Why CU Online?

Recognized for Excellence
in Higher Education

The University of Colorado is a pioneer in distance education. Since offering our first online courses in 1996, CU Online has evolved to deliver engaging, high-quality, and fully online degree programs to the people of Colorado and the United States.

Nationally Recognized
Best College
U.S. News & World Report

Ranked #17
Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
U.S. News & World Report

Ranked #23
Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
U.S. News & World Report

Increasing Access for Learners of All Types

Today, CU Online offers the same world-class undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and certificate programs available on-campus at CU Denver and CU Anschutz. Whether you're an adult learner, a working professional, new to college or someone who just needs the flexibility to earn a degree in a way that fits your lifestyle – CU Online is designed for you. 

We are committed to empowering you through education. If you want to learn and are ready to earn a high-quality degree that can help you build a better life and a lasting career, you can find an affordable online degree program that meets your needs at CU Online.

Degrees Designed for the Real World

If you are a working professional, a parent, a military veteran, a first-time college student, a transfer student, a graduate student or living in a remote area – CU Online could be the perfect choice for you.

Students earning their degree with CU Online are engaged by our curriculum and connected to their fellow students and instructors. Our online students come from diverse backgrounds but have a common goal: earning a quality degree that can propel their future. CU Online provides a variety of tools to make online learning fun, collaborative, and available to everyone. Hear from our online students in this video.

The University of Colorado is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is a regional accreditation agency that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities that are based in a 19-state region of the United States. Regional accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution, including its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources. HLC’s institutional accreditation includes all degree levels as well as onsite and online offerings. Institutions of higher education in the United States may also seek accreditation through national or specialized accreditation agencies. National accreditation associations, like regional accreditors, accredit the institution as a whole. Specialized accreditation agencies accredit programs, departments or schools within a college or university.

Regional accreditation agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities. There are six regions of the United States that regional agencies oversee. The regional accreditation agencies have similar standards for accrediting colleges and universities.

The University of Colorado and CU Online are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation and State Regulatory Authorization for Online Education

The following information explains the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus status with regard to offering online education to students located outside of Colorado. Currently, students located in any state may now enroll in all online courses, programs, certificates or degrees offered by the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) – In Spring 2015, the University of Colorado Boulder became an official member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) (https://www.nc-sara.org/states/CO) and began participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). A “State authorization reciprocity agreement” is an agreement between two or more States that authorizes an institution located and legally authorized in a State covered by the agreement to provide postsecondary education through distance education (online) or correspondence courses to students in other States covered by the agreement.

Please view our document on State authorization for Online Education as well as the complaint process by state.

The Business School at the University of Colorado Denver
is Among the Top 5% Accredited by AACSB International

The Business School at the University of Colorado Denver has sustained AACSB accreditation at both undergraduate and graduate levels for over 28 years. The AACSB accreditation entails a meticulous internal review and evaluation process. During this review period, the school must develop and implement a mission-driven plan to satisfy 21 quality standards relating to faculty qualification, strategic management of resources, and interactions of faculty and students. Other key measures include a commitment to continuous improvement and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.

The Nursing Programs at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nurse residency programs.