Questing after quality, affordable online colleges in Colorado? Well, Affordable Schools has mapped 10 cheap online Colorado colleges. This article will point your compass toward great online schools for hiking into higher education.
Admitted as the 38th state on August 1, 1876, Colorado is one of the “Four Corners” covering 104,094 square miles in the Southern Rocky Mountains. The Census Bureau records the 21st largest population of 5.75 million people in Colorado. In the last decade, Colorado’s resident count has jumped 14.5 percent. Bachelor’s degree attainment in Colorado has also increased to 40.1 percent. Two-thirds of Coloradans attend at least some college. The Colorado Department of Higher Education tallies 406,037 college students statewide. Colorado offers 31 public, 104 private, and 354 occupational schools. For instance, the University of Denver is Colorado’s oldest institution chartered by Territorial Governor John Evans in 1864. The U.S. Air Force Academy is Colorado’s most selective college with an 11 percent acceptance rate. Deep Springs College is Colorado’s smallest school with only 24-30 learners enrolled near Bishop each year. From Grand Junction to Greeley, Colorado has an unparalleled collection of diverse study options.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Maryland 14th for PreK-12 and ninth for post-secondary education. Colorado has Forbes’ second-best economic climate with a $391 billion GSP. The “Centennial State” also has the 10th highest median household income of $68,811. Yet, that doesn’t mean affording education after high school is easy for everyone. Rising college expenses are forcing some Coloradans to forgo the classroom. Colorado schools charge an average $7,043 in-state and $16,919 out-of-state price each year. Dollar signs add up even faster at certain private colleges. For instance, Colorado College will charge a fixed tuition of $60,390 for 2020-21. Traditional Regis University programs cost $37,830 annually and Johnson & Wales University Denver bills $34,376. Higher education shouldn’t require a second mortgage though. The AS Staff looks for schooling that’s low-cost and low-residency online to suit everyone’s needs. Ergo, we researched the 10 most affordable online Colorado schools for under $13,000 in-state.
Methodology
First, Affordable Schools accessed the U.S. Department of Education’s NCES database. We used the dropdown menu to select Colorado. We ticked the boxes for four-year bachelor’s and advanced degrees. To aim for affordable colleges online, we picked the distance education category. Each Colorado institution had to offer at least one entirely online program. Next, we checked the 24 results for regional accreditation. Colorado is one of the 19 states covered by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Our team removed any cheap online colleges that didn’t feature this regional accreditation on the CHEA website. Then, we looked at our most important ranking factor – affordability. Our staff recorded the average in-state tuition and fees for all remaining Colorado schools. We focused only on full-time attendance costs (30 credits per year) for Colorado residents. We kept just 10 universities with the College Navigator’s lowest 2018-19 prices. Here are the best cheap online schools in Colorado.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Colorado Colleges
10. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $12,529
Named a 2018 WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies Award finalist, Colorado Technical University is a private, for-profit “Military Friendly” school that’s led by President Andrew Hurst with $91.2 million revenue from openly enrolling 26,184 students. Nine HLC-accredited divisions are available entirely online, on its 13-acre Colorado Springs campus, and at the Aurora Center with a 28:1 student-faculty ratio for 56 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CTU 41st for online technology and 52nd for online criminal justice programs. On Niche, CTU boasts America’s 239th best student life. Washington Monthly named Colorado Tech the 206th best West value. Colorado Technical University begins our 10 best affordable online schools with a $12,529 in-state price. Since 2003, the CTU Virtual Classroom has developed hundreds of 5.5-week online modules and Fast Track exams to graduate quicker. Online pupils pursue four associate, 39 bachelor’s, 34 master’s, and 15 doctoral degrees like the:
- Associate of Science in Health Administration Services
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion
- Bachelor of Science in Project Management
- Master of Business Administration in Marketing
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Software Engineering
- Doctor of Management in Homeland Security
- Doctor of Computer Science in Big Data Analytics
9. American Sentinel University
Denver, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $10,800
Home to the 2012 OLC Bourne Outstanding Achievement in Online Education Award winner, American Sentinel University is a private, for-profit health sciences institution overseen by President Mary Adams that’s worth $17.9 million for teaching 2,674 nurse leaders with 100 percent acceptance. Two American Sentinel divisions earned HLC accreditation in February 2020 for an “Empowered Classroom” online with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked American Sentinel in the top 10 for online nursing student engagement. Online Degree Reviews named ASU the 44th top distance college. Best Value Schools picked ASU fifth for online nursing bachelor’s degrees. American Sentinel University is Affordable Schools’ ninth best cheap Colorado online college with $10,800 annual tuition. On Moodle, American Sentinel has monthly starts for eight-week online courses with 3D virtual simulations and one-on-one support. Online learners pick two undergrad and 14 graduate programs, such as the:
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Business Administration in Healthcare
- Master of Science in Nursing Case Management
- Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
- Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Master of Science in Infection Prevention and Control
- Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Educational Leadership
8. Nazarene Bible College
Colorado Springs, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $10,080
Affiliated with the 2014 Church of the Nazarene Life-Time Achievement Award recipient, Nazarene Bible College is a private, coed Christian ABHE member that’s endowed for $2.73 million under President Harold Graves Jr. to educate 1,284 students from 48 states at an average age of 41. The HLC-accredited school maintains a low 7:1 student-faculty ratio online and at its 43-acre Colorado Springs campus on Kelly Johnson Blvd. for 65 percent retention. College Factual ranked NBC 63rd for Biblical studies and 47th for theology majors. Christian Universities Online named NBC the 35th best affordable faith-based college. PayScale placed NBC 19th in Colorado for a $60,100 median salary potential. Nazarene Bible College is the AS Staff’s eighth best affordable Colorado school online with a $10,080 universal cost. On DCourseWeb, the Online Education Department offers 150+ asynchronous 24/7 courses with an AdVantage structure during seven six-week sessions. Online pupils engage in these four fully online options:
- Associate of Arts in Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts in Ministry
- Ministry Preparation Program
- Substitute Teaching Certificate
7. Denver College of Nursing
Denver, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $10,033
Presented a 2018 AACN Denver Chapter Circle of Excellence Award, the Denver College of Nursing is a private, single-purpose health sciences institution run by President Cathy Maxwell that employs 152 faculty teaching 878 nurses with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at a 13:1 ratio. The Denver College of Nursing delivers programs with HLC and ACEN accreditation online or at its 7,611-square-foot Lawrence Street complex for 100 percent RN licensure success. On Niche, DCN boasts America’s 183rd best location and 191st safest learning environment. College Factual ranked DCN 71st for the most popular nursing education. RegisteredNursing.org placed DCN 10th for online RN to BSN studies. Denver College of Nursing stands seventh in our best cheap online Colorado colleges with a $10,033 yearly total. On Blackboard Collaborate, the Online Campus offers 24/7 tech support and free tutoring for cohorts of 15-25 to pass 11-week quarter courses. Online students can transfer up to 90 credits to accelerate four degrees:
- LPN to Associate Degree in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator
6. University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $9,987
Conferred the 2007 AASCU Christa McAuliffe Award for Teacher Education Excellence, the University of Northern Colorado is a public, coed Big Sky member that’s managed by President Andy Feinstein and endowed for $87.6 million to teach 12,084 Bears from 40+ countries. Five HLC-accredited colleges have a 91 percent admission rate to study online, on its 260-acre Greeley campus, and at four satellites with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked UNCO 35th for online education degrees and 66th for online bachelor’s. Forbes deemed UNCO the 215th top research institution. Washington Monthly named UNCO the 145th best national college. The University of Northern Colorado is our list’s sixth best affordable online college in Colorado that charges $9,987 in-state. On Canvas since Fall 2019, the Extended Campus has developed 250+ seven-week online courses with NC-SARA approval in 50 states. Online learners pursue five bachelor’s, 33 master’s, and five doctoral majors like the:
- Bachelor of Arts in ASL English Interpretation
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Completion
- Master of Arts in Gifted Education Specialist
- Master of Science in Sport Administration
- Master of Science in Dietetics
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Biological Sciences
- Master of Arts in Dance Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education
5. Adams State University
Alamosa, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $9,440
Awarded the 1999 NCAA Division II Sears Directors’ Cup, Adams State University is a public, Hispanic-serving RMC member that’s endowed for $63.3 million under President Cheryl Lovell to educate 1,997 undergrad and 1,113 post-grad Grizzlies from 11 nations with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Adams State splits into six HLC-accredited departments available online and on its 90-acre San Luis Valley campus with 59 percent retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Adams in the top 113 West schools with the 36th best social mobility. On Niche, ASU features America’s 198th most diverse students. The Economist declared ASU the 493rd most value-added institution. Adams State University made our top five cheap Colorado online colleges with a $9,440 in-state rate. On Blackboard Learn 9.1, Adams State Online provides an accelerated eight- or 16-week format for 100+ courses with Instructional Technology Center resources. Online majors select from four bachelor’s and eight graduate offerings, including the:
- Bachelor of Arts in Media Industry and Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Criminology Emphasis
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Master of Arts in Humanities with History Emphasis
- Master of Science in Kinesiology
- Master of Arts in Music Education
- Master of Business Administration in Finance
- Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration & Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education
4. Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $8,686
