Colorado Technical University

For-profit university in Colorado Springs, Colorado, US

Colorado Technical University

Seal of Colorado Technical University

Former names

| Colorado Technical College (1965–1995)
Motto| Integrity At CTU
Type| Private for-profit university[1]
Established| 1965; 60 years ago (1965)[1]
Founder| Robert Turkisher
Accreditation| Higher Learning Commission
President| Elise Baskel
Provost| Kathleen Schnier

Academic staff

| 52 Full-time, 1,095 Part-time
Students| 28,852 (Fall 2023)
Undergraduates| 26,114 (Fall 2023)[2]
Postgraduates| 2,738 (Fall 2023)[2]
Location|

Colorado Springs

Colorado

United States

Campus| Urban, Online
Colors| Red and white
Mascot| The Golden Eagle
Website| www.coloradotech.edu

Colorado Technical University (Colorado Tech or CTU) is a private for-profit university with its main campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 1965, CTU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, primarily in business, management, and technology. About 92% of Colorado Tech's students are fully online.[3] According to Colorado Tech, the university has conferred more than 118,000 degrees worldwide.[4] Colorado Tech has no public or official affiliation with the State of Colorado and it is owned by the for-profit company Perdoceo Education Corporation, publicly traded on the NASDAQ under PRDO and formerly known as Career Education Corporation (CEC).[5]

## History

[edit]

The school was established as Colorado Technical College in 1965, focusing on training former military personnel in technical and vocational subjects. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Bob) Turkisher, a flight engineer, founded the institution and served as its first president. To support his efforts, Turkisher brought in Air Force Colonel Richard Davis to be the Human Resources Director at CTU. Davis had experience in the Human Resources field after serving as a pilot, which allowed Turkisher to focus on developing the school’s programs and securing accreditation.[6] In 1995, the institution gained university status and changed its name to Colorado Technical University (CTU).[7]

CTU's mascot, the Golden Eagle, is inspired by a Native American legend about a brave becoming a man. The story tells how the chief took the brave to a mountain peak, where he transformed into a golden eagle, soared above the land, gained knowledge and wisdom, and returned to guide his people.[8]

In 2008, CTU teamed up with the nonprofit Yellow Ribbon Fund to create the annual CTU Patriot Scholarship (formerly the Wounded Warrior Scholarship), which awards 25 wounded service members and veterans, as well as 25 spouses of wounded service members, with scholarships. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition toward any CTU degree, including course materials, fees, and a new laptop computer.[9] As of 2023, CTU has awarded 800 scholarships totaling over $20 million.[10]

in 2018, CTU was recognized as a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.[11]

### Lawsuits, investigations, and financial problems

[edit]

In 2017, Colorado Tech was under heightened cash monitoring by the US Department of Education to provide additional oversight of cash management.[12]

On March 9, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs suspended G.I. Bill reimbursement eligibility for Colorado Technical University and several other for-profit schools due to what the V.A. said were "erroneous, deceptive, or misleading enrollment and advertising practices", giving the schools 60 days to take "corrective action".[13] The VA withdrew its threat of sanctions in July 2020.[14]

## Funding

[edit]

In 2017, the Center for Investigative Reporting reported that CTU received approximately 95% of all of its funds from the US government, including about $3 million from the Department of Defense and $33 million from GI Bill funds.[15]

## Campuses

[edit]

Aurora, Colorado Campus

The university maintains Colorado campuses in Colorado Springs (main campus) and Aurora.[16] Additionally, a number of its degree programs can be completed entirely or largely online.[17] CTU previously had campuses in Kansas City, Pueblo, and Sioux Falls, all of which have permanently closed down.[18]

## Academics

[edit]

Colorado Tech's President is Elise Baskel, who was an executive with Perdoceo Education for 13 years.[19] Colorado Technical University offers accredited degree programs in business, engineering, and applied scientific disciplines, including Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Finance, Health Sciences, Information Systems and Technology, Management, and Public Administration.[20]

### Faculty

[edit]

Colorado Tech employs 52 full-time and 1095 part-time instructors.[21]

### Schools and colleges

[edit]

