If you’re considering getting an online degree, this list will help you find the best accredited colleges in Colorado. The best virtual schools in Colorado are accredited, which guarantees that the education they can give you meets national standards.
In this article, we cover the best online colleges in Colorado, what degree programs they offer, and which online schools in Colorado are the most affordable and accessible for prospective students. If you’re looking at schools in Colorado with an emphasis on online programs, this is the article for you.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado: Two Types of Accreditation
Online colleges in Colorado and the rest of the US are either nationally or regionally accredited. The next two sections explain the difference between both types of accreditation and why it’s important to verify an institution’s accreditation status during your school search.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized kind of accreditation. Regionally accredited online colleges are usually non-profit institutions with higher admission standards. Credits from these schools are accepted and recognized at both regionally and nationally accredited schools.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
Nationally accredited online colleges are usually vocational, religious, or industry-specific schools that require specific kinds of licensure. These schools often cost less and operate under a for-profit model. Credits from a nationally accredited school are recognized by other nationally accredited schools but are not usually recognized by regionally accredited schools.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important for college because it guarantees that the programs offered are high-quality and up to academic standards. It also means that the school itself is credible and provides trustworthy information as well as a worthwhile educational experience.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in Colorado
You can find out whether an online college in Colorado is accredited by checking the US Department of Education Database, searching for colleges on the regional accrediting agency website, or visiting the school’s website.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
You can check a school’s accreditation status by searching the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIC). When you find the online school you’re looking for, click on it to open a new page with basic information. There, under the “Institutional Accreditation” tab, you can see which agency accredited an online school.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
There are six different regional accrediting agencies in the US. Online colleges in Colorado are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). To quickly find out if any online schools in Colorado are accredited by the HLC, you can go onto their website and search institutions by state.
Visit the School’s Official Website
Schools need to display their accreditation status. A school’s accreditation information is usually easy to find on its official website, usually in the “About” section. Some schools, like CSU Global, have a separate page dedicated to their accreditation status.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado: Overview
| Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado School of Mines | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 78% |
| 2 | University of Denver | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 74% |
| 3 | University of Colorado Boulder | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 69% |
| 4 | Regis University | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 59% |
| 5 | University of Northern Colorado | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 52% |
| 6 | Colorado State University-Global Campus | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 46% |
| 7 | Colorado State University-Pueblo | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 39% |
| 8 | Colorado Mesa University | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 37% |
| 9 | Metropolitan State University of Denver | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 36% |
| 10 | Colorado Christian University | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 33% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in Colorado by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado: Deep Dive
The following sections list the 10 best accredited online colleges in Colorado. This overview covers general information about the school as well as the five best online degree and certificate programs each school has to offer. These school rankings will help guide prospective students looking for the best accredited online programs in Colorado.
The Colorado School of Mines is a public research university founded in 1874. The school offers online learning options for graduate and doctoral students. Programs on offer cover disciplines like engineering, science, and mathematics, with a focus on energy and the environment.
Colorado School of Mines Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 0% (undergraduate); 8% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 78%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $90,060
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Colorado School of Mines
- Graduate Certificate in Data Science-Computer Science. This program focuses on data science concepts like computational techniques, data modeling, and machine learning. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in fields like finance, product design, and web design.
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Modeling. This certificate program prepares engineering students to address the challenges facing engineered systems in a sustainable way. It is designed for students and professionals looking to transition to fields of sustainability and conservation.
- Master of Engineering in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geoinformatics. This program gives students practical experience in geospatial training, advanced application, and quantitative analysis. CSM also offers a Graduate Certificate in GIS and Geoinformatics with four concentrations.
- Professional Masters in Mining Engineering and Management. This 33-credit program teaches students how to identify and mitigate mining-related risks, invest in new mining technologies, and lead teams.
- PhD in Space Resources. Students in this program perform advanced independent research on how to identify, extract, and utilize resources that exist beyond our planet. This doctorate program offers guidance from a multidisciplinary group of experts from academia, space agencies, and private organizations.
The University of Denver is a private research university founded in 1864. It offers fully online degree programs, certificates, and individual courses in subjects including business, computer science, IT, medicine, the humanities, and more.
University of Denver Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 12% (undergraduate); 52% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $66,004
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at University of Denver
- Graduate Certificate in Web Design and Development. Throughout this four-to-six-course program, students study the best practices of UX principles and web design while working with top-shelf programming languages and frameworks.
- Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science. This certificate program takes ten weeks to complete. Students in this program gain experience working with analytics, data science, and artificial intelligence.
- Master of Science in Legal Administration. This 30-credit graduate program infuses a law program with the study of business skills. Students in this program gain the skills they need to run a law firm or legal organization both nationally and internationally.
- Master of Science in Health Informatics with a Concentration in Digital Health. Led by expert faculty, this online program teaches students about healthcare information systems, the benefits of digital health products, and the use of telemedicine.
- Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education. This program gives students hands-on experience working in an early learning environment. Graduates can apply for licensure to work with young children with disabilities and special needs.
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university founded in 1876. CU Boulder’s online programs aim to enhance the university’s reputation and brand. Its online programs cover areas like business, education, healthcare, and STEM.
University of Colorado Boulder Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 30% (undergraduate); 26% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $60,740
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at University of Colorado Boulder
- Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Foundations. This four-course program teaches students valuable skills that allow them to thrive in transportation, inventory management, operations planning and control, and other supply chain-related fields.
- Graduate Certificate in Marketing Analytics. This program consists of online coursework in digital advertising, market intelligence, customer analytics, and statistical modeling. This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
- Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Methods. Students in this program learn how to interpret and utilize data to make important business decisions. This program is ideal for professionals looking to kickstart their careers or learn some supplementary skills in the field of analysis.
- Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. This professional master’s program offers five areas of focus including bioastronautics, remote sensing, and autonomous systems. Working professionals can take a coursework-only version of this program.
- Master of Science in Business Analytics. This 33-credit program teaches graduate learners how to analyze data and use it to make impactful business decisions. Students learn valuable skills in operations research, business analytics, computer science, and statistical methods.
Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1877, Regis University is a private institution and the only Jesuit university in the state of Colorado. It offers 77 online certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in fields like business, the arts, computer sciences, education, healthcare, mathematics, and engineering.
Regis University Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 25% (undergraduate); 29% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 59%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $63,625
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Regis University
- Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science. This program prepares students to analyze data, predict outcomes, and use gained knowledge to improve and strengthen businesses’ decision-making processes.
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology. Taught by police chiefs, undercover detectives, security consultants, and crime scene investigators, this program prepares students to understand criminal motives and shines a light on the dark side of society.
- Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering. This 12-credit-hour program teaches students valuable skills in software architecture, design, implementation, testing, and security.
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. This program educates graduate students on best practices in organizational development, strategic planning, and process improvement. Students in this program develop a skillset focused on team-building, leadership, and critical thinking skills.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice. This is the highest clinical degree in the field of nursing. Topics of study at Regis’s DNP program include epidemiology, health policy analysis and development, and collaborative care models.
The University of Northern Colorado is a public university founded in 1889. It is mostly known for its teaching programs, but it also offers several other online certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in business, sociology, nursing, and biological sciences.
University of Northern Colorado Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 16% (undergraduate); 50% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 52%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $47,112
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at University of Northern Colorado
- Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language English Interpretation. This 120-credit program prepares students to provide interpretation services for people with disabilities who use ASL as their primary means of communication.
- Graduate Certificate in Brewing Laboratory Science. Working professionals who want to become experts in brewing science can benefit from this certificate program. Students learn about beer production and quality, brewery planning, and more.
- Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership. This 16-credit graduate program helps working teachers improve their teaching skillset and keep up to date with the latest developments in pedagogy.
- Master of Science in Biological Sciences. This flexible MS program allows students to enroll in a wide variety of biology courses focused on medicine, ecology, evolutionary biology, and more. This program is ideal for students and professionals in fields like pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.
- PhD in Special Education. Students in this doctoral program pursue independent research in research methodology, evidence-based practice, and other subjects in pedagogy. Students must complete a minimum of 77 credit hours to finish the program.
Colorado State University-Global Campus is an online public university founded in 2007. It offers online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs for adult learners, professionals, and other students looking for non-traditional education.
Colorado State University-Global Campus Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 100% (undergraduate); 100% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 46%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: N/A
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Undergraduate Certificate In Digital Marketing. This certificate program is designed for students who want to lead digital marketing campaigns. It teaches foundational skills in marketing for businesses, managing and tracking data analytics, public relations, and more.
