Colorado is one of the quickest growing states in the country. In 2016, the state was home to about 5.5 million people. Known for its outdoor lifestyle and the Rocky Mountains that run through the state, Colorado’s largest cities include Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Pueblo. Several major universities reside in the state, including the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, the University of Denver, and the School of Mines. The large university system and the resources that come with it make this state a perfect location to earn a higher education degree.
Consider an Online MBA in Colorado
There are several factors to consider when researching online MBA programs in Colorado,. It’s vital to apply for in-state resident status, if possible, as tuition rates for in-state MBA students can be over $10,000 less per semester than tuition costs for out-of-state students. Some schools provide discounts to online students. An online MBA program generally takes 2 to 3 years to finish. Some programs require students to pick a specialization in healthcare, finance, accounting, international business, management, or other areas.
If you are out-of-state always check if the online MBA in Colorado you apply for has any on-campus requirements, like proxied tests. Sometimes online MBA programs require potential students to take the GMAT, but there are some exemptions. Colorado Christian University and Colorado State University offer no GMAT programs, and the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs allows students with substantial work experience or a previous graduate degree to qualify out of GMAT requirements.
The Mason School of Business at William & Mary
Location:Williamsburg, VA
Length:24 – 36 Mos
Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University
Location:Santa Clara, CA
Length:24 Mos
California State University, Monterey Bay
Location:Seaside, CA
Length:18 – 24 Mos
Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics
Location:Seattle, WA
Length:30 Mos
University of Kansas School of Business
Location:Lawrence, KS
Length:27-36 Mos
MBA Concentrations for Students in Colorado
MBA students have a handful of concentrations they can choose for their degree. Those pursuing an online MBA through Washington State University can earn specializations in marketing, finance, hospitality business management, or international business; a general MBA degree is also available.
Information technology has become popular specialization for MBA recipients in Washington with companies like Amazon and Microsoft headquartered locally. The city of Seattle is also a strategic hub for international business with Japan, China, Australia, and other countries in Asia and the South Pacific. For this reason, MBA students who earn specializations in international business a good fit for finding employment in Washington state.
Colorado MBA Graduates Economy, Job, and Career Outlooks
Colorado’s 2016 GDP was $323.7 billion, which was a 2% rise from the previous year, According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The state outpaced the national average gross domestic product growth of 1.5%. Colorado’s total economic growth rate for 2016 was around 2.4%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado’s current unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is one of the lowest rates in the nation. The national unemployment rate is currently around 3.7%.
As of 2015, the retail and healthcare sectors employed the majority of people in Colorado. The healthcare industry excels in Colorado due to the state’s vast university systems, which are known for their science, aerospace, and medical research, especially the University of Colorado Anschutz in Aurora. Colorado’s top metros for jobs include Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Greeley, and Fort Collins.
The data below lists the five largest companies in Washington by number of employees.
Top Employers in Colorado
| Company | Industry | Headquarters City | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| HealthONE Corporation | Healthcare | Denver | 11,050 |
| Lockheed Martin | Aviation/Aerospace | Littleton | 14,000 |
MBA Careers in Colorado:
Medical and Health Services Manager
The state’s rapidly increasing healthcare industry is creating many more jobs in healthcare management. The forecasted job growth for this profession is 17%, which is much quicker then the national average. Colorado presently employs over 4,000 health services managers.
Financial Analyst
These professionals help businesses and individuals make solid investment choices. Colorado presently employs between 4,000 and 6,000 financial analysts, and this job is forecast to grow over 11%.
Sales Manager
This type of manager supervises sales goals, data, and training programs for their companies. There are currently over 7,000 sales managers in Colorado, and the BLS forecasts a growth rate of 5% for this job title.
Online MBA Programs in Colorado
Below is a list of online MBA programs in Colorado. The programs typically differ by length, course offerings, tuition rate, concentrations offered, and format. When selecting an MBA program, be sure to research one that meets with your personal and career goals.
How to Select an Online MBA Program in Colorado
There are many significant considerations to make before deciding on an online MBA program in Colorado – these include factors explained above like cost, specialization, and concentrations. The following list is made up of some necessary steps to follow during the MBA program research process (in any state).
COMPARE STUDENT OUTCOME DETAILS
Student outcomes incorporate graduation rate, retention rate, the average debt student will take on, and overall student achievement with their degree program. Student outcomes do not ensure you will be pleased with a particular program but can help pinpoint a school’s pros and cons.
CONSIDER EXPECTED COSTS OF YOUR PROGRAMS
Practically every college or university posts tuition costs online. Additionally, you should research other college-related expenses like housing accommodations and meal plans (if you plan to study on-campus), official fees, and IT fees (for online students). You should also look into grants, scholarships, and financial aid that can offset some of the expenses.
CHECK THAT CLASSES WILL FIT INTO YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
Scheduling is crucial for students with other significant commitments, such as childcare or full-time jobs. Many online programs are self-paced; students in these classes are free to complete coursework on their own schedule. Synchronous programs (on the other hand) demand weekly online meetings with teachers and other students.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES
A large number of online MBA programs will include internships and capstone requirements ― and in many cases, students can obtain on-the-job training with real-world office experience. Look into the school’s industry partnerships, particularly regarding the field you plan to enter after receiving your MBA.
TALK TO CURRENT STUDENTS AND RECENT ALUMNI
You should reach out to the alumni office at each school you are weighing and ask to be connected with previous students. These individuals can be great sources of information about education costs, life on (or off) campus, local tips, and other fundamental details for aspiring MBA students.