Colorado Students Can Get Free Tuition for Degrees in High-Demand Careers

Coloradans can get free tuition if they use their degree to enter one of the state’s highest-demand careers.

The Colorado Community College System last month announced the Career Advance Colorado program, which creates zero-cost training for in-demand state jobs. The program provides free tuition, fees, course materials, and covers other costs for in-demand careers starting in fall 2023.

“We’re excited to save Coloradans money and train people for good-paying jobs by offering free community college education for in-demand positions at the state’s 19 community and technical colleges,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a press release.

“We know this will work thanks to the success of Care Forward Colorado, and we’re happy to continue leading the way forward on innovative solutions to our workforce challenges.”

The new program builds on the Care Forward Colorado program created last year, which provides free tuition to students at Colorado’s community and technical colleges pursuing healthcare careers.

According to the press release, since fall 2022, more than 3,000 Coloradans have completed programs in Care Forward Colorado.

Prospective students need to apply for federal or state financial aid. They do not need to submit transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, or pay fees to apply.

According to the press release, Colorado has 4,000 registered nursing and 3,700 elementary and secondary educator openings annually. The state projects construction jobs to increase by 20% over the next decade.

The Career Advance Colorado program is funded through House Bill 23-1246, which dedicates $38.6 million toward students’ free college. According to the bill, unexpended resources must go toward a student’s housing, transportation, or food expenses.

The bill allocated $1.4 million to provide students in building and construction trades with no-cost apprenticeships. It also created a $5 million fund for two short-term degree nursing programs at community or technical colleges.

“We are grateful to Governor Jared Polis and the General Assembly for continuing to invest in community and technical colleges and expanding this zero-cost model in additional areas of study,” Joe Garcia, Colorado Community College System chancellor, said in the press release.

“Our 13 colleges, in partnership with our sister technical and local district colleges, are on the front lines training essential workers across Colorado. Together, we stand ready to train the next generation of nurses, firefighters, police officers, and more who will move Colorado forward.”