- Bachelor of Science in Finance. This 120-credit BS program prepares students to work in financial statement analysis, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. This program gives students broad knowledge in software engineering, network analysis, computing, programming, and other IT-related subjects.
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. Students in this program learn professional skills relating to leadership, legal and ethical decision-making, and creating innovative and effective HR initiatives.
- Master of Science in AI and Machine Learning. This 30-credit program prepares students for success in the fields of AI, machine learning, and software development. CSU Global students must complete courses in discrete mathematics, probability, and statistics as a prerequisite to this program.
Founded in 1933, Colorado State University-Pueblo is a public university and a member of the Colorado State University System. Students taking online classes at CSU have access to CSU Pueblo Pathways, an advising program of coaches and mentors to help them reach their academic and career goals.
Colorado State University-Pueblo Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 36% (undergraduate); 93% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 39%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $44,449
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Colorado State University-Pueblo
- Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. This undergraduate program takes four years to complete. It provides students with the industry skills necessary to manage construction-related projects.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Science and Administration. This program is geared towards healthcare professionals with a two-year degree or healthcare licensure. Students in this program enhance their communicative and administrative skillsets and go on to high-level positions in schools, hospitals, government agencies, and more.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership and Management. This program provides knowledge and expertise in administration, leadership, management, and supervision. College graduates can apply these skills to future experience in business, government, and non-profit organizations.
- Master of Education. This program prepares teachers for PK-12 classrooms. It helps graduate students expand their expertise in educational research, collaboration, and leadership.
- Master of Engineering Management. This program teaches students how to solve technological and engineering problems at the operational, tactical, and strategic levels. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum blends tech and systems theory skills with an overview of business analytics.
Colorado Mesa University offers a wide variety of fully online courses and programs. The online programs at Colorado Mesa offer flexibility that enables students to reach their academic goals. In addition, online students at Colorado Mesa have access to a wealth of academic resources, including a program that allows students to build their own ePortfolio.
Colorado Mesa University Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 8% (undergraduate); 53% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 37%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $41,516
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Colorado Mesa University
- Associate of Arts in University Studies, Liberal Arts. This 60-credit program is designed for students who want to pursue upper-division academic studies in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences. Students in this multidisciplinary program gain skills in communication, critical thinking, and specialized knowledge.
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. This program provides students with the skills and abilities they need to be competitive business professionals. Students in this program gain an understanding of the modern business world, from tech to customer demands to new approaches to environmental sustainability.
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership and Policy. This is a six-semester accelerated program, including summers. Students learn how to critique criminal justice policy, evaluate complex ethical issues, and implement leadership theories.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice. This program is designed for nurses who are looking for advanced practice roles. The program includes a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours and focuses on the application of critical thinking and leadership skills to the nursing practice.
- Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences. The certificate program is designed for high school teachers who already have a BA in education and need social sciences credentials to teach history and political science courses. It requires the completion of 18 credit hours.
The Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public college founded in 1965. This university offers 28 online undergraduate degrees and five graduate degrees. MSU Denver also offers a thousand-dollar scholarship for new or returning online students.
Metropolitan State University of Denver Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 8% (undergraduate); 20% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 36%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $47,439
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Certificate in Water Studies. This program was created for people interested in learning how to safeguard water resources. Students learn history, law, management, and water trends in Colorado and the American West.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Intelligence. This undergraduate program teaches relevant skills in programming, problem-solving, database management, and market research. It also gives undergraduate students access to cutting-edge data analysis software.
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers as archivists, curators, museum technicians, and conservators.
- Graduate Certificate in Cybercrime Investigation. This four-course certificate program gives students an introduction to the concepts behind the collection and analysis of digital evidence. Students can transfer credits from this program to an MS in Cybersecurity from MSU Denver.
- Master of Health Administration. MHA students at MSU Denver learn the fundamentals of healthcare administration and develop skills in economics, law and ethics, research, organizational development, marketing, strategy, and management of human resources.
Colorado Christian University is a private school founded in 1914. Their online programs are designed with adult learners in mind. They’re flexible, affordable, and can be adapted to any student’s schedule.
