Best Online Community Colleges in Colorado
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Colorado's online community colleges offer an accessible pathway to higher education, catering to diverse academic interests. The state’s leading institutions provide a range of accredited online associate programs, allowing you to balance personal and professional commitments.
Key Takeaways:
- Pueblo Community College ranks #1 overall, excelling with a median graduate earnings of $45,491.
- Front Range Community College, ranked #2 overall, stands out with the highest online enrollment at 3,842 students.
- Pikes Peak State College is notable for its substantial military enrollment of 1,983 students, positioning it in the top 5% nationally for this metric.
Our ranking methodology prioritizes institutions with the highest Salary Scoreâ„¢ and highest online enrollment, ensuring comprehensive and data-driven evaluations. We meticulously analyze alumni salary outcomes and online enrollment data, providing prospective students with essential insights for informed decision-making.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team ranks community colleges in each featured state using Salary Score, our proprietary measure of how graduates' earnings compare with those of students who earned the same associate degrees elsewhere. Using U.S. Department of Education earnings data, we compare each college's associate graduates with graduates of the same degrees nationwide, providing a degree-level perspective of financial outcomes rather than relying on institution-wide earnings.
When there isn't enough data to calculate a reliable Salary Score, we rank eligible schools by online enrollment, highlighting colleges with larger, more established distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
Best Online Community Colleges in Colorado
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Online Enrollment | Recommendation | Annual Tuition | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pueblo Community College | B- | 1,252 | N/A | $12,105 | $50,640 | |
| Front Range Community College | N/A | 3,842 | 86% | $11,814 | $49,251 | |
| Pikes Peak State College | N/A | 3,480 | 50% | $12,105 | $47,745 | |
| Community College of Denver | N/A | 1,905 | 100% | $12,105 | $48,007 | |
| Aims Community College | N/A | 1,167 | 79% | $2,610 | $47,572 | |
| Colorado Mountain College | N/A | 455 | 100% | $6,420 | $47,687 | |
| Lamar Community College | N/A | 48 | N/A | $12,105 | $49,165 |
Why we like them: Standing out for its earnings median, PCC offers graduates an impressive $45,491, positioning it just above the average range relative to its peers. This makes it a financially sound investment if you are looking to balance cost and future earning potential. Moreover, with 94% of its students availing financial aid, PCC demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting its student body financially, making it an accessible option. Also, the college's significant online enrollment of 1,252 students indicates a well-established virtual learning environment that leverages a digital infrastructure.
- Online Enrollment: 1,252 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,105
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,152
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $50,640
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 31%
- Retention Rate: 0%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: FRCC's ranking is driven significantly by its online student body. If we were to compare FRCC's online enrollment with that of other community colleges, it would be in the top 11%. This strong online presence allows you to be part of a dynamic and expansive community of learners. The institution also impresses with 100% of its students receiving financial aid. With 48 fully online programs to choose from, you have numerous options. Whether you seek an associate degree or a certificate in fields like business or information systems, FRCC offers diverse and flexible online learning opportunities to meet your needs.
5 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees
I am a physically disabled student who has many struggles however the disabilities office and teachers are very helpful in making sure I graduate. The school is a very good school in my opinion with a great network. The tutoring program is great and they... Read More
Front Range Community College in Westminster Colorado is the best 2 year college in Colorado. I have been going there since 2010 and will be graduating next year. The reason I have spent so much time at this school is because I feel like I am receiving... Read More
If I could have stayed at this school and earned a bachelor's degree from Front Range, I would have. Around 98% of my instructors were wonderful and the classes taught me a lot. The class sizes were small which was helpful because you can get to know... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Front Range Community College are strongly favorable, driven by high ratings and unanimous recommendations. Students frequently praise small classes, accessible instructors, and teaching quality they describe as comparable to, or better than, early university coursework. Several highlight the college’s affordability, convenience, and usefulness as a clear academic stepping stone. Support services also stand out, including tutoring, labs, disability accommodations, and responsive department leadership when concerns arise. The main criticism centers on the financial aid office, where busy staff and limited frontline expertise can make complex questions difficult to resolve. Overall, students describe a caring, academically supportive environment.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,842 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,814
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,708
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $49,251
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 35%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: Pikes Peak has 3,480 students learning remotely, placing it among the top 12% of schools nationwide for popularity among distance learners. This significant virtual presence demonstrates the institution's ability to deliver quality education at scale. Additionally, the support for military personnel is noteworthy, with 1,983 military students enrolled, positioning the college in the top 5% nationwide for military enrollment — a clear indicator of its dedication to serving those who serve. The college offers a range of online degrees, including associate programs and certificates, which span disciplines such as business, healthcare, and information technology.
