Online Admissions
Welcome to CU Online
Now that you have decided to start, continue, or finish a degree online – we want to connect you with the information and resources you'll need to have a smooth and seamless transition into your degree program. Everyone's application path is different; however, we have gathered some of the more common paths below to help you along the process.
Let’s Navigate This Together
Getting enrolled in school can seem intimidating, which is why our Enrollment Navigators are here to help guide you throughout the process. Our Enrollment Navigators are your dedicated resource and are here to provide you with personalized support in:
- Application, Admissions, and Financial Aid Processes
- Academic Program and Curriculum Overviews
- Online Veteran and Active Military Information
- Online International Student Information
- General Questions
Think of our Enrollment Navigators as your personal concierge service for enrolling in CU Online.
We Provide the Support You Need to Graduate
Our support does not stop once you are accepted and enrolled in a program. CU Online Student Success Coaches are here to help you stay on track. Whether you have questions about the university, need help with Canvas, or need assistance with getting ready for next semester, your Student Success Navigator is here to support you and help you achieve your goals.
Can I Transfer Previously-Earned College Credits?
We are happy to accept transfer credits for any student who has earned them from a regionally accredited university, community college, or private institution. Whether you attended school in-person or online, as an undergraduate or as a graduate student, there’s a chance you could complete your degree faster by transferring credits.
Every transfer student is unique and every CU Online program has its own standards for the maximum total number of transfer credits — generally 60 to 90 — that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. If you’re looking to earn a master’s or PhD, it’s important to note that graduate programs typically have more limited transfer options than undergraduate programs. In some cases, credits earned more than 10 years ago have been accepted toward an undergraduate degree. Graduate-level transfer credits, however, must have been earned no more than five years ago.
Generally, your transfer credits must be:
From a regionally accredited
university or community college
Earned in the
past 10 years
Acquired with a
minimum 2.0 GPA overall
How to Start the Transfer Process
The best thing you can do to maximize your transfer credits is to contact one of our Enrollment Navigators. They’re experts on the application process, transferring credits, and anything else you might need to begin your journey at CU Online.
If you’d like to get an idea as to how many of your existing credits are eligible for transfer, Transferology provides a useful, free tool for doing just that. Simply enter the college-level courses you’ve taken into the generator to estimate how many credits will roll over to CU Online. If you have questions or need assistance with the transfer process, get in touch with an Enrollment Navigator.
Application Process
Below is an overview of the application process for enrolling in CU Online. Once you contact us, our Enrollment Navigators will take you through each step of the process, answering your questions, making sure you have everything you need to get started and ensuring that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Review Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions, along with the academic departments and schools, set the admissions requirements for all programs. Once you have selected an academic program, you will complete an online application that serves as your introduction to the university and the admissions team. The beginning of the application will list all required information to complete the process.
Complete Application
Once you have filled in the required information in the online application, you can submit and follow up with additional materials and documentation. There is typically an application fee that will be required upon submission. Once all materials have been received, the admissions team will review your application and provide you with a decision.
Out-of-State Student, Online Classes Only Tuition Rate
Nonresident students living outside the state of Colorado and enrolled in online-only courses may be eligible for a special tuition rate. For more information, please contact an Enrollment Navigator.
Request Transcript and Test Scores
Transcripts: If you are applying as a transfer or graduate student, you will need official transcripts from any and all institutions that you have attended previously. Keep in mind that transcripts must be official – in original, sealed envelopes, or sent via an approved electronic transcript system – in order to be considered official. However, many institutions have the capability to send official transcripts electronically, which can save time in the process.
Test Scores: Most graduate programs will require a standardized test score as part of the admissions process. This could be the GRE, GMAT, MAT, or others. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.
At the undergraduate level, ACT/SAT scores are only required for an incoming freshman or if you do not have the required number of transfer credits (24 or more). Remember, test scores can take anywhere from 10–14 days to arrive, so request them early to save time and to ensure that your application is completed by the deadline!
Submit Your FAFSA
The first step in determining your eligibility for federal aid is to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the FAFSA website.
Financial aid is awarded in the order in which requests are received, so we recommend that you submit your application early.
Check Your Status
You can return to the application portal at any time and check your application progress, which includes monitoring for transcripts to arrive and for recommendations (if applicable) to be completed. Simply use your original username and password.
Start Your Journey
Once admitted to the university, you will be assigned an Academic Advisor and a CU Online Student Success Coach, and you will have access to register for classes. Reach out to members of your academic support staff with any questions along your journey. We are here to assist you as you work toward achieving your personal, professional, and academic goals.