CTU has the following areas of study:[22]

* College of Business & Management
* College of Engineering & Computer Science
* College of Health Sciences
* College of Information Systems & Technology
* College of Security Studies
* College of Project Management
* European Union Research Institute

### Rankings

[edit]

Colorado Tech has received numerous awards and achievements since its establishment. In 2024, CTU was ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (for the 10th consecutive year) and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (for the 10th consecutive year) by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News & World Report also named CTU among the Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs (10th consecutive year), Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs (10th consecutive year), Best Online MBA Programs (9th consecutive year), Best Online Master's in Business Programs (9th consecutive year), Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs (6th consecutive year), and Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs (4th consecutive year).[23]

In 2023, CTU was ranked among the Best for Vets: Colleges by Military Times, marking the 8th year Colorado Tech appeared on this list.[23]

In 2024, CEO Magazine ranked CTU’s MBA Program #57 across its Global MBA Programs Rankings list, marking the 5th time CTU appeared on this list.[23]

In 2019, Colorado Technical University was ranked 476th out of 500 Masters schools by Washington Monthly.[24] In 2023, CTU was also tied for 160th on the U.S. News & World Report lists for Best Online Programs.[25] US News ranked CTU tied for 90th for online bachelor's programs for veterans in 2022.[26]

## Accreditation, associations, and affiliations

[edit]

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the Colorado Springs campus are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.[27] The business degree programs offered by Colorado Technical University are ACBSP accredited.[28]

The university is a subsidiary of Perdoceo, formerly Career Education Corporation. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recognized CTU as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.[29]

### Student outcomes

[edit]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Colorado Tech's online graduation rate is 23%.[30]

According to the College Scorecard, Colorado Tech has a 25 percent graduation rate. Salary after completing ranged from $24,012 (AA in Health and Medical Administrative Services) to $74,576 (Bachelors in Computer/IT). For student debtors in repayment, 32 percent were in forbearance, 25 percent were not making progress, 18 percent defaulted, 10 percent were in deferment, 7 percent were delinquent, 5 percent were making progress, 2 percent were discharged, and 1 percent were paid in full.[31]

## Corporate partnerships

[edit]

CTU has been an educational provider for McDonald's since 2014.[32]

## Notable alumni

[edit]

* Jason Gray, government official; acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (2025-present)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "2010 Course catalog : University Policies" (PDF). Campus.ctuonline.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
2. ^ a b "College Navigator - Colorado Technical University-Online". Ed.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
3. ^ "ceco-10q_20160630.htm". www.sec.gov. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
4. ^ "CTU Alumni Association". Coloradotech.edu. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
5. ^ "November 2020 Actions". Veterans Education Success. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
6. ^ "CTU's Mission and History". www.coloradotech.edu. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
7. ^ "Directory of HLC Institutions". North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning. June 20, 2010. Archived from the original on June 20, 2010. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
8. ^ "Colorado Technical University". app.courseworxs.com. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
9. ^ "CTU Honors 50 Wounded Warriors, Veterans and Spouses with Full Scholarships". www.coloradotech.edu. November 11, 2014.
10. ^ "CTU Patriot Scholarship". www.coloradotech.edu. December 31, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
11. ^ "Colorado Technical University Honored as a 2018 Purple Heart University". www.coloradotech.edu. October 23, 2018. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
12. ^ "Heightened Cash Monitoring". April 20, 2017. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
13. ^ "VA to suspend some GI Bill enrollments, holding back more than $200 million from 'deceptive' universities". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
14. ^ Douglas-Gabriel, Danielle (July 2, 2020). "VA backs down from plan to suspend University of Phoenix and other colleges from accessing GI Bill benefits". Washington Post. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
15. ^ "133 for-profit colleges get more than 90 percent of their revenue from taxpayers". s3.amazonaws.com. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
16. ^ "Colorado Technical University". Classesandcareers.com. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
17. ^ "CTU Online and Campus Degrees". Coloradotech.edu. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
18. ^ "Closed Campus Information". www.coloradotech.edu. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
19. ^ "Management". www.careered.com. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
20. ^ "Master's Degree Programs". Colorado Technical University.
21. ^ "EDGAR Pro". yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
22. ^ "Areas of Study | CTU". Coloradotech.edu. February 15, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
23. ^ a b c "Awards and recognitions". www.coloradotech.edu. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
24. ^ "2019 Master's University Rankings". washingtonmonthly.com. August 25, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
25. ^ "2023 Best Online Bachelor's Programs". US News. October 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
26. ^ "Colorado Technical University Online". US News. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
27. ^ "ABET - ABET accreditation". www.abet.org. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
28. ^ "Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs". www.acbsp.org. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
29. ^ "NSA/DHS National CAE in Cyber Defense Designated Institutions". National Security Agency. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
30. ^ "College Navigator - Institution Not Found". nces.ed.gov. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
31. ^ "Colorado Technical University". College Scorecard. US Department of Education. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
32. ^ "Colorado Technical University and McDonald's Honor Legacy Archways to Opportunity Program Graduate". www.coloradotech.edu. Colorado Technical University. Retrieved July 2, 2021.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Official EU website