Colorado Christian University Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Fully Online Enrollment: 48% (undergraduate); 84% (graduate)
- Overall Graduation Rate: 33%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $45,728
Top Accredited Online College Degrees and Certificate Programs at Colorado Christian University
- Associate of Science in Business Administration. This 60-credit program can be completed in two years. It provides an overview of the functional areas of business that are common to all organizations.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology. This program teaches programming and networking skills, database development and administration, software development, and more. Students can choose from five areas of focus, including cyber security and data engineering. It requires the completion of 120 credit hours.
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice. This program requires the completion of 36 credit hours and focuses on equipping students with practical skills as well as theory-oriented skills.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice. This program is aimed at nurses with an MSN. This practice-focused doctoral program allows nurses to develop their leadership skills and prepare for career advancement.
- Graduate Certificate in Health Care Administration. This program was created for MBA students interested in applying the skills they’ve learned to the healthcare field. It requires the completion of 12 credit hours.
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in Colorado?
The easiest online college that is accredited in Colorado is the University of Denver. The University of Denver has the second-highest graduation rate in the above list at 74 percent. While some courses are bound to be harder than others, a high graduation rate indicates that most students can easily complete a school’s programs.
The University of Denver also enables student success through resources like internship programs, research initiatives, job placement and networking programs, and career advising specialists. Even when enrolled online, students who live close to campus can benefit from career services, the writing center, and the Anderson Academic Commons library.
What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in Colorado?
The cheapest accredited online college in Colorado is Colorado State University-Global Campus. As a non-profit, online public school, CSU-Global offers very affordable tuition rates. Students pay an average annual tuition of $8,700. Undergraduate students pay $8,400, while graduates pay $9,000.
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This school also charges no student fees. There are no out-of-state fees or tuition rates, athletic fees, per-credit fees, or any other charges. Also, tuition at CSU Global is locked in and guaranteed to remain the same as long as the students are enrolled and in good standing.
Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado?
No, there are no free accredited online colleges in Colorado. However, as noted in the previous section, affordable colleges in Colorado with online programs can be easy to find. To reduce the costs of attending college you can apply for federal funding, grants, and scholarships.
If you have your heart set on learning for free, you can try using online resources like MIT OpenCourseWare. This is a free and open collection of material from MIT courses across the entire MIT curriculum. You don’t get any certification from these types of online resources, but they’re still a good option for learning new skills. However, the benefits of enrolling in an accredited online college are far greater.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in Colorado?
You should choose an accredited online college in Colorado because accreditation denotes quality and credibility. An accredited college’s programs are accepted and respected by any potential employer. Accredited schools are also the only schools that offer financial aid options.
Quality and Credibility
Accredited online colleges follow a set of national regulations that guarantee the highest quality and credibility when it comes to their programs. These are always taught by expert leaders in their field, meaning that students get to learn from trustworthy sources.
Respectability
Any degree program obtained from an accredited online school will always be respected by any potential employer. They’ll know that the person they’re hiring has acquired a valuable set of skills necessary for the job.
Financial Aid Availability
Students attending an accredited online school can apply for federal aid or loans to help pay for their studies. As long as they can provide proof of financial need, they can obtain financial aid while enrolled in any program.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado
The most affordable accredited online colleges in Colorado are Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University Global Campus, and Pueblo. The University of Northern Colorado and the Metropolitan State University of Denver are also included in this list.
- Colorado Mesa University | Tuition: $332/Credit. This school offers programs in social sciences, nursing, education, healthcare, business, and criminal justice.
- Colorado State University-Global Campus | Tuition: $350/Credit. The top online programs at CSU-Global include accounting, computer science, information technology, and marketing.
- Colorado State University-Pueblo | Tuition: $355/Credit. CSU-Pueblo offers opportunities for all levels of business and engineering students, from online certifications to graduate degrees.
- University of Northern Colorado | Tuition: $365/Credit. This college focuses on education. It offers licenses, graduate certifications, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in various educational fields.
- Metropolitan State University of Denver | Tuition: $370/Credit. MSU Denver offers 41 online programs across a wide range of fields. These programs include anthropology, business, finance, and cyber security.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in Colorado That Accept Financial Aid
The most affordable online accredited colleges in Colorado when it comes to financial aid are Regis University, Colorado Christian University, and the University of Northern Colorado. CSU-Pueblo and Colorado Mesa University also have a high percentage of students receiving financial aid.
- Regis University | Tuition: $184/Credit. 99 percent of this private Jesuit university’s students receive financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships.
