University of Colorado Denver, CU Online

Program Overview:
The University of Colorado Denver (UCD) is a pioneer of online courses, and first began offering a small number of courses through CU Online in 1996. Now students can study over 350 courses and can complete fourteen full degree programs.

There are a number of benefits to receiving an education with CU Online, chief among them is that students take the same courses as their on campus counterparts, taught by the same faculty, and receive the same individualized attention. UCD boasts a 15:1 student-teacher ratio, and students can tailor courses around work, family, and anything else that can't be scheduled and set aside. So whether it's one course or a full degree, students can receive a renowned quality education with the convenience and control that online courses naturally provide.

Programs of Study
CU Online offers courses in liberal arts and science, arts and media, business, education, engineering, public affairs, and architecture and planning. The credits earned through CU Online are identical to credits earned through traditional on-campus courses, so students can mix and match online with on campus courses to tailor an efficient schedule. However students choose to take UCD courses, the degree is the same awarded by the University of Colorado. UCD is a fully accredited institution, making credits easily transferable to other universities.

Admissions
Students living in the state of Colorado must apply and be admitted either as degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students. Students living outside of Colorado do not need to be admitted to the University to take CU Online courses; however, if they wish to complete a degree through CU Online, they need to apply and be formally admitted to the University.

Credit Options
Credit, Noncredit and continuing and professional courses are also available. Most online courses are measured by traditional letter grades, although some courses also offer the pass/fail option. Unless noted otherwise, the online courses run on a traditional 15 week spring/fall schedule.

Faculty
The professors and faculty of 'traditional' classes are the same ones teaching the online courses. Four out of five full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees with many years of teaching experience, and many are actively engaged in their fields outside the classroom. Many faculty members are consultants, advisors, and partners to the leading organizations that frequently hire UCD graduates.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition rates vary, depending on the specific college that the student has enrolled in, and the residency status. For residence, most undergraduate courses cost approximately $201 - $290 per credit hour. There is also a standard $100 in state course fee ($125 for out of state) that pays for the online technology along with 24-7 customer service. Students who register strictly for online courses are only responsible for the IT fee and the student information system fee. All other traditional fees are waived. For more information on tuition and fees, students should visit the CU Online Website.

UCD offers a number of strong and well established financial aid programs. To be eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled as a 'degree seeking student' at UCD. More than $30 million in financial assistance is awarded to UCD students every year. For more information, students should visit the CU Online website.