Colorado Technical University: An Overview
Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a private, for-profit institution of higher learning that grants professional certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Founded in 1965, CTU has evolved significantly over the decades.
History and Evolution
The university was initially established in Colorado Springs in 1965, where its main campus continues to reside. Originally a technical training school, Colorado Technical University has expanded its offerings to include graduate-level programs. A pivotal moment in CTU's history was the introduction of doctorate programs in 1995. This period also saw the establishment of branch campuses in Denver, Colorado; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and North Kansas City, Missouri. The introduction of the online division further solidified CTU's position as a mature institution in higher education.
In 2003, Career Education Corporation (CEC) assumed ownership of the University. CEC, now known as Perdoceo, is one of North America's largest providers of private, postsecondary education. CEC colleges and universities offer a variety of doctorate, master's, bachelor's and associate’s degrees and non-degree programs in career-oriented disciplines including information technology, visual communication and design technologies, business studies and culinary arts.
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.
Academics and Programs
Colorado Technical University (Colorado Tech or CTU) offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, primarily in business, management, and technology. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. CTU offers a variety of programs, including master's degree programs.
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Recognition and Rankings
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Colorado Technical University is ranked No. #395-434 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #266 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Colorado Tech has received numerous awards and achievements since its establishment.
Student and Faculty
The student-faculty ratio at Colorado Technical University is 29:1.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The school's tuition and fees are $12,760. The average net price for federal loan recipients is $16,411.
Graduation and Salary
According to the College Scorecard, Colorado Tech has a 25 percent graduation rate. The four-year graduation rate is 11%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $30,406. Salary after completing ranged from $24,012 (AA in Health and Medical Administrative Services) to $74,576 (Bachelors in Computer/IT).
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Support for Military and Veterans
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. Colorado Technical University Honored as a 2018 Purple Heart University.
Challenges and Oversight
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.
Ownership and Affiliations
The university is a subsidiary of Perdoceo, formerly Career Education Corporation.
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