Frequently Asked Questions for International Students

Colorado Tech Online is committed to the principle that international students receive a meaningful and successful educational experience as they pursue their career goals.

A few of the most common questions about Colorado Technical University Online posed by international students appear on this page. If you do not find the answers to any questions you may have about Colorado Tech Online, we encourage you to contact us for additional information at any time.

For general questions about Colorado Tech Online, please visit our general FAQ page.


What is the cost of tuition?

It varies depending upon which degree program you choose. To view the Tuition and Fees table for each degree program we offer, click here.

To download the above tuition schedule, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.

Does Colorado Tech Online offer financial aid to International students?

At this time, we only offer student federal financial aid to U.S. citizens. However, there are several private loan programs that you may qualify for. To learn more about the financial aid options that may be available to you, click here.

Do I have to apply for school in person?

No. At Colorado Tech Online, you have the ability to apply and enroll for classes anytime whether online and/or by phone. Admissions information is posted on our website.

Additionally, all applicants are required to complete a telephone interview. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions about Colorado Tech Online, the curriculum and courses that interest you. These one-on-one interviews are also used to determine whether applicants have the necessary qualifications for admission to Colorado Tech Online.

When applying to Colorado Tech Online, you must be prepared to prove that you're proficient in English* and be able to provide official school transcripts. With this information, you may soon be on your way to earning your degree at Colorado Tech Online.

*A passing score on TOEFEL, a popular English competency test, is required if your first language is not English or if you graduated from a non-English speaking school. A TOEFL score of 500 for undergraduate programs (or 173 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL) and a TOEFL score of 550 (or 213 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL) for graduate programs is required.

Does Colorado Tech Online require that I understand English?

Yes, as all online learning courses are taught in English and students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English at entrance.

Can I pay tuition in the currency of my country?

As an International student, one of the first things to keep in mind is that Colorado Tech Online, in addition to the majority of other universities, requires that you pay your tuition and fees in U.S. dollars only.

How long will it take me to complete my degree at Colorado Tech Online?

It depends on which degree program you select. Colorado Tech Online students with no previous college or military training can complete the Bachelor's degree programs online in about 2 ½ years. Students with prior college credit, military experience or an Associate's Degree may be eligible for the Colorado Tech Online Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program. In some cases, this may shorten the length of the program to 15 months.* The Master's degree programs can be completed in just 15 months.

*The 15-month Bachelor's degree is a 2+2 program and assumes that all associate-level requirements have been met through an associate degree or the equivalent.

What are the admissions requirements?

View the admissions requirements for international students.

Will I have to take an English competency test to be considered for admission?

There are several ways in which you can demonstrate your proficiency in English. If your first language is not English (or if you graduated from a non-English speaking school), you will need to provide proof of English proficiency. We will accept the following as proof of proficiency:
  • A TOEFL score of 500 for undergraduate programs (or 173 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL) and a TOEFL score of 550 (or 213 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL) for graduate programs is required. Or, you can provide a passing score on a comparable English assessment exam.
  • A grade of 'C' or better in an ESL or college-level English course taken at an accredited English-speaking postsecondary institution.
  • Graduation from an English-speaking postsecondary institution.
  • Graduation from an English-speaking secondary institution.

You can learn more about the TOEFL at: www.toefl.com.

Will my educational credentials such as my transcripts need to be translated into English before I submit them?

Yes. Your transcripts including any other educational credentials you may have must be translated into English if they originate outside the United States. To learn more about how we evaluate your transcript, go to the Transcript Evaluation section now.

Will the college credits I earn at Colorado Technical University Online transfer to another college or university?

Transferring credits has to be determined by the receiving institution. However, during your discussion with the institution about transferring credits, you can inform the institution that Colorado Technical University Colorado Technical University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. For more information, visit the NCA Higher Learning Commission web site at http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.

Will I have to pay my tuition and fees up front or is there a payment plan?

Each case is different. If you are accepted to Colorado Technical University Online, the Financial Aid team will work with you to develop a financial solution that meets your unique needs. You can learn more about tuition and fees and paying for your education by visiting the Tuition and Fees section now.

What types of private loans are available?

View financial aid options for international students.

If I'm accepted, how will I get my books and other course materials?

We will mail your books and other course materials to you before your classes start.

Since this is an online school, how will I take my tests?

All exams, projects, homework assignments, lectures, etc, are administered online via Colorado Tech Online's Virtual Campus. Once you become a student, you will learn more about the process during the online orientation.

How will I know when start my classes

Once you become a student, you will go through an online orientation that will guide you through the Virtual Campus and show you how your online classes work.

Also, we will send you an email letting you know when to login and participate in your first class. Further instructions about the class will be provided by your instructor.

Will I be able to get help with my classes or ask questions about the course material?

Yes, outside of class, you are able to interact on group projects through email, message boards, chat rooms and interactive conferencing. You are also given an opportunity to chat regularly with professors during designated office hours, via email or by phone.

Will I be getting the same education as I would get in a traditional classroom?

Online universities can be the perfect choice for International students. Colorado Tech Online has many degree programs that have been designed to help you graduate faster than at a traditional college. Additionally, you do not have to leave your country of residence to get your degree.

Research comparing distance education to face-to-face instruction seems to show that studying at a distance can be as effective as traditional instruction, when there is student-to-student interaction, and when there is good teacher-to-student feedback. Based on your academic experiences, you should realize how important being proactive about this type of interaction can be.

Colorado Tech Online boasts instructors with advanced degrees and prominence in their fields. Some would argue that there are more hands-on learning opportunities and real-world application in online classes than the large lecture halls of traditional schools.