- Colorado Christian University | Tuition: $306/Credit. 99 percent of CCU students receive financial aid. Most of them pay their tuition using federal or institutional grants.
- University of Northern Colorado | Tuition: $365/Credit. 99 percent of the students enrolled in this public university receive financial aid. Most of them receive federal or institutional grants.
- Colorado State University-Pueblo | Tuition: $355/Credit. Around 98 percent of this school’s students receive financial aid in the form of federal grants and student loans.
- Colorado Mesa University | Tuition: $332/Credit. 96 percent of students at Colorado Mesa University receive financial aid. Most of it comes in the form of federal grants.
Best Online Schools in Colorado by Popular Subjects
Over the next sections, we’ll be ranking the best online schools in Colorado by popular subjects like Computer Science, Nursing, Medical Coding and Billing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and more.
- Colorado School of Mines. Computer science is the fastest-growing program at Colorado School of Mines. In 2018/19, 98 percent of Computer Science BS graduates found employment in engineering or tech companies.
- Aspen University. Aspen University offers a doctoral degree in Computer Science. Their PhD program is flexible and affordable and prepares students for careers in academia and senior positions in the industry.
- Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs. This school offers online learners a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Computer Science. Students at any level can also pursue concentrations in cyber security and data science.
- Regis University. Regis University offers eight different types of online nursing programs. These include master’s programs, certificate programs, and a DNP program.
- University of Northern Colorado. Students can complete online nursing programs through the UNC School of Nursing. This college offers online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs for nursing students, in addition to graduate certificate programs.
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus. This school is at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine, and healthcare. Its College of Nursing offers a wide variety of online nursing programs.
- Regis University This school offers a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. Students learn entry-level occupational therapy clinical skills as well as how to develop beneficial programs, influence policy, and advocate for occupational therapy.
- Regis University. Regis University offers a Residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Both these programs offer clinical experience and the opportunity to learn from nationally-recognized professionals.
- Colorado State University. CSU offers a 120-credit, online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. This program is taught by expert faculty who incorporate their current research in their courses.
- Regis University. This college also offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. Students are encouraged to apply the analytical and people skills they learn from this program in internship, service learning, and research opportunities.
- Aspen University. Aspen University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies. Students learn essential concepts of psychology, sociology, and addiction theory needed for careers as addiction counselors or psychologists.
- University of Denver. This school offers several online education degrees. These include a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education and an MA in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies.
- Colorado State University. CSU offers a wide variety of online graduate programs for education students. For example, interested CSU students can obtain an online master’s in natural sciences education.
- University of Northern Colorado. Most UNC online programs focus on different areas of education, from curriculum studies to dance education to early childhood special education.
- Colorado State University. CSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies as well as a Master of Social Work.
- Colorado State University-Global Campus CSU Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Services program. Students in this program gain broad knowledge in psychology, social work, rehabilitation, and family support.
- Metropolitan State University of Denver. MSU Denver’s online Bachelor of Science in Social Work program was the first of its kind in Colorado. It is taught by experts in the field and experienced online instructors.
- Regis University. Regis University offers a BS and an MS in Criminology. These programs are taught by police chiefs, undercover detectives, security consultants, and crime scene investigators who use their personal work experience to give students transferable skills and technical knowledge.
- Colorado Christian University. CCU offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The MS in Criminal Justice program requires the completion of 36 credits and focuses on ethics, leadership, contemporary social problems, and solutions through a Christian lens.
- Colorado Mesa University. CMU’s MA in Criminal Justice Leadership and Policy program is a very competitive accelerated academic program. Students must complete a capstone project related to evidence-based practices, leadership, or administration of criminal justice practices and policies.
- Regis University. Regis University offers an accelerated BS and MS in Accounting. These programs open doors for all types of accounting careers. For example, students with an MS in Accounting can meet the requirements for CPA licensure.
- Colorado State University-Global Campus. CSU Global offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Students in this program acquire broad knowledge in legal compliance and ethics, finance, marketing, leadership, economics, qualitative decision-making, and more.
- Metropolitan State University of Denver. MSU Denver’s online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program gives students a skillset that they can take with them into any field of business.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in Colorado
The best accredited online colleges with associate degree programs are Colorado Christian University, Colorado Mesa University, and Aspen University. Pikes Peak Community College and Nazarene Bible College also offer great associate degree programs in Colorado.
