Colorado's world-class higher education system and stunning natural beauty attract many college students. During the 2020-2021 school year, Colorado had a positive net student migration rate of 27%. This data point compares the number of Colorado residents who left to attend college elsewhere against the number who left their home state to study in Colorado.
One driving factor may relate to Colorado's strong economic growth in recent years. A 2024 analysis by the Common Sense Institute found that Colorado's per-capita gross domestic product soared by 78.6% from 2011-2023. The impressive mark ranked eighth among states in that period.
This guide to the best online colleges in Colorado features a ranked list of the Centennial State's leading schools. It also takes an in-depth look at Colorado's economy and job market, which you can use to help select a major. Explore Colorado's cost of living, scholarship opportunities, and more.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colorado Colleges
#1 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
University of Northern Colorado
- Greeley, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its public campus in Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado ranks among the best online schools, enrolling 4,138 distance learners in its undergraduate and graduate programs. Degree-seekers pick from six online bachelor's programs and 15 online master's programs.
The school meets the needs of students with diverse career goals by offering online programs in popular fields, such as business, STEM, and healthcare. Remote classroom spaces let participants engage with the virtual program content. Remote learners fulfill in-person requirements with local internships, practicums, clinicals, or other placements. Online students get access to student services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring.
In four years' time, many degree-seekers graduate with their bachelor's degree. Students can graduate faster by bringing in credits from previous college experience. Some programs also feature accelerated options.
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
- Fort Collins, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado State University-Fort Collins is a public school that offers a total of 39 degrees online. Online learning allows students to work full time while earning their degree. Benefits of joining student organizations include opportunities to develop professional connections with peers.
Students at Colorado State University-Fort Collins can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins Facts:
Undergraduate School Tuition Rate: $9,426 in-state; $28,147 out-of-state
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,750
Average Price With Aid: $16,793
Percent of Students Who Graduate: 70%
Offers Transfer Credits: No
The school has an 81% admission rate, and degree-seekers can use test scores to bolster their application. Undergraduate students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to secure positions in their field. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Colorado Mesa University
- Grand Junction, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado Mesa University is a public school located in Colorado. Students enroll in the school’s residential and online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learners choose from a catalog of 119 online degrees. Students pursue degrees in the liberal arts and professional studies. The school offers degrees in a variety of fields.
Students learn through classroom theory and practical experience, such as internships and practicums. Nontraditional learners complete degrees online with limited on-campus residencies. Students complete online programs with no residency requirements. Professors teach using real-world examples.
The school’s online services include academic tutoring. Colorado Mesa University admits students at an acceptance rate at 78%, and students pay for their education with affordable tuition and financial aid. Distance learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they live. The college awards an average total aid of $6,637.
The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The top-ranked online programs at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus make it one of the best online schools. The public institution offers programs in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science. Completing an entirely online degree is an option with many programs. Remote enrollees complete course requirements from the comfort of home, rather than traveling to the Denver, Colorado, campus.
Learners in online programs interact with each other and their teachers in a remote classroom space. Participants leave the program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the institution's many experiential learning opportunities. The school offers academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling to support distance learners.
The accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level programs meet the needs of a diverse group of students. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexible format, meeting graduation requirements more easily.
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus At a Glance:
Students Enrolled in Online Programs: 7,637
Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Total Available Online Master's Programs: 16
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 82%
Students Receiving Loans: 28%
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online
The top-ranked online programs at Colorado State University-Global Campus make it one of the best online schools. Online learners at the public institution enroll in business, healthcare, STEM, and social science programs. Many programs feature a 100% virtual path to earning a college degree.
Online programs feature virtual learning environments where remote learners communicate with teachers and peers. The institution's experiential learning opportunities prepare participants to enter the workforce. Distance learners at the school benefit from the support of academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.
Diverse students get their different needs met by the accredited online institution's undergraduate- and graduate-level program offerings. The flexible format allows degree-seekers to complete their graduation requirements more easily.
Colorado State University-Global Campus Numbers:
Tuition Per Credit: 408
Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 15
Total Number of Online Master's Programs: 12
Percentage of Learners Awarded Student Loans: 42%
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This list has not been updated for 2024. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
In the 2021-2022 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that the cost of attending a private college in Colorado was 27% lower than the national average.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Colorado
If you're unsure what to study in college, job growth projections can lend some insight into professional demand. The following state-specific table profiles career paths that labor market analysts expect to grow rapidly from 2020-2030. Careers were chosen according to the following criteria:
- The job title must require a college education.
- Accredited online colleges in Colorado must offer relevant programs.
- Analysts expect at least 300 annual openings for the role during the 2020s.
