Colleges and Universities in Colorado

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Colorado has always been a quintessential image of the American West with a diverse rural landscape of river canyons, arid desert, and snow-covered mountains in the Rockies. The urban hub of Colorado is found in Denver while resorts and vacation spots like Colorado Springs and Breckenridge dot the state, and suburban pockets are found in every corner as seen in Pueblo or Broomfield. With such a diverse landscape, public and private universities in Colorado are plentiful. From Colorado’s  2-year technical institutions to 4-year colleges and universities, many options are available for prospective students. For residents looking to advance in their professional careers, many Colorado graduate degree programs specifically strive to meet the needs of the state through varied learning within research universities, liberal arts colleges, and special-focus institutions.

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Colorado: Diversity and Responsibility in Higher Education

Colorado has a big footprint––it is the 8th most expansive state in the nation––and for that reason, attending college for many residents is more than just going to the local college next door. Historically Colorado shifted from a mining state to one of agriculture in the mid-nineteenth century. Some of this early industry is still seen in the state’s production of cattle, hay, corn, and dairy products. Besides its roots in agriculture though, Colorado, Denver in particular, has been recognized for its substantial contributions to the business. It is the responsibility of the institution of higher education in Colorado to bridge the gap between business and agriculture in order to grow economically statewide.

Today Colorado is a diverse state of primarily white and Hispanic ethnicity, but over 13,000 years the region that we now call Colorado was inhabited by Native Americans. In fact, archeologists have discovered artifacts dating from as early as 11200 BC to 3000 BC. More so in recent years, higher education institutions are recognizing the need to serve these diverse populations. Fort Lewis College, for example, in Durango, Colorado offers free tuition to qualifying Native Americans, though students are still responsible for some fees such as books or room and board expenses.

Higher Education in Colorado

The National Center for Education Statistics lists 117 degree-granting schools, colleges, and universities in Colorado. Many of the schools participate in the Colorado Rises: Advancing Education and Talent Development program, which is an urgent call to action by the Colorado Department of Education. The goal is to meet state workforce needs through four strategic states that promise by the year 2025, 66% of the state’s adult population will have obtained postsecondary degrees or certificates. These degrees can come from Public Universities in Colorado, Private Colleges in Colorado or even one of the state’s many Community Colleges in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins or other key Higher Education cities.

Higher Education in Colorado is additionally focused on producing high ROIs for students across the board as seen in the Launch My Career Program through the Colorado Department of Education. The program uses a comprehensive tool to help potential and returning traditional and non-traditional students find the degree program that is right for them and their goals. Popular jobs and programs as reported by the Launch My Career Program in Colorado include degrees in areas such as Accountants and Auditors, Software Developers, Civil Engineers, and Management Analysts.

Colorado’s Online Degree Programs

Because of the sprawling landscape, attending college online in Colorado is an ever-increasing desirable option for students who do not wish to attend college in a traditional manner. Many of the most prestigious colleges and universities in Colorado offer degree programs fully or partially online. For example, the University of Colorado in Denver is a leader in research education offering over 20-degree programs fully online.

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Paying for College in Colorado

Continuing a commitment to the Native people of the region of Colorado, there are a number of tuition reimbursement, grants, and scholarships available for those populations in Colorado, many of which can be found via the Fort Lewis Native American Scholarship and Internship Resources office. Additionally, the state makes efforts to ensure that attending college is an attainable goal financially for as many residents as possible. College in Colorado is a great resource for residents to discover what financial resources are available to help pay for college. For example, Denver Financial Scholarships offers a huge variety of scholarships for high schools students planning to attend college, but also for college attendees and even teachers wishing to advance their educations and careers.

Students wishing to attend a 2-year college or technical school before transferring to a 4-year institution may choose from over 15 institutions across the state. Attending a 2-year college is a great way for residents to get their core curriculum completed at a lower cost before transferring into their major areas of study. According to the Colorado Department of Education, the average tuition and fees for a Colorado resident come to about $3,700 per year while 4-year institutions tuition and fees range between $5,000 and $14,000 annually.


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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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