Overview
Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a private, for-profit institution founded in 1965, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, CTU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees with an emphasis on business, management, and technology disciplines. The university prioritizes online education, with approximately 92% of its 25,797-strong student body engaged in online programs. To date, CTU has awarded over 118,000 degrees globally.
Administration and Leadership
- Elise Baskel: President since January 2022, with over 13 years as an executive at Perdoceo Education Corporation. Her leadership is centered on organizational growth and quality improvement.
- Carla Caldwell: Vice President of Admissions, known for establishing the Tempe student support center.
- Jeff Busam: Vice President of Student Services, responsible for overseeing financial aid and university academic services.
- Connie Johnson: Chief Academic Officer and Provost, she leads degree programs and guides accreditation strategies.
- Keith Armstrong: University Vice President of Admissions, contributing over 22 years of expertise in admissions.
Academic Programs and Accreditations
CTU offers dynamic and diverse degree programs:
- Business Administration
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Health Sciences
- Criminal Justice
Key accreditations include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for business programs and the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET for specific engineering disciplines. Additionally, CTU is recognized by the NSA and DHS as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
Rankings and Recognition
In 2024, U.S. News & World Report featured CTU in its lists of the Best Online Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. The university also ranked in subcategories such as Best Online MBA Programs and Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs.
Corporate and Military Engagement
CTU has a history of partnerships, notably delivering educational solutions to McDonald's since 2014. It supports the military community with initiatives like the CTU Patriot Scholarship, benefiting wounded veterans and their spouses.
Key Metrics and Financials
Part of Perdoceo Education Corporation, CTU's operations are significantly federally funded, with about 95% of revenue from government sources historically. CTU illustrates diverse post-graduation salary outcomes across disciplines, yet its online graduation rate remains a challenge at 23%.
Vision and Mission
CTU is committed to delivering industry-relevant education, driven by a mission of success through innovation, flexibility, and academic excellence. The leadership team's strategic focus is on growth and enhanced student services.
For more information, visit their official website: [coloradotech.edu](https://www.coloradotech.edu/).
Financial and Employment Analysis
The university reports an estimated annual revenue of $1.2 billion, with a revenue-per-employee figure of $252,000 across approximately 4,786 employees.
Competitor Landscape
Primary Competitors
1. Heartland Institute of Financial Education: $95.9 million revenue, 426 employees.
2. ALTA Colleges: $11.2 million revenue, 69 employees.
3. MagicSchool AI: $6.5 million revenue, 45 employees.
4. Colorado Northwestern Community College: $45.9 million revenue, 232 employees.
5. Earth Force: $6 million revenue, 42 employees.
Additional Competitors
Notable competitors include Cornerstone Montessori School, GlobalED Solutions, Gunnison Watershed School District, and James Irwin Charter Schools, with revenues ranging from $6 million to $21.8 million and staffing from 42 to 121 employees.
Comparison with Similar Institutions
According to internal metrics, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a direct competitor, with a significant preference rate among admitted students, indicating CTU's competitive presence in the educational landscape.
Revenue Comparison with Competitors
- Southern New Hampshire University: $1.37 billion revenue, over 10,001 employees.
- University of Phoenix: $362.7 million revenue.
- Liberty University: $1.57 billion revenue.
- Western Governors University: $964.4 million revenue.
Strategic Insights
CTU operates in a competitive space with large online and hybrid educational institutions like SNHU and Liberty University. Its online platform, CTU Online, enhances its reach and flexibility for non-traditional students. Competing institutions, such as the University of Phoenix and American InterContinental University, utilize similar models, influencing CTU's positioning regarding student satisfaction, tuition costs, and flexible educational offerings. CTU's virtual infrastructure and strong revenue position it favorably to adapt strategies for growth and enhanced educational delivery.