- Colorado Christian University | Associate of Science in Business Administration. This two-year program provides students with an overview of the functional areas of business that are common to all organizations.
- Colorado Mesa University | Associate of Arts in University Studies, Liberal Arts. This program was designed for students looking to study the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences. It’s a great starting point for students who are exploring career or major options but aren’t looking to commit to a particular track.
- Aspen University | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies. This AAS program teaches students how to organize and lead early childhood education programs and prepares them to serve as assistant teachers in preschools, private kindergartens, private elementary schools, and more.
- Pikes Peak Community College | Associate of Arts/Applied Science in Criminal Justice. The Criminal Justice program at Pikes Peak prepares students for entry-level careers or higher-level criminology degrees. Students gain knowledge of the criminal justice system, criminal theory, communication, and relational skills.
- Nazarene Bible College | Associate of Arts in Ministry. This AA program is designed for students who wish to serve as lay workers in churches or Christian organizations, either as volunteers or as paid staff members.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Colorado
The best accredited online colleges with bachelor’s degree programs are Colorado Christian University, Colorado Mesa University, and CSU Global. CSU Pueblo and the Metropolitan State University of Denver also offer bachelor’s degree programs in Colorado.
- Colorado Christian University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology. This 120-credit program prepares students for careers in computer programming, network design and management, technical support, and information security, among other emerging technical fields.
- Colorado Mesa University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. The Business Administration in Management program gives students valuable skills and knowledge that they can apply directly in any position in the business field.
- Colorado State University-Global Campus | Bachelor of Science in Finance. This flexible program teaches students the foundations of financial management, fiscal decision-making, and how to use the latest technology to shape financial strategies.
- Colorado State University-Pueblo | Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership and Management. This four-year program covers leadership and management skills across industries like accounting, economics, communication technology, and marketing.
- Metropolitan State University of Denver | Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. MSU Denver’s BA in Anthropology program focuses on four study areas, including cultural anthropology and archaeology. Graduates of this program are prepared for a wide variety of career fields, from ESL interpretation to academic research.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in Colorado
The best accredited online colleges with master’s degree programs are Colorado Christian University, Colorado Mesa University, and the Colorado School of Mines. CSU Global and Pueblo also offer popular master’s degree programs in the state of Colorado.
- Colorado Christian University | Master of Science in Cyber Security. CCU’s online graduate program in cyber security prepares students for careers in digital forensics, cyber criminology, cyber entrepreneurship, systems security, and cyber architecture.
- Colorado Mesa University | Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership and Policy. Over the course of six semesters, students learn how to critique criminal justice policies and practices, how to implement advanced leadership theories and skills in policy development and administration.
- Colorado School of Mines | Master of Engineering in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geoinformatics. This online program focuses on teaching students about the technology and policies necessary to maintain and preserve spatial data. The program’s faculty is composed of GIS experts.
- Colorado State University-Global Campus | Master of Science in AI and Machine Learning. This fully accredited degree program trains students to analyze and associate AI principles with reasoning and implement holistic AI solutions for any problem. This program prepares students for advanced roles in the most cutting-edge tech fields.
- Colorado State University-Pueblo | Master of Education Program. This program is designed for teachers who wish to expand their skillset and study the latest research on teaching and learning. They can then apply this knowledge in their own classrooms.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in Colorado
You should attend an accredited online college in Colorado because accredited schools are equipped to provide the best online education possible. Virtual schools in Colorado offer flexible and affordable programs that allow students to pursue their educational goals without sacrificing other responsibilities.
Accredited Online Colleges in Colorado FAQ
When a school has Candidate for Accreditation status, it means that they’re being closely investigated to see if they’re fit for accreditation. These schools are usually making satisfactory progress toward compliance with accreditation criteria, but it doesn’t guarantee that they’ll be accredited in the immediate future.
The main difference between an accredited and an unaccredited program is that accredited schools meet a prescribed standard of education. This doesn’t necessarily mean that an unaccredited program is of poor quality, it just means it doesn’t meet the approved standards.
An assurance argument is a rigorous review and analysis of a university’s strengths and weaknesses. It is used to see if the school is meeting the criteria and established standards for accreditation.
An accrediting agency ensures that the courses and programs provided by a university meet acceptable levels of quality. They develop the evaluation criteria and analyze each school to see if they meet those criteria. Whenever the schools succeed, they become accredited.
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