Articles related to Colorado Technical University

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Career Education Corporation

Schools|

* American InterContinental University
* Colorado Technical University

Former and closed schools|

* Briarcliffe College
* Brooks Institute
* Brown College
* Collins College
* Gibbs College
* Harrington College of Design
* International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT)
* Lehigh Valley College
* Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
* McIntosh College
* Missouri College
* Sanford–Brown

IADT (closed 2015)|

* Detroit
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* Orlando
* Sacramento
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* IADT - Schaumburg

Le Cordon Bleu (closed 2017)|

* Atlanta
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City of Colorado Springs

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General topics|

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Culture|

* Broadmoor World Arena
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* Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
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* Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region
* Flag
* Parks
* Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
* Pioneers Museum
* Religious institutions

Government|

* Colorado Springs City Hall
* Pikes Peak Library District

Attractions|

* Cheyenne Mountain
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* Garden of the Gods
* Glen Eyrie
* Manitou Springs, Colorado
* Old Colorado City
* Parks
* Peterson Air and Space Museum
* Pikes Peak
* ProRodeo Hall of Fame
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* Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun
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Emergency services|

* Hospitals (Penrose Hospital)
* Police

Education|

* Colorado College
* Colorado Technical University
* Pikes Peak State College
* United States Air Force Academy
* University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Transportation|

* Bustang
* Colorado Springs Airport
* Colorado Springs East Airport (private)
* Front Range Express (FREX)
* Mountain Metropolitan Transit

Media|

* Colorado Springs Business Journal
* Colorado Springs Independent
* The Gazette

Sports|

* Rocky Mountain Vibes
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* men's ice hockey
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Neighborhoods
and historic places|

* Banning Lewis Ranch
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* Pikeview (Pinecliff)
* Roswell
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* St. Peter's Dome
* See also National Register of Historic Places in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Military|

* Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station
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* NORAD
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* Schriever Space Force Base

* Colorado
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Colorado colleges and universities

Collegiate institutions|

* Adams State University
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* Colorado Northwestern Community College
* Colorado School of Mines
* Colorado State University
* Colorado State University-Pueblo
* Colorado Technical University
* Community College of Aurora
* Community College of Denver
* Emily Griffith Opportunity School
* Fort Lewis College
* Front Range Community College
* Iliff School of Theology
* Lamar Community College
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* Morgan Community College
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* Nazarene Bible College
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Colleges and universities|

Air Force Academy
Colorado College
Colorado Technical University
Pikes Peak State College
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

High schools|

Air Academy
Aspen Valley
Cheyenne Mountain
Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind
Colorado Springs Christian
Colorado Springs School
Coronado
Doherty
Falcon
Fountain Valley
Harrison
Hilltop Baptist
Liberty
Mesa Ridge
Mitchell
Palmer
Pine Creek
Rampart
St. Mary's
Sand Creek
Sierra
Vanguard
Wasson

38°53′37.9″N 104°50′2.7″W﻿ / ﻿38.893861°N 104.834083°W﻿ / 38.893861; -104.834083

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