Fast-Growing Careers in Colorado 2020-2030
| Job |
Projected Growth |
Average Annual Salary in Colorado (May 2023) |
| Massage Therapists |
+44% |
$60,460 |
| Nurse Practitioners |
+43% |
$121,990 |
| Postsecondary Health Specialities Instructors |
+41% |
$77,060 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists |
+40% |
$107,780 |
| Market Research Analysts |
+38% |
$85,600 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants |
+37% |
$72,220 |
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Majors to Consider for Colorado's Job Market
The following majors may put you in a strong position to take advantage of fast-growing Colorado careers.
-
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of human kinetics, or how the human body moves during both normal and athletic activity. Along with sport and exercise science, kinesiology is an excellent choice of major for aspiring massage therapists in Colorado.
-
Nursing
Nurse practitioners hold advanced nursing degrees, which aspiring professionals can pursue through multiple online colleges in Colorado. The career path begins with an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing.
-
Speech-Language Pathology
Schools typically begin offering specialized speech-language pathology degrees at the master's level. To prepare for this career path, consider an undergraduate major in speech and hearing science, communication science, communication disorders, or developmental psychology.
-
Business or Marketing
Colorado's evolving labor market points to many opportunities for marketing specialists. A general business degree or a concentrated marketing program can equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue these roles.
-
Legal Studies
Online colleges in Colorado offer bachelor's and master's degrees in legal studies, which prepare learners for careers as paralegals and legal assistants. Unlike pre-law programs, legal studies degrees lead more directly to non-attorney legal careers.
Cost of Living in Colorado
Colorado's cost of living ranks on the higher end of the national scale. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center placed Colorado 35th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for overall affordability in 2023.
Studying online can help you save money, especially on commuting and parking costs. The following cost of living data can help you plan your budget:
Average Cost of Living in Colorado
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost Per Month |
| Housing |
$1,422 |
| Food |
$378 |
| Transportation |
$806 |
| Medical Care |
$226 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, using data for 1 adult without children
Scholarships and Savings for Online Colleges in Colorado
Students at online colleges in Colorado have three main avenues for reducing their out-of-pocket schooling expenses: scholarships, grants, and cost savings. Scholarships and grants provide non-repayable funding, with scholarships more likely to be based on merit and grants typically using need-based criteria.
To aid in your search, consider these five Colorado-focused scholarship programs:
The AEE Foundation Scholarship offers up to $5,000 in funding to students in qualified undergraduate or graduate programs at accredited Colorado colleges. You must be studying an academic subject directly related to energy engineering, management, or sustainability to qualify.
The application window opens on March 1 and closes on April 15. Nonresidents of Colorado are welcome to apply.
This coveted scholarship provides $20,000 in annual funding for up to four years. Winning students' schools then provide the difference between that funding and the recipient's total cost of attendance.
Colorado high school seniors who have lived in the state for at least their junior and senior years can qualify. Applicants must apply by Nov. 1 of their graduating year.
In 2024, CEMS awarded three scholarships valued at $3,000 each, with one undergraduate, graduate, and law student each winning an award. Each applicant must be enrolled at an accredited Colorado school to apply and must actively be planning a career in an environmental, health, or safety field.
The 2024 deadline was March 1.
The COSI program operates within Colorado's Department of Higher Education. It encompasses multiple scholarship programs to help recipients train for the Colorado workforce. Applicants can pursue many scholarship and grant options, including opportunities for students returning to higher education.
WTS scholarships recognize female students pursuing transportation-related studies or majors at Colorado community colleges and degree-granting institutions. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply.
Each year, WTS awards six scholarships: two for graduate students ($5,000 each), two for undergraduates ($4,000 each), and one each for junior college/trade school and high school students ($1,500 each). The application deadline is Oct. 15.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students
Tuition reciprocity agreements extend in-state tuition rates and discounts to out-of-state students in neighboring or regional jurisdictions. They make tuition more affordable to learners attending public institutions.
Since 1953, Colorado has participated in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Through WICHE, tuition reciprocity applies to students in
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
- U.S. Pacific Territories
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Colorado
What is the easiest online college to attend in Colorado?
The "easiest" online college to attend in Colorado depends on context. In terms of costs, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs was named the state's most affordable online college in 2023. Its affordability makes it "easy" to attend.
Can you do 100% online college in Colorado?
Yes, many accredited Colorado colleges offer fully remote programs that do not require students to make any campus visits. According to the NCES, 47% of all Colorado college students were enrolled in online courses in 2022.
Does the University of Colorado offer online degrees?
Yes — the University of Colorado system offers dozens of online degree programs. You can pursue opportunities through University of Colorado campuses in Anschutz, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver.
Is Colorado State University online accredited?
Yes. Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the commission's endorsement extends to the school system's online programs. Some online CSU programs may also have specialized or programmatic accreditations.
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