Best Community Colleges in Colorado

The Colorado Community College System consists of 13 colleges spread over 35 locations across the state. Community colleges in Colorado enroll about 125,000 students every year and grant about 24,000 career and technical education degrees and certificates on an annual basis.

These colleges also offer associate degrees in in-demand fields like business management and administration, education and training, health science, hospitality and tourism, information technology, manufacturing and construction, and science and engineering.

Online community colleges in Colorado provide learners with a variety of educational programs that may pave the way to jobs within 24 months of enrollment.

The best community colleges in Colorado offer a variety of academic programs that are in line with today’s emerging career opportunities, including in-demand roles that current businesses and industries need the most.

The state also offers career and technical education programs that help students identify the path that they want to pursue after high school. These programs are a great way for learners to experience hands-on training through internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.

Colorado continues to be a top state in the areas of ranching, farming, and mining, but its economy has recently excelled in other industries.

Colorado houses one of the largest financial services hubs in the country. It also has broken new ground in the areas of aerospace, biochemistry, clean energy, advanced technology manufacturing, information technology, and software development.

Colorado has also seen a 3.6% growth rate in gross state product from 2014-2019, ranking fifth out of all 50 U.S. states.

In its 2020 list of the best states to make a living, Money Rates ranked Colorado ninth, citing the state’s “affordability and workplace safety.” The overall cost of living in Colorado may be 12% higher than the national average, but that is relatively lower when compared to other big states like California (36% above average) and Massachusetts (31%).

Furthermore, Colorado ranks 4.2% below the national average in terms of healthcare expenses, 1.6% lower than the national average in utilities expenses, and just on par with the national average for groceries.

Thanks to year-round, vibrant festivals and celebrations, people living in Colorado enjoy a rich cultural experience. Colorado houses state-of-the-art museums like the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.

Colorado’s residents also come together to participate in lively festivals like the Aspen Music Festival, the Vail Dance Festival, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and the Winery Tour and Citrus Wine Tasting, among many others.

Colorado is known as one of the coldest states in the nation, especially during winters. Snowfall typically begins in late October and may continue until April.

Snowfall in Colorado averages 67 inches annually, although mountainous areas with higher elevations often receive more snow than those in lower elevations. Colorado experiences four distinct seasons, with each offering its own set of outdoor activities for the state’s residents to enjoy.

The unemployment rate in Colorado fell from 6.4% in April 2021 to 5.1% in November 2021. Community colleges in Colorado establish long-term partnerships with more than 100 businesses and companies, producing about 4,000 workforce trainees each year.

Colorado’s community colleges work hand-in-hand with the Colorado Office of Economic Development to jointly administer the Colorado First and Existing Industry Customized Job Training Programs. The office invests around $4.5 million annually in workforce initiatives to help students secure jobs right after graduation.

Colorado Mean Annual Wage (as of May 2020): $44,350

Job Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the office and administrative support industry offers a total of 314,260 jobs in Colorado, as of May 2020. This makes it the highest-demand field in the state. Typical roles in this industry include office clerk, cargo and freight agent, administrative assistant, and proofreader.

Colorado Mean Annual Wage (as of May 2020): $54,010

Job Outlook: With 268,680 jobs in the Colorado economy, as of May 2020, the sales industry has emerged as one of the fastest-growing fields in the state. You can pursue sales roles in a variety of industries, including counter and rental, retail and non-retail, wholesale and manufacturing, real estate, commodities, technical and scientific products, advertising, and travel.

Colorado Mean Annual Wage (as of May 2020): $31,350

Job Outlook: The food industry continues to be a booming business in Colorado, evidenced by its third-best employment total of 215,580, as of May 2020. First-line supervisor of food preparation, assistant to chefs and head cooks, bartender, and private household cook are key roles in this industry that students can pursue after completing an associate degree.

Colorado Mean Annual Wage (as of May 2020): $87,730

Job Outlook: With high-demand jobs and a relatively high annual wage, the healthcare industry remains a strong career path for Colorado’s students. Learners with associate degrees can apply for entry-level jobs and assisting roles in occupational therapy, nursing and medicine, and dentistry.

Colorado Mean Annual Wage (as of May 2020): $43,800

Job Outlook: The transportation industry in Colorado offers nearly 200,000 jobs, as of May 2020. In-demand roles in this industry include aircraft and ship cargo handling supervisor, flight attendant, and industrial transportation worker.