To create this definitive list of the best online schools in Colorado, Study.com used valuable information from the U.S. Department of Education. Where each school's ranking was concerned, consideration was given to the types of online degrees they offered, the variety of programs, the academic support systems they had in place for online learners, and unique or specialized programs.
Study.com's school rankings always aim to present schools that are affordable, accessible, and provide a high-quality education which we consider to be the most important attributes in our school rankings. If you're thinking about becoming an online student in Colorado, this list will be an excellent guide to help you find the school that could be right for you.
1. Colorado State University Global
CSU Global is part of the Colorado State University system and has the unique of advantage of being completely dedicated to online learning. Whether students are pursuing one of the 14 bachelor's or 13 master's degrees, they will use a robust online learning platform and can enjoy the academic support of an online tutor at any time of the day. One of the great things about this school is that distance learners can create a personalized career path where they stack programs that lead to a desired career. For example, the custom education path for someone interest in becoming an IT Manager could include certificates in IT operations, computer programming and networking and a bachelor's degree in project management. Colorado State University Global also boasts an accelerated eight-week class format that's useful for those who want to earn their degree on a faster timeline. Some of the areas of study available at the undergraduate and graduate levels include criminal justice, project management and human resource management.
2. Colorado State University - Fort Collins
Located in Fort Collins, CO, this school offers an impressive range of online bachelor's and master's degree programs as well as graduate certificates. A few of the fields that are available at Colorado State University - Fort Collins include technology, business, education and health services. One of the stand-out programs at this school is their 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, which gives students an intensive overview of agricultural technology, marketing and finance, among other topics. In order to make sure online students can navigate and succeed in their online programs, each student is assigned an academic advisor upon registration. On top of that, online students who need assistance with their writing assignments can have an online consultation with a professional from the writing center via webcam or web chat.
3. Regis University
Regis University is a Jesuit Catholic school located in Denver. When it comes to online learning, this school offers over 80 programs that include bachelor's and master's degrees plus certificates. Many of these programs have an accelerated format so students can complete their programs more quickly. One such program is the cohort-blended Master of Education in Educational Leadership that gets students ready for licensure as a principal in just a year. Regis University stands out because it's not only accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), but it also holds specialized accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the Accreditation Board for Applied Science, Computing, Engineering, and Technology (ABET), among many others. Along with small class sizes, online students benefit from scheduled online tutoring and access to the Smarthinking platform when tutoring is not available.
4. Colorado Christian University
This Christian school can be found in Lakewood, CO, and it prides itself on providing all the support its online students need to be successful. Some important aspects of this support structure include a small online learning community and courses that are designed specifically for adult learners. For those interested in a wide choice in online programs, Colorado Christian University offers associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in an extensive array of subjects. These include options in religious studies, business, engineering, nursing and education. When studying online, students at this school use a user friendly online learning platform where they can not only access their courses, but also participate in discussions with their peers.
5. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
One of the great things about UCCS is that it's committed to providing the same academic resources to its online students that their traditional on-campus learners enjoy. This includes giving students the support they need to complete their degree programs quickly, such as offering academic credit for prior knowledge and professional experience. Whether distance learners are pursuing one of the 7 undergraduate degrees or 13 master's degrees, they will be using the school's online learning management system. One of the specialized programs offered by this school is a 30-semester hour Master of Engineering in Space Operations, which prepares students with engineering backgrounds to work in space-related operations.
6. University of Northern Colorado
Based in Greeley, CO, the University of Northern Colorado offers its online students high quality programs and guidance from experts in their field. While the school offers 60 online programs in areas like sports, nursing and psychology, the majority of their programs are rooted in education. This is great for students who are seeking proficiency or licensure in subjects like gifted education, special education, performing arts and dance, among so many others. In order to make sure distance-learning students can learn effectively, the University of Northern Colorado has created a dynamic and interactive online environment through their online learning platform.
7. University of Colorado - Denver/Anshutz
Located in Denver, this campus of the University of Colorado boasts over 50 degree and certificate programs that are completely online. These programs are designed to follow the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, and online students have access to the same experienced instructors. The school's exceptional list of programs will be of interest to those who want to pursue bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in areas related to law, technology, nursing, education, finance and administration. One unique program at UC - Denver is the Doctor of Pharmacy program that's geared towards practising pharmacists. In this program, students can take their courses online and can coordinate their own experiential training or receive credit for previous experience. Regardless of which program they choose, all online students have access to academic support from online tutors as well as English professionals at the school's writing center.
8. University of Colorado - Boulder
Another campus of the University of Colorado that makes our list can be found in Boulder. Students who want to study online with this school can choose between single courses, degree completion programs and full degree programs. One of the more interesting programs the University of Colorado - Boulder offers is a Master of Arts in Journalism Entrepreneurship, which has a specialization in sports journalism. The program is designed to guide students into becoming experts in the media market as well as entrepreneurs. At this school, distance-learning students will take their courses, as well as interact with their peers and instructors, through Canvas. Since online learning can be a challenge in some cases, the school makes academic advising a priority for all its students through video chat sessions.
9. Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University is located in Grand Junction, CO, and it's committed to offering high quality programs for its online students. There are 13 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that tackle subject areas in nursing, sports management, and business as well as areas of the social sciences. One of the popular programs at this school is a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education that leads to licensure as an educator at the elementary school level. While there is a hands-on aspect, online students have the freedom to choose a local school to get their teaching experience. Colorado Mesa University provides a highly engaging learning environment where online students can talk to their peers and instructors in real time. For distance students who need an electronic portfolio, the school also has a space where they can create one.
10. Colorado State University - Pueblo
At this school, online students can count on getting the same exceptional education as the students who are enrolled at the school's Pueblo campus. As far degree options go, Colorado State University - Pueblo offers six online programs that include bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and a graduate certificate. One particular program that could be of great interest to nursing students is the school's Master of Science - Nurse Educator program, which prepares students for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator Examination. This hybrid program has two pathways: one which allows someone with an associate's degree to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree and another designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree. When learning at this school, online students can access their courses as well as communicate with their peers and instructors through the school's online learning platform.
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
