Forbes Ranks CSU Pueblo 5th Best Online University in Colorado
Release Date: October 17, 2024
Pueblo, COLO – Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) has been recognized as the 5th best online university in Colorado by Forbes magazine in their latest ranking of top online educational institutions. This acknowledgment underscores CSU Pueblo's commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education to students across the state and beyond.
The Forbes ranking, published on September, evaluated nearly 4,000 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide. CSU Pueblo's strong performance in this competitive field highlights the institution's dedication to excellence in online education, particularly noteworthy given the historical challenges faced by online higher education.
Pre-pandemic research often indicated students in online programs generally performed worse than their in-person counterparts, with lower grades, higher dropout rates, and poorer subsequent performance. These effects were particularly pronounced for men, minority students, and those with previous academic struggles. However, many of these studies were affected by self-selection bias. CSU Pueblo's high ranking suggests that the university has successfully addressed these challenges, offering online programs that buck historical trends and deliver strong outcomes for a diverse student body.
Dr. Kristyn Davis White, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Extended Studies at CSU Pueblo, reflected on the shifting landscape of online education: "We started with the Online MBA before the pandemic as the program was already fully operational. As we innovated and adopted new tools, the MBA program began being recognized as a premier program for a person pursuing a graduate business degree. At CSU Pueblo, we've seen firsthand how online education can empower students with greater control over their learning pace, increased focus, and a sense of agency in their studies. This ranking affirms our success in harnessing these advantages to deliver top-tier education.”
Dr. Kathryn Starkey, Dean of Extended Studies at CSU Pueblo, said the ranking drives home the importance of diverse educational options. "Full-time online schools offer an educational option for students who prefer to learn entirely at home or another location outside a school building. At CSU Pueblo, we've embraced this model to provide flexibility and accessibility to our students. Our online programs cater to a range of learners, from working professionals to those with family commitments, allowing them to pursue higher education on their own terms. This Forbes ranking validates our approach and reinforces our commitment to meeting students where they are, both literally and figuratively."
The university has seen remarkable growth in its online offerings. Dr. Starkey noted, "We're particularly proud to expand our online degree and certificated programs to include a minor in Construction Management, as well as a graduate and doctorate in nursing.
CSU Pueblo's online MBA program has been a cornerstone of its distance learning success. Gary Salazar, Associate Dean of Adult Learning, highlighted the program's value: "Our online MBA offers an exceptional return on investment. At a fraction of the cost ($575 per credit) of many competitors, students receive a top-tier education that prepares them for leadership roles in today's dynamic business environment."
As the landscape of higher education grows, CSU Pueblo remains at the forefront of online education, providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality learning opportunities to students in Colorado and beyond. For more information about CSU Pueblo's online programs, visit www.csupueblo.edu/extended-studies.
