and $636 per credit for out-of-state students.

The public research institution is based in Colorado Springs, CO. It designed its online classes so that students can continue working or taking care of other responsibilities while they learn.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,712

Out-of-State: $20,492

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $14,703

Out-of-State: $25,644

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

7. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business, criminal justice, healthcare, and information technology. CSU Global is the fully online campus of Colorado State University.

The university is constantly top-ranked for its high-quality programs. It also offers on-demand student support, career coaching, expert faculty, and more.

Tuition is $375 per credit hour for bachelor's degrees, regardless of the online student's state of residency. About 88% of students at the Colorado online college receive financial aid to help them pay for their coursework.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,400

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,000

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 93%

Retention Rate: 56%

Institution Type: Public online

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

While there are some great accredited colleges online in Colorado, there are also many other schools offering online college programs across the U.S. Below, we've highlighted a few additional online colleges.

National University

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through National University. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, education, and engineering.

The private university is based in San Diego and holds accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Tuition for most undergraduate programs is $370 per credit hour.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution in Manchester, NH, that's known for its online programs. It offers over 200 associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business, criminal justice, liberal arts, and technology.

The university is accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and is a leader in online learning. Tuition for bachelor's degrees is $330 per credit and the school allows students to bring in up to 90 transfer credits.

Western Governors University

Through Western Governors University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, education, healthcare, and information technology.

The private online school is based in Millcreek, UT, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Programs are self-paced, and tuition is a flat rate per six-month term regardless of how many courses you take.

How We Rank Schools

We used the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to find schools that met the following criteria:

• Location: All schools in our initial list are based in Colorado.
• Accreditation: We only included schools that are regionally accredited.
• Type: We focused specifically on four-year public and private nonprofit schools.
• Online options: The programs we featured all offer a variety of online degrees, especially at the bachelor's level, and offer support services for online students.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Colorado

There are both benefits and downsides to learning through Colorado online colleges, and we've broken down common pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Control over your schedule: Online courses allow you to study on your own time, around work or family obligations.
• Location flexability: Learning online allows you to complete your coursework from whatever location works best for you.
• Wider variety of options: Because you aren't bound by a college in your specific area, you have a greater variety of degree options when studying online.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Lack of structure: For some students, not having a set schedule that on-campus learning provides can make it hard to find the self-discipline to complete coursework.
• Feels separated: Learning virtually can make it hard to connect with classmates and professors
• Some activities may be harder: Certain projects, like labs or group projects, can be harder to do online.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Colorado

The best colleges online will differ from person to person based on individual needs. However, there are a few things to look for when choosing the best online colleges in Colorado for you, including:

• Accreditation: Whatever school you choose needs to be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.
• Program: Not every school will offer the degree you want to study online.
• Admissions requirements: Some schools require only a high school diploma, but many have more selective admissions requirements.
• Cost: Costs can vary significantly between schools.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs, but some will provide more aid than others.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Colorado Cost?

Of the online schools we posted above, almost all have a tuition rate that ranges between $400 and $500 for in-state undergraduate students. However, tuition costs depend on several factors, including financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Colorado More Affordable

College doesn't have to put you into debt. Start by looking at schools that have lower tuition rates at the No InterWiki reference defined in properties for Wiki called "ttps"!.

Additionally, all students should fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for federal and state programs.

Below, we've listed some resources that can help you find affordable tuition:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Colorado Scholarships & Grants

Multiple scholarship and grant programs are available to students earning both in-person and online degrees in Colorado. We've highlighted a few below.

Colorado Promise Programs

Colorado Promise Programs offer free tuition to eligible Colorado residents attending a public Colorado college or university. Eligibility requirements vary by school but generally include an income threshold or eligibility of the Pell Grant.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Deadline: Varies by school

College Opportunity Fund

The Colorado Department of Higher Education also offers the College Opportunity Fund to Colorado residents. Specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the school you attend.

Award Amount: Up to $116 per credit hour

Deadline: Varies by school

Finish What You Started Program

The Finish What You Started Program is designed to help Colorado residents who had started college but did not finish. It provides funds to help these students finish their degrees at in-state public schools.

Award Amount: Varies by school

Deadline: Varies by school

Top Majors for Colorado Graduates

Below, we've listed the most popular fields of study for bachelor's degree students in Colorado, as per the NCES:

• Business: Many business programs offer specializations, like finance, human resources, or project management, so students can fine-tune their curriculum to their intended career path.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Natural sciences include both biological and physical sciences, and degrees in these fields or in mathematics can lead to roles in academia or research.
• Healthcare: Common healthcare majors at the bachelor's level include nursing, health sciences, and healthcare administration.
• Humanities: Humanities is a broad field that encompasses topics like the arts, language, and cultural studies. Degrees in these fields can lead to a number of careers.
• Engineering: There are many types of engineering majors available, such as civil engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering, depending on the field you want to work in.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado

We've answered a few frequently asked questions about online colleges in Colorado below.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Colorado?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated online degrees in Colorado, which allow students to complete their programs at a faster pace.

Is Online College Right for Me?

Only you can determine if online college is the right option for you. However, if you have work, family obligations, or a disability that makes it difficult to attend courses in person, online college programs might be a great choice for you.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get Into in Colorado?

The easiest online college to get into in Colorado is Colorado Christian University, which has an open admissions policy for online students. Many other schools in Colorado, including Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, have very high acceptance rates.

Do Online Universities in Colorado Offer Free Tuition?

Most public schools in Colorado offer tuition promise programs that provide free tuition to eligible Colorado residents. However, not all students will qualify for these programs.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Colorado

Take the next step toward earning a degree by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual online colleges in Colorado to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.