University of Colorado Online: Programs, Cost & Outcomes (2026)

University of Colorado Online (CU Online) is a public institution drawing from three campuses in the University of Colorado system: CU Boulder, CU Denver, and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), CU Online delivers programs from nationally ranked departments — including CU Boulder’s computer science program and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus nursing programs. With 31,939 students enrolled, the system offers a mid-size university experience with research-university credentials.

At a Glance

Cost and Financial Aid

In-state tuition at CU Online is $15,666 per year. Out-of-state students pay $44,918 per year — the widest in-state/out-of-state gap among the schools profiled. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $25,346 per year.

14% of students receive Federal Pell Grants — the lowest rate among profiled schools, reflecting a student body with generally higher household income. 25% of students take out federal student loans. Median graduate debt is $19,500.

Net Price by Family Income

CU Online provides substantial aid for lower-income students — families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $14,231, while higher-income families pay more than double that. Use the EFC Calculator to estimate your personal cost.

Student Outcomes

CU Online graduates earn a median salary of $69,738 ten years after enrollment — the highest among the online schools profiled on this site. At the six-year mark, median earnings are $54,939.

ROI Snapshot

With median debt of $19,500 and median 10-year earnings of $69,738, CU Online graduates earn approximately $3.58 for every $1 of debt at graduation. The 75% graduation rate and 90% retention rate are the strongest among online schools profiled — students who enroll at CU are very likely to complete their degree. Use the ROI Calculator to model your personal scenario.

Programs

CU Online offers programs across 6 major fields, drawing from multiple campuses within the CU system.

Business and Management

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Business (CU Denver)
• MBA (CU Denver)
• M.S. Finance (CU Denver)

CU Denver business school; AACSB-accredited programs across CU system.

Education and Teaching

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

• M.A. Education (CU Denver)
• Ed.D. Leadership (CU Denver)
• M.A. Curriculum and Instruction (UCCS)

Multiple campus options; doctoral education leadership.

Technology and Computer Science

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Computer Science (CU Boulder)
• M.S. Computer Science (CU Boulder)
• M.S. Data Science (CU Boulder)
• M.S. Electrical Engineering (UCCS)

CU Boulder CS programs ranked nationally; data science and engineering online options.

Nursing and Healthcare

Degree levels: Master’s, Doctoral

• M.S. Nursing (CU Anschutz)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (CU Anschutz)

CU Anschutz Medical Campus — top-ranked nursing and health programs.

Psychology and Counseling

Degree levels: Master’s

• M.A. Counseling (UCCS)
• M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CU Denver)

CACREP-accredited counseling programs.

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Communication (CU Denver)
• M.A. Communication (CU Boulder)

CU Boulder and CU Denver communication and media programs.

Who CU Online Is Best For

CU Online is the strongest choice for students who want research-university credentials delivered online. The CU Boulder computer science and CU Anschutz nursing programs carry national reputations that translate directly to hiring. The 75% graduation rate and $69,738 median earnings are the best among the schools profiled here.

The trade-off is cost — out-of-state students face $44,918 in published tuition, and even the average net price of $25,346 is higher than many alternatives. Students seeking lower-cost options with strong outcomes should compare ASU Online ($14,967 avg net price, $62,668 10yr earnings) or WGU ($12,548 avg net price, $60,615 10yr earnings).

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Program availability and costs are subject to change. Contact University of Colorado Online directly for the most current information.