Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Online courses at CSU Global are an interactive experience with instructors who are experts in their fields. You will interact with your instructor and peers and complete a variety of assignments including critical thinking assignments, exercises, and portfolio projects. Although each course has specific requirements for successful completion, this sample class will give you an idea of the feel of the online classroom environment at CSU Global.

An online degree is a bachelor’s or master’s degree earned by completing courses over the internet. Online courses can take many forms and span many disciplines. While some online institutions might also include an in-person component, CSU Global’s courses are 100% online — no set class times or locations.

There are many benefits to earning your degree online, the most obvious is flexibility. With no fixed class times or locations, you’re are free to pursue your education without putting life on hold. If you have a full-time job, you take care of your family, you want to travel, or do anything else in addition to school, an online university provides the needed flexibility.

Online universities can also be more affordable than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Nationally, college tuition increases 8% on average every year, but CSU Global has not increased tuition rates in over ten years.

Additionally, students at CSU Global benefit from our Tuition Guarantee. With the Tuition Guarantee, your affordable tuition rate is guaranteed not to rise from enrollment through graduation. What you see is what you get at CSU Global!

Lastly, we don’t charge any student fees or out-of-state premiums at CSU Global. Students aren’t burdened with the cost of a traditional campus but do have access to similar student resources.

An online degree might not be a good option for everybody, but it could be the right choice for you.

• If the traditional learning environment hasn’t worked for you in the past, or if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of going back to the classroom, an online environment may suit you.
• If you don’t have reliable transportation or don’t wish to spend too much time commuting, online access can be a good alternative.
• If your work and personal life aren’t conducive to the requirements of set class times and locations, completing coursework and assignments at your own pace will allow the flexibility you need while you earn your degree.

Regardless of your educational goals, the way that you reach them must fit your individual lifestyle. To help you decide if online is right for you, look at what a sample schedule can look like for an average online student.

Not all online degrees are the same. That’s why it’s so important to research a college or university’s accreditation prior to enrolling.

Accreditation is awarded to institutes of higher learning by an independent, external group of auditors who confirm that the colleges and universities keep their promises to students.

CSU Global has earned regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Regional accreditation is highly regarded around the world because it is a comprehensive, peer-reviewed process that ensures a consistent standard of quality for higher education institutions. CSU Global is proud to be one of the few regionally accredited online universities.

Another reason accreditation is so important is because employers respect degrees (online or otherwise) from institutions that they recognize positively. An unaccredited degree could be questioned by potential employers or future educational institutions if you want to continue your studies at a different university.

CSU Global is part of the world-renowned CSU System, which means you are earning your degree from an institution employers already know, trust, and recognize.

Every program at CSU Global is offered 100% online, with no fixed class times or locations. We offer the following types of programs:

• Undergraduate Degrees
• Graduate Degrees
• Undergraduate Certificates
• Graduate Certificates

Use the links above to view complete academic offerings by program, and discover just how versatile an online learning environment can be.

Completing your degree program online can take significantly less time than at a traditional brick-and-mortar campus…or it could take a bit longer. It depends on the particular student’s pace and schedule.

CSU Global offers every course, every trimester in accelerated 8-week increments. Students can quickly complete courses when they’re ready, rather than having to wait a full semester or trimester for a course to be available.

At CSU Global, time-to-completion also depends on how many transfer credits a student can apply toward their degree. We are committed to accepting as many transfer credits as possible, including community college credits and alternative credit options.

Competency-Based Exams and Prior Learning Assessments can also be used to get credit for your non-collegiate work and/or life experience that proves your proficiency in a certain area of study.

Contact an enrollment counselor to get an estimate of how many of your past credits can transfer to your current degree goals.

Enrolling at CSU Global is easy. Begin the process by reviewing the admission requirements for your program. Once you’re able to meet those requirements, request information or apply online and your enrollment counselor will help you the rest of the way.

Of course, you can always contact us directly with any questions or concerns about the process.

Nope. Everyone pays the same rate.

Tuition fees for all undergraduate courses, certificates, and degrees are $375 per credit. Tuition fees for all graduate courses, certificates, and degrees are $675 per credit. It doesn’t vary based on where the student lives.

CSU Global understands the financial commitment of pursuing a degree. That’s why we believe that there shouldn’t be any surprises, backed up by our tuition guarantee. Once enrolled at CSU Global, your tuition rate stays the same from your first class to your last. Unlike the majority of four-year accredited universities, CSU Global charges $0 in student fees — no out-of-state fees, athletic fees, per-credit fees, or any other hidden charges.

Yes! Colorado State University Global is proud to offer discounted tuition and support tailored to active service members, veterans, and their families. More details are available here.

