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Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

60 Schools Ranked
$42,590 Average Earnings
$23,061 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education opportunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 60 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region to see which ones had the most popular online programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah
49,508 Total Awards
$62,838 Average Earnings
$26,218 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Western Governors University the most popular school in the Rocky Mountains Region for students working on their degree. Salt Lake City, Utah is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 49,508 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WGU accumulate an average of $26,218 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, WGU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,838 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read full report on Western Governors University

12,591 Total Awards
$43,719 Average Earnings
$20,616 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Utah Valley University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. UVU is a public institution located in Orem, Utah. The school has a large population, and it awarded 12,591 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,616 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UVU graduates make an average of $43,719 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Full Utah Valley University Report

6,864 Total Awards
$49,482 Average Earnings
$36,481 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 60 schools in the Rocky Mountains Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the large private for-profit school handed out 6,864 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,481 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $170, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,482 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs Report

7,639 Total Awards
$37,650 Average Earnings
$15,533 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Brigham Young University - Idaho. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. BYU - I is a private not-for-profit institution located in Rexburg, Idaho. The school has a large population, and it awarded 7,639 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,533 in student loans.After graduating from BYU - I, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,650 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#5

Colorado State University - Global Campus

Greenwood Village, Colorado
3,895 Total Awards
$59,059 Average Earnings
$31,798 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Colorado State University - Global Campus. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Greenwood Village, Colorado, the fairly large public school handed out 3,895 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Colorado State University - Global Campus accumulate an average of $31,798 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Colorado State University - Global Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,059 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Colorado State University - Global Campus Report

#6

Weber State University

Ogden, Utah
6,445 Total Awards
$46,655 Average Earnings
$21,703 Avg Student Debt

Weber State University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. WSU is located in Ogden, Utah and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 6,445 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from WSU accumulate an average of $21,703 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, WSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,655 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Weber State University

2,419 Total Awards
$26,698 Average Earnings
$16,032 Avg Student Debt

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. This medium-sized private for-profit school is located in Boulder, Colorado, and it awarded 2,419 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,032 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $146, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Escoffier - Boulder, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $26,698 during the early years of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Boulder

#8

Utah State University

Logan, Utah
6,936 Total Awards
$42,623 Average Earnings
$18,083 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Utah State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Logan, Utah is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 6,936 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,083 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from USU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,623 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Full Utah State University Report

7,914 Total Awards
$45,865 Average Earnings
$23,304 Avg Student Debt

Colorado State University - Fort Collins came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Colorado State is located in Fort Collins, Colorado and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 7,914 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Colorado State accumulate an average of $23,304 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $397 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Colorado State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,865 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read full report on Colorado State University - Fort Collins

#10

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, Idaho
2,384 Total Awards
$38,051 Average Earnings
$15,009 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, College of Western Idaho did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. CWI is a fairly large public school situated in Nampa, Idaho. It awarded 2,384 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,009 in student loans.After graduating from CWI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,051 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on College of Western Idaho

#11

Dixie State University

Saint George, Utah
2,658 Total Awards
$35,951 Average Earnings
$21,955 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Dixie State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Dixie State College is located in Saint George, Utah and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,658 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $21,955 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Dixie State College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,951 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Dixie State University Report

5,658 Total Awards
$56,691 Average Earnings
$28,012 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is a large public school located in Denver, Colorado that handed out 5,658 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,012 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $251, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, CU Anschutz graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $56,691 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Report

#13

College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls, Idaho
1,251 Total Awards
$38,411 Average Earnings
$13,340 Avg Student Debt

College of Southern Idaho landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Twin Falls, Idaho, and it awarded 1,251 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $13,340 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from College of Southern Idaho, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,411 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Lewis - Clark State College

Lewiston, Idaho
868 Total Awards
$35,943 Average Earnings
$26,075 Avg Student Debt

Lewis - Clark State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #14 on the list. Lewis - Clark State College is located in Lewiston, Idaho and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 868 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $26,075 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Lewis - Clark State College graduates make an average of $35,943 annually. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado
3,559 Total Awards
$31,856 Average Earnings
$14,776 Avg Student Debt

Pikes Peak Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. PPCC is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,559 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,776 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, PPCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $31,856 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

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#16

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado
3,009 Total Awards
$40,180 Average Earnings
$23,336 Avg Student Debt

University of Northern Colorado did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #16 on the list. Located in Greeley, Colorado, the fairly large public school awarded 3,009 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from University of Northern Colorado accumulate an average of $23,336 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $281, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, University of Northern Colorado graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,180 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Full University of Northern Colorado Report

#17

Regis University

Denver, Colorado
2,297 Total Awards
$53,795 Average Earnings
$32,679 Avg Student Debt

Regis University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Denver, Colorado, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 2,297 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Regis U accumulate an average of $32,679 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $373. Once they receive their degree, Regis U graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,795 during the early year of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

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#18

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, Colorado
653 Total Awards
$38,257 Average Earnings
$19,702 Avg Student Debt

Arapahoe Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Arapahoe Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Littleton, Colorado. It awarded 653 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Arapahoe Community College accumulate an average of $19,702 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Arapahoe Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,257 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Arapahoe Community College

830 Total Awards
$41,878 Average Earnings
$12,432 Avg Student Debt

Northern Wyoming Community College District came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Northern Wyoming Community College District is a public institution located in Sheridan, Wyoming. The school has a small population, and it awarded 830 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,432 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Northern Wyoming Community College District graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,878 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

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#20

University of Providence

Great Falls, Montana
357 Total Awards
$49,532 Average Earnings
$21,640 Avg Student Debt

University of Providence landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Great Falls, Montana, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 357 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,640 in student loans. During the early years of their career, University of Providence graduates make an average of $49,532 annually. Around 78% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Providence Report

#21

Casper College

Casper, Wyoming
751 Total Awards
$42,998 Average Earnings
$17,888 Avg Student Debt

Casper College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region ranking. Casper College is a public institution located in Casper, Wyoming. The school has a small population, and it awarded 751 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,888 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Casper College graduates make an average of $42,998 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#22

Boise State University

Boise, Idaho
5,898 Total Awards
$42,749 Average Earnings
$26,461 Avg Student Debt

Boise State University ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Boise, Idaho is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 5,898 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Boise State accumulate an average of $26,461 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $259.After graduating from Boise State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,749 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Boise State University

207 Total Awards
$32,351 Average Earnings
$41,706 Avg Student Debt

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Online Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region list. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, the small private for-profit school awarded 207 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from RMCAD accumulate an average of $41,706 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $420. During the early years of their career, RMCAD graduates make an average of $32,351 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Report

791 Total Awards
$41,648 Average Earnings
$23,399 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Montana State University - Billings did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Billings, Montana, the small public school awarded 791 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,399 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Montana State University - Billings graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,648 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on Montana State University - Billings

#25

Laramie County Community College

Cheyenne, Wyoming
728 Total Awards
$50,717 Average Earnings
$15,916 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Laramie County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the small public school handed out 728 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,916 in student loans. During the early years of their career, LCCC graduates make an average of $50,717 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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