Best Online Colleges in Colorado
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Whether you’re drawn to the endless sunshine of Denver, the outdoorsy opportunities in Boulder, or the history of Pueblo, Colorado offers endless opportunities for beautiful locations — and top colleges.
Many of the schools throughout the state provide online degree pathways, making it easy for students to pursue a quality education no matter their location. Online colleges in Colorado can provide the same educational experience virtually.
Online programs offer maximum flexibility without sacrificing quality, but it’s important to make sure you take time to research your options thoroughly and make an informed decision. We’ll help you learn more about what’s available in the Centennial State.
Featured Online Bachelor’s Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Colorado
- In-State$9,903
- Out-of-state$29,861
- In-State$10,834
- Out-of-state$26,564
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled33,400
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$53,640
- Out-of-state$53,640
- In-State$53,640
- Out-of-state$53,640
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled13,738
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$39,260
- Out-of-state$39,260
- In-State$14,063
- Out-of-state$14,063
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled5,566
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$24,503
- Out-of-state$24,503
- In-State$13,474
- Out-of-state$13,474
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled8,472
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Cost of College in Colorado
Attending college in Colorado can come with varied price tags, depending on whether you attend a public or private institution and qualify for in-state tuition.
If you hold Colorado state residency, state schools offer a much cheaper pathway than private institutions. That said, the average private tuition cost in Colorado ($26,784) is less than the national average ($34,041).
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $9,573 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $31,699 |
| Private Four-Year | $26,784 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $3,329 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $9,530 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Colorado
According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, several jobs in Colorado are projected to grow between 2022 and 2032, opening the door to opportunities after graduation.
When considering your online college options, review whether or not they offer degrees that correspond to these in-demand careers.
Many of the roles anticipated to expand in the coming years are centered in healthcare, including nurse practitioners and epidemiologists. Other fast-growing industries include information security, technology, and energy alternatives.
| Job | Job Growth 2022-2032 | Average Annual Wage 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Attendants | 5.2% | $57,180 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 4.52% | $116,440 |
| Epidemiologists | 4.34% | $70,780 |
| Information Security Analysts | 4.21% | $118,480 |
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 4.08% | $61,080 |
| Statisticians | 3.97% | $92,240 |
| Data Scientists | 3.93% | $116,560 |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 3.83% | $48,350 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 3.73% | $185,960 |
| Web Developers | 3.50% | $84,650 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Colorado
One of the cheapest online colleges in Colorado is Colorado State University Global, with a reasonable rate of $350 per credit.
Attending a community college during your first two years of school can help you save thousands of dollars. The average in-state tuition for two-year colleges was $3,329 in 2022, compared to $9,573 per year for in-state tuition at a four-year college.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 9, 2024.
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