Granted a 2015 SPJ Region 9 Mark of Excellence Award, Colorado Mesa University is a public, space-grant AASCU member administered by President Tim Foster that gifts $78 million in yearly financial aid to support 75 percent of the 11,044 Mavericks from 35+ countries. The Academic Affairs Office oversees 13 CMU departments online, on its 86-acre Grand Junction campus, and at the Montrose Center with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Colorado Mesa in the top 173 online nursing and best 345 online bachelor’s schools. Forbes deemed CMU the 109th best institution in the West. On Niche, CMU attracts America’s 228th most conservative students. Colorado Mesa University finished fourth for our affordable online Colorado colleges with $8,686 in-state tuition. On D2L Brightspace, the Distance Education Division provides seven-week, HLC-accredited online courses endorsed by Quality Matters. Online students complete 10 undergrad and six post-grad programs, such as the:
- Associate of Arts in University Studies
- Associate of Arts in Social Science
- Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Radiologic Sciences
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Master of Business Administration in Accounting
- Master of Science in Nursing Educator
- Graduate Certificate in Rhetoric and Literacy Studies
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner
3. University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $8,524
Chosen for the 2018 ABCA Academic Excellence Award, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs is a public, research-based AACSB member that’s supervised by Chancellor Venkat Reddy with a $35 million endowment to educate 12,197 Mountain Lions who achieve an average 1124 SAT score. Six HLC-accredited colleges are accessible online and at its 520-acre El Paso County campus with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio for 70 percent full-time retention. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Colorado Springs 14th for criminal justice, 29th for nursing, and 35th for education degrees online. Forbes crowned UCCS the 246th top value. The Sierra Club named UCCS the 63rd coolest school. The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs is the AS Staff’s third best affordable online college that bills $8,524 in-state. Since 1996, UCCS Connect has grown to deliver 450+ eight- and 16-week online courses on Canvas with 24/7 Kraemer Library access. Online pupils pursue 10 undergrad and 19 post-grad options, including the:
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Engineering in Space Operations
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. Colorado State University Global
Aurora, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $8,400
Given a 2017 UPCEA Marketing & Enrollment Management Excellence Award, Colorado State University Global is a public, nonprofit adult-oriented OLC member endowed for $376 million that’s led by President Becky Takeda-Tinker to serve 18,908 Golden Eagles from 54+ nations. CSU Global splits into 10 HLC-accredited areas available online with a 32:1 student-faculty ratio for a 61 percent graduation rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CSU Global 11th for online bachelor’s, 17th for online criminal justice, and 59th for online business degrees. Forbes named Colorado State the 71st top public college system. Military Times crowned CSU Global the second best for vets university. Colorado State University Global is also Affordable Schools’ second best cheap online college with a $8,400 in-state annual total. Launched in 2007, the Global Campus utilizes Canvas to start eight-week online courses each month with free Smarthinking tutoring. Online learners enroll in 14 bachelor’s and 14 master’s degrees like the:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Science in Teaching and Learning
- Master of Science in International Management
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
1. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO
Average In-State Tuition: $8,151
Picked for a 2018 Online Learning Consortium Effective Practice Award, Metropolitan State University of Denver is an urban public, space-grant RMC member organized by President Janine Davidson that’s endowed for $10.9 million to inspire 20,192 Roadrunners from 60+ nations. Four MSU colleges maintain a 17:1 student-faculty ratio online, on its 127-acre Auraria campus, and at the Greenwood Village Technological Center with a 64 percent admission rate. The U.S. News & World Report ranked MSU Denver the fifth most innovative school in the West. Washington Monthly named MSU the 279th top baccalaureate institution. Military Times declared MSU the 32nd best for vets college. Metropolitan State University of Denver scored our #1 spot for affordable online Colorado colleges with $8,151 in-state costs. On Blackboard, the Extended Campus provides online HLC-accredited courses of 7-14 weeks long with Jordan Student Success Center services. Online pupils earn 11 bachelor’s and seven graduate majors, such as the:
- Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Registered Nurse BSN Completion
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Graduate Certificate in Cyber Defense
Affordable online Colorado schools get even cheaper when you earn financial aid too. Founded in 1965 by House Bill 1187, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) has several state-based funding options. For example, the Colorado Student Grant awards more than $115.4 million each year to nearly 57,000 full- and part-time undergrads at qualifying colleges. The Colorado Graduate Grant provides up to $5,000 to post-bachelor’s learners taking 4+ credits each semester for advancement. The Colorado National Guard Tuition Assistance Grant covers 100 percent of public, in-state tuition for over 3,500 citizen-soldier members. Other opportunities include the Partner Colorado Foundation Scholarship, Horatio Alger Scholarship, Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship, Pinnacol College Scholarship, Centennial Collegiate Scholarship, Burg Simpson Scholarship, Daniels Fund Scholarship, Guardian Scholars Scholarship, Alexander Foundation Scholarship, and A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship. Maximizing your financial aid resources and choosing a cheap Colorado online college could help you graduate virtually debt-free.
AS Staff
March 2020
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