Online colleges in the Centennial State emphasize programs that feed into the state’s leading industries. These include bioscience, technology and information, and defense and homeland security.  Here, we take a look at the best online colleges in Colorado, the programs they offer, and what prospective students can expect from the schools. 

Top 5 online schools in Colorado: Quick facts

The 10 best online colleges in Colorado

To create fair and reliable program information, ZDNet’s ranking methodology pulls data from reputable publicly available sources and relies on expert insight.  Denver, CO Fort Collins, CO Boulder, CO Aurora, CO Greeley, CO We include the number of available online bachelor’s and master’s programs, program reputation, graduation rates, and more.  Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. 

  1. University of Colorado DenverDenver, Colorado About the school: CU Denver began running online learning in 1996. The school now offers over 40 online programs and certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Acceptance rate: 66%Graduation rate: 50%Price for undergraduate degree: $340-$780Price for graduate degree: $337-$780Student body population: 24,267Student-to-teacher ratio: 17:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 15Number of online master’s degree programs: 25Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 490-610Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableCourse delivery method: Synchronous and asynchronous programs available

Accreditation: The University of Colorado Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 2. Colorado State UniversityFort Collins, Colorado About the school: CSU offers more than 25 online degrees in various formats, including synchronous, asynchronous, blended, and self-paced.

Explore Self-paced online colleges: Top schools to learn at your speed Want an alternative way to get a college degree? Explore this list of the best self-paced online colleges. Study at your speed and complete your degree while working. Read now Acceptance rate: 84% Graduation rate: 72%Price for undergraduate degree: $476/creditPrice for graduate degree: $580-$1,118/creditStudent body population: 32,586Student-to-teacher ratio: 17:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 15Number of online master’s degree programs: 11Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 530-640Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableCourse delivery method: Synchronous and asynchronous programs available

Accreditation: Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 3. University of Colorado BoulderBoulder, Colorado About the school: CU Boulder runs eight online programs, including seven master’s programs and a post-baccalaureate bachelor’s program. Students also have access to the University of Colorado online system. 

Acceptance rate: 84%Graduation rate: 69%Price for undergraduate degree: $740-872/creditPrice for graduate degree: $667-$1,474/creditStudent body population: 39,000Student-to-teacher ratio: 18:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: OneNumber of online master’s degree programs: SevenAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 560-680Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableCourse delivery method: Asynchronous programs available

Accreditation: The University of Colorado Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 4. Colorado State University Global CampusAurora, Colorado About the school: Since 2007, CSU-Global has offered online programs. The school runs over 30 online programs and certificates and features the connected resources of the Colorado State University system. 

Acceptance rate: 98%Graduation rate: 46%Price for undergraduate degree: $350/creditPrice for graduate degree: $500/creditStudent body population: 10,844Student-to-teacher ratio: 25:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 13Number of online master’s degree programs: 16Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 450-620Minimum GPA: 2.8Course delivery method: Asynchronous programs 

Accreditation: Colorado State University Global Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 5. University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, Colorado About the school: In addition to the main campuses and two education centers, UNC features more than 40 online programs. Online students can complete fully online programs during the hours that suit them best.

Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 52%Price for undergraduate degree: $436-$873/creditPrice for graduate degree: $589-$1,322/creditStudent body population: 10,348Student-to-teacher ratio: 14:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: SixNumber of online master’s degree programs: 34Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 490-610Minimum GPA: 3.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous programs 

Accreditation: The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 6. Regis UniversityDenver, Colorado About the school: A Jesuit university, Regis features more than 25 online master’s programs. The school offers up to six starts each year, and courses run in accelerated five- to eight-week sessions.

Read this Accelerated bachelor’s degrees: The fastest college degrees Would you like to earn an undergraduate degree but can’t spend four years doing it? An accelerated bachelor’s degree may be for you. Read now Acceptance rate: 78% Graduation rate: 59%Price for undergraduate degree: $500-$927/creditPrice for graduate degree: $572-$1,020/creditStudent body population: 5,566Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 18Number of online master’s degree programs: 27Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 500-620Minimum GPA: 3.0Course delivery method: Online and hybrid; synchronous and asynchronous programs

Accreditation: Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 7. University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, Colorado About the school: Students at UCCS have access to more than 15 online programs and nearly three decades of online learning expertise. 

Acceptance rate: 90% Graduation rate: 49%Price for undergraduate degree: $422-$923/creditPrice for graduate degree: $803-$1,038/creditStudent body population: 12,031Student-to-teacher ratio: 16:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: EightNumber of online master’s degree programs: SevenAvg. SAT range for admitted students: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Course delivery method: Synchronous and asynchronous programs   

Accreditation: The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 8. Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction, Colorado About the school: CMU features more than 10 online programs and certificates. Online learners have access to flexible and accelerated fully online degrees and individual courses. 

Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 37%Price for undergraduate degree: $315-$419Price for graduate degree: $530-$636/creditStudent body population: 8,907Student-to-teacher ratio: 18:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: FourNumber of online master’s degree programs: FourAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 468-610Minimum GPA: Not publicly available. Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs   

Accreditation: Colorado Mesa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 9. Adams State UniversityAlamosa, Colorado About the school: ASU offers more than 10 online programs. Asynchronous courses run in traditional 16-week and accelerated eight-week sessions.  

Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 38%Price for undergraduate degree: $284-$384/creditPrice for graduate degree: $359-$435/creditStudent body population: 3,138Student-to-teacher ratio: 11:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: FiveNumber of online master’s degree programs: SevenAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 440-550Minimum GPA: 2.8Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs 

Accreditation: Adams State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 10. Colorado Christian UniversityLakewood, Colorado About the school: A nondenominational Christian university, CCU offers more than 80 online programs and tracks at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. 

Explore Best online master’s programs: Our top picks for 2022 We’ve chosen the best schools for online master’s programs to provide you with expertise and credibility to thrive in your career. Read now Acceptance rate: 100% Graduation rate: 33%Price for undergraduate degree: $36,682/yearPrice for graduate degree: $543-$628/creditStudent body population: 8,472Student-to-teacher ratio: 15:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 45Number of online master’s degree programs: 37Avg. SAT range for admitted students: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.8Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs  

Accreditation: Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

In conclusion

Online college opens the door to postsecondary education for many learners who might not have access to traditional programs.  Online colleges in Colorado provide flexible program and scheduling options for undergraduate and graduate students, including those who reside in-state and elsewhere. Prospective students looking for more information can contact the schools and program advisors directly.