Colorado has 31 two- and four-year colleges, 103 private religious institutions/seminaries and 354 private occupational colleges. More than 85,000 students study in Colorado's private colleges, with 268,000 students enrolled in the state's public colleges. Numerous colleges in Colorado have added online and blended learning options to their programs, as well. But how can a student find the best online college in Colorado? It all starts with a close examination of cost, quality and the resources students need to turn their college degree into a successful career. Read on to get started.
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15 Best Online Colleges in Colorado
Many online schools and colleges in Colorado provide affordable and flexible alternatives to on-campus learning. A college degree makes candidates more competitive in Colorado's job market. Data from the Colorado Skills for Jobs Report projects that 74% of all jobs in the state will require a postsecondary degree or postsecondary training by 2020.
This guide provides information about choosing the best online college for your needs. The following sections explore financial aid and tuition options, accreditation information, and resources for prospective and current students.
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I'm Looking for in Colorado?
Students considering online schools and colleges in Colorado have plenty of options. Learners should research prospective institutions to find the best choice for their needs. The Colorado Department of Higher Education provides a list of all colleges in the state. The link below also provides information about online learning options in Colorado.
How Much More Do College Grads in Colorado Make?
According to a study by the American Institutes for Research, many postsecondary degrees below a bachelor's degree can lead to middle-class earnings in Colorado.
The chart below shows the national medians for full-time annual salaries by degree level. Higher education levels typically correlate with higher salaries, in Colorado and throughout the United States. However, specific earning potential depends on factors including field and position.
| Less Than a High School Diploma | High School Diploma | Associate Degree | Bachelor's Degree | Master's Degree | Doctoral Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 | $62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Source: BLS
Paying for Online College in Colorado: Tuition and Financial Aid
When calculating the overall cost of a degree, prospective students should consider tuition, fees, and related expenses. In-state tuition rates are typically significantly lower than out-of-state rates. Learners can fund their education through financial aid, student loans, scholarships, and grants.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the average in-state tuition and fees at ranked public schools rose by 4% for the 2019-2020 school year.
The tables below list the average in-state, out-of-state, and national costs of tuition and fees at public and private four-year institutions.
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| $7,924 | $20,061 | $9,037 (In-State), $25,657 (Out-of-State) |
| In-State Tuition | National Average |
|---|---|
| $22,837 | $30,731 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Cost Considerations for Online Students in Colorado
The tables above do not reflect some fees and expenses, such as housing and transportation costs. Below are some considerations prospective students should take into account when budgeting for college.
Residency Requirements
Some programs include on-campus requirements for distance learners. These components may require students to incur housing or travel expenses.
Technology Fees
Many online schools charge technology fees to cover online resources and technical support. These may be one-time or annual fees.
Summer, Evening, and Weekend Tuition
Universities often vary tuition rates according to each student's class schedule. Learners should research fees associated with summer, evening, and weekend courses.
Textbooks and Materials
Online courses may require physical or digital textbooks, along with online learning resources.
Required Travel
Some distance education programs require internships or practicums that involve travel.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Colorado
Some Colorado schools offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of residency status. This can save out-of-state students thousands of dollars in tuition. The Colorado Department of Higher Education website lists the residency requirements for the state.
Students can also research reciprocity agreements and exchange programs. Colorado recognizes several exchange groups, including the Western Undergraduate Exchange, the Western Regional Graduate Program Exchange, and the Professional Student Exchange Program.
Learners can find information about tuition rates and residency requirements on their prospective school's website.
Paying for College in Colorado: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students attending online schools and colleges in Colorado can apply for a variety of financial aid options. Scholarships and grants are ideal forms of funding; unlike loans, these awards do not require repayment.
Scholarships for Colorado College Students
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Colorado
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) sets standards for postsecondary institutions. Colleges must meet these standards to receive accreditation, which serves as a mark of quality. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also monitors accrediting boards. The following sections provide information about the different types of accreditation.
Regional and National Accreditation
Public universities and state schools typically receive regional accreditation. National accreditation typically applies to private colleges, trade schools, and vocational institutions. Regional accreditation is older and is generally considered to be more prestigious.
The Higher Learning Commission awards regional accreditation to Colorado institutions. The ED and CHEA oversee both regional and national accrediting agencies.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
Subject-specific accreditation agencies evaluate individual programs. Professionals and experts in the field oversee specialized accrediting agencies. Students can find these organizations and accredited programs in the CHEA database and the ED database.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
Most accredited schools showcase their institutional and programmatic accreditation on their website. Prospective students can determine a Colorado institution's regional accreditation status through the Higher Learning Commission's website. Learners should search the ED and CHEA databases to learn whether a program holds accreditation.
Online College and Adult Education in Colorado
Government funding of online and adult education programs can help reduce the financial burden on students. The sections below include statistics about adult education in Colorado and links to state-funded initiatives.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in Colorado
Adults with a bachelor's degree have a 2.1% unemployment rate in Colorado.
Adults with a bachelor's degree earn a median salary of $48,818 in Colorado.
The Department of Education projects that about 74% of all jobs in Colorado will require a postsecondary degree or training by 2020.
Sources: CDE
Adult Education Programs for Colorado Students
Colorado High School Equivalency Program: The Colorado Department of Education approves three tests for students to receive a high school equivalency diploma: the GED credential, the High School Equivalency Test, and the Test Assessing Secondary Completion.
Integrated Education and Training: The IET initiative offers classes in basic skills and English language to help learners obtain occupational and college certificates. Students can earn a high school equivalency certificate and a college certificate simultaneously.
English Language Acquisition: This program helps individuals whose native language is not English. Students learn speaking, writing, and reading skills that they can use in college courses and their professional lives.
Online College Resources for Colorado Students
Before applying to online schools and colleges in Colorado, students should research the accessibility and affordability of their options. Online resources can help learners determine their goals, next steps, and desired outcomes. Below are five websites that provide tools and information for Colorado students.
COTrainingProviders.org
Students can search this database by career to find suitable training programs and courses. This website lays out pathways of study for each career, with variations for unique specializations and goals.
Federal Student Aid
The federal government provides many different types of financial aid for college students. This website explains each type of financial aid and helps students determine which kind is right for them.
Colorado Department of Higher Education
Partnered with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, this organization provides information on college applications, residency requirements, affordability, and financial aid. This website also explains transfer policies, exchange programs, and extended study options.
My Colorado Journey
This website curates various resources for college students. Students enter their goals to learn about the steps they must take to reach their desired outcome.