We accept all VA education benefits, VR&E Chapter 31 benefits, Federal Military Tuition Assistance, and Colorado National Guard Tuition Assistance. As the only 100% online institution where Colorado National Guard members can apply their tuition assistance benefits, we ensure your tuition costs remain stable with our tuition guarantee.

Please note that CSU Global is not a Yellow Ribbon Program school, but the Post-9/11 GI Bill® covers all qualified tuition charges for eligible military students.

Contact Information:

• Admissions/Enrollment Assistance: 855-753-9557
• Continuing Students Academic Questions: 877-900-2655 (Option 1 for undergraduate, Option 2 for graduate)
• Benefit Assistance: military.benefits@csuglobal.edu or 855-212-6700

The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Be sure to include our school code, 042087, on your FAFSA.

Once your FAFSA is submitted, our financial aid office will receive your information and begin the process of determining your eligibility for various financial aid options. For full details, please refer to our financial aid page.

Keep in mind that you do not have to accept all of the awards offered to you. If you accept loans, you also accept the responsibility of paying those loans back.

In addition to CSU Global’s affordable tuition, pursuing your degree online can help cut down on some of the additional expenses of higher education.

Last year, students spent between 26-47% of their total yearly education costs on housing and transportation alone.

For on-campus housing and transportation costs combined, students spent an average of:

$12,190 at private schools

$10,950 for out-of-state students at public schools

$10,950 for in-state students at public schools

Finding off-campus housing can be a more frugal option for you as a college student. However, with off-campus living comes more spending on transportation. Gas prices, parking passes, and other transportation-related costs can add up very quickly.

If you choose to be an online student you’ll see significant savings and won’t need to account for these expenses.

Many employers require, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree for candidates applying for professional roles. Even in circumstances where a degree is not required, academic credentials can set you apart from a large pool of candidates, increasing your likelihood of securing fulfilling and lucrative employment.

Once employed, holding a college degree can contribute to an increase in lifetime salaries and job security. Economies rise and fall, but whatever the financial climate, both national and international businesses need educated employees. Data derived from a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms the numbers — in 2020, those with high school diplomas had an unemployment rate of 9 percent, in contrast to those with bachelor’s degrees, with an unemployment rate of 5.5 percent. Additionally, those with high school diplomas had median weekly earnings of $781, compared to those with bachelor’s degrees, with median weekly earnings of $1,305

While it is a big commitment, choosing a major will not dictate the rest of your life – you can always change your mind and explore other options.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average adult in their 20s will switch jobs once every three years, and the average person will change careers two or three times in their lifetime. So don’t worry if you aren’t sure about what you want to be when you grow up, even if you’re already grown up.

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a major that’s right for you. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself these three simple questions to help guide you on the right path.

1. What is your dream job?It makes sense to consider what you want to do after you earn your degree. If you can picture your dream job, you should explore what educational requirements, skills, and knowledge you’ll need and go after it.

   Most importantly, you shouldn’t feel intimidated to follow your passions when choosing a major. After all, if everyone pursued the same career, no one would be able to find a job. Use your unique strengths and interests to your advantage and stand out from the crowd.

2. Will your major set you up for success?Money shouldn’t be the sole reason you get an education, but you will need to earn a living in whichever industry you enter. Consider the earning potential of the field you choose, but don’t let it be the only factor influencing your decision. You’ll also want to consider the industry’s growth rate and the number of career options available.

   For example, a B.S. in Human Resource Management is more specialized if you know you want a career in human resources.

   Get a better idea of the opportunities and requirements of your desired major by conducting a job search as if you’ve already graduated. See what job titles come up to get a feel for the level of demand and salary range.

3. Not sure if something is a good fit? Try it!Once you start narrowing your degree options, you still might not be 100% sure. It isn’t until you start taking courses that you learn enough about a field to know whether or not you’ll truly like it.

   Try experimenting with different subjects during your first few classes to make sure you can see yourself doing it long term. This is especially useful if you have to take electives. You won’t waste any money and you’ll move closer to your full degree.

   One way to test out a major AND add specialized skills to your resume is to use your elective credits as part of a specialization. For example, complete four or five courses in project management. If you love it, make it your major. If you aren’t sure, earn your degree in organizational leadership and you use those project management courses for a specialization. It’s an impressive secondary set of skills that will impress employers and give you a well-rounded resume.

One of the keys to being a successful student is balance, and CSU Global was built in a way that supports the needs of working adults who need flexible schedules to accommodate existing work and family responsibilities. Whether you have a demanding job, kids that keep you on your toes, or other personal obligations, our online programs are designed to meet the needs of students like you.

CSU Global’s programs are 100% online and offered in an asynchronous, which means you can do your schoolwork on your schedule. In addition, CSU Global offers monthly term starts and accelerated 8-week courses so that your ideal course schedule can flex around your other commitments.