1 Student Review for Associate Degrees
Pikes Peak Community College accepted most of my transfer credits from another college. My advisors are spectacular. The professors give one on one attention.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Pikes Peak State College are sharply divided. One reviewer praises the school for accepting most transfer credits, which reduced repetition and likely lowered costs, while also highlighting exceptional advising and professors who provide meaningful one-on-one attention. Another reviewer describes a deeply negative experience, citing uncaring instructors, a dismissive administrative response, and allegations of harassment and inappropriate personal comments from a faculty member. The contrast suggests that support quality may vary significantly by individual experience. Students who are satisfied emphasize personalized guidance and flexibility, while dissatisfied students raise serious concerns about professionalism, respect, and institutional accountability.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,480 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,105
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,152
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $47,745
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: CCD excels with a notable median earnings of $44,096 for graduates, placing it just below the top half of U.S. institutions. This impressive earning potential is complemented by an online enrollment of 1,905 students, indicating a thriving and accessible virtual learning environment. CCD Online offers various flexible options encompassing online courses, hybrid classes with a face-to-face component, and other specialized courses. This variety ensures that you can pursue your academic goals while managing your personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
1 Student Review for Associate Degrees
I like this program because it is affordable, unlike some other Radiology programs in the area. The class size is small and the number of clinical sites available is large.
- Online Enrollment: 1,905 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,105
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,152
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $48,007
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 20%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: Aim's ranking is due to its online enrollment, with 1,167 students engaged in online courses, placing it among the top 33% of institutions for online education. This factor exemplifies the strong demand and substantial infrastructure that support a thriving virtual learning environment. Complementing this, Aims boasts a solid recommendation rate of 85%, underscoring the satisfaction of its graduates. Additionally, the affordable tuition of $10,850 makes it an accessible option for many.
11 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees
Aims was a great school to attend while I worked it was very flexible with my schedule and I still felt like k was very connected in the classes. The online classes that they offer have a great way of still being very helpful and explanatory! I enjoyed... Read More
Aims Community College is a great school. They offer all the degree programs as a University. I chose this Community College because all there classes are transferable and are half the price that a University would charge. The teachers are there because... Read More
Aims is a fantastic institution to start at! I am so glad I went there before I went to UNC. Save yourself 1000's of dollars and go to Aims first. Aims has small class sizes, qualified instructors, and the best part is it is absolutely affordable. I got... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Aims Community College are largely favorable, with many describing a supportive, accessible experience built around small classes, flexible online and in-person scheduling, and affordable tuition. Several reviewers say those factors made it possible to work full time, avoid significant debt, transfer smoothly, and continue their education beyond Aims. Instructors are often praised as caring, approachable, and personally invested, while admissions, financial aid, and book-rental systems receive positive mention. Critical reviews focus on administrative errors, poor communication, lack of empathy in resolving billing or advising problems, and, in one area, subjective grading, favoritism, and weak support during clinical placements.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,167 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $2,610
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,910
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $47,572
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: CMC hosts hundreds of online students, reflecting the school's commitment to offering accessible and flexible higher education options. This online school is further strengthened by its favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, indicating you are likely to receive more personalized attention from instructors. Overall, CMC features more than 130 programs at 11 campus locations, and over 40 of these programs are available in a 100% online format.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Colorado Mountain College as a strong fit for people seeking a nontraditional, small-scale college experience rather than a large university atmosphere. Students praise the intimate class sizes, saying instructors know them personally and create a more supportive learning environment. Affordability stands out as a major advantage, with one reviewer noting the ability to graduate with almost no debt. Another recurring strength is the school’s connection to surrounding communities, which gives students access to meaningful real-world experience before graduation. The mountain setting and quieter campus culture also appeal to those who value a more personalized and less conventional experience.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 455 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $6,420
- Out-of-State Tuition: $16,350
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $47,687
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 27%
- Retention Rate: 40%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Why we like them: At LCC, nearly every student — 99% — benefits from financial aid packages, positioning it in the top 30% of schools nationally. The financial aid provided is also pretty substantial, with an average of $8,216. Additionally, LCC grants you access to a selection of online degrees and certificates through LCC Online and CCCOnline. This includes a mixture of fully online and hybrid courses, enhancing flexibility and convenience for your educational journey.
- Online Enrollment: 48 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $12,105
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,152
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: $49,165
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit