Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

$12,760Tuition

25,932Students

18%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,180Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearResearch UniversityData: 2023-24

About Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs builds its reputation around career-focused technical education and online degree programs. The school serves 25,932 students in Colorado Springs, making it one of the larger educational institutions in the area. CTU specializes in technology, business, and healthcare programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

Students typically pay around $14,954 after financial aid, with 68% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $37,180 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $29,832. The monthly loan payment averages $316, and only 29% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. This creates a challenging financial picture where debt often outweighs earning potential in the early career years.

The student body is predominantly female at 65%, with significant diversity including 21% Black students. However, the academic environment presents challenges with a 44% retention rate and just 18% of students graduating within four years. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the school's focus on scalable online education rather than intimate classroom experiences. Most students attend part-time while working, contributing to extended completion timelines but allowing for immediate application of skills in professional settings.

Academics & Faculty

Colorado Technical University focuses on career-oriented technical education designed to prepare students for specific industries. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes and less individualized attention from professors. Only 18% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and online coursework. The school specializes in information technology, cybersecurity, engineering, and business programs that emphasize practical skills over theoretical knowledge. Most students attend part-time while working full-time jobs. The quarter system allows for accelerated course completion. CTU markets itself as a pathway to technical careers, but the low graduation rates suggest many students struggle to complete their programs despite the vocational focus.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 18.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.6%
Retention Rate: 44.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,180
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Science.	Doctoral	$104,192
Systems Engineering.	Master	$89,530
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Bachelor	$74,576
Computer Science.	Master	$74,200
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$73,446
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Doctoral	$70,009
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$63,005
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Master	$62,012
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Master	$60,568
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$57,318

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Colorado Technical University operates primarily as an online institution, with most of its 25,932 students taking classes remotely rather than gathering on a traditional campus. The Colorado Springs location serves as an administrative center, but the real student experience happens through virtual classrooms and digital platforms. Students log in from across the country, with only 7.59% actually residing in Colorado.

The online format means no dormitories, campus quads, or weekend football games. Instead, students balance coursework with full-time jobs and family responsibilities. Women make up 64.60% of the student body, and many are working adults pursuing career advancement. The quarter system keeps classes moving quickly, typically lasting 10-11 weeks. Students interact through discussion boards, group projects, and virtual labs designed for technical programs. With a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, personal attention comes through scheduled online office hours and email exchanges. The Colorado Springs backdrop offers mountain views and outdoor recreation, but most CTU students experience their education through laptop screens rather than campus walkways.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–38°F
July Avg: 46°–74°F
Annual Precipitation: 23.9"
Annual Snowfall: 133.5"

Student Demographics

Colorado Technical University attracts working adults seeking career advancement in technology fields. The student body is nearly two-thirds female, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare technology and cybersecurity programs that appeal to women entering tech careers. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, showing CTU serves lower-income families looking to boost their earning potential. The vast majority of students come from out-of-state, drawn by the university's established online programs and flexible scheduling designed for busy professionals. Students typically balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing technical certifications and degrees.

Men: 35.4%
Women: 64.6%
White: 28.3%
Black: 20.5%
Hispanic: 0.2%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 7.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 68.3%

Location

Colorado Technical University sits in Colorado Springs, Colorado's second-largest city with over 480,000 residents. The campus operates about 70 miles south of Denver, placing students near the Rocky Mountain foothills. Colorado Springs hosts multiple military installations including Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy, creating a tech-focused economy that aligns with CTU's programs. The city offers outdoor recreation with Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods nearby. Over 92% of CTU students come from out-of-state, drawn partly by the region's growing aerospace and cybersecurity industries. The area maintains lower living costs than Denver while providing urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Colorado may also compare Colorado Technical University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907-3812

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,180
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,017
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 28.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $316/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $29,832

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs?

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs maintains open enrollment for most programs, focusing on career readiness rather than traditional academic metrics. The university serves 25,932 students and specializes in technical education designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. With 92.41% of students coming from out-of-state, CTU attracts learners nationwide seeking flexible, career-focused programs.

How much does Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs cost after financial aid?

Students at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs pay an average net price of $14,954 annually, with 68.32% receiving some form of financial aid. The university charges the same $12,760 tuition rate for all students regardless of residency. Graduates typically leave with $29,832 in debt and monthly loan payments of $316, though the loan repayment rate stands at just 28.84%.

What is the academic experience like at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs?

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs operates on a quarter system with a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, emphasizing practical, career-focused technical education. The university retains 43.99% of students year-over-year and graduates 17.60% within six years. CTU is known for its online degree programs and hands-on approach to preparing students for technology and business careers.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs?

Graduates of Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs earn a median salary of $37,180 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 88.9%. The university's career-focused curriculum leads to higher early-career earnings, with graduates making $50,071 just one year after completion. CTU's technical programs are designed to meet immediate workforce demands in growing fields.

Where is Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs campus located?

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs operates in Colorado Springs, a large city setting that provides access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. Only 7.59% of the 25,932 enrolled students are Colorado residents, reflecting the university's strong online presence and national reach. The campus serves as a center for technical education in the Colorado Springs metropolitan area.

Is Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs diverse in its student population?

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs enrolls a diverse student body with women comprising 64.60% of students and men 35.40%. The racial composition includes 28.25% White students and 20.51% Black students, reflecting the university's appeal across different communities. As a for-profit institution, CTU serves many first-generation college students, with 68.32% qualifying for Pell Grants based on financial need.