Colorado Department of Higher Education

09/30/2026

Colorado Free Application Days are coming on October 20-22, 2026! During Free App Days, Colorado residents can apply to many colleges and universities for free. Last year, students submitted more than 71,000 applications and saved more than $2.4 million in application fees.
If you're planning to apply during Free App Days, start completing your applications now!
See a list of participating institutions and instructions to apply for free: https://cdhe.colorado.gov/colorado-free-application-day-instructions.

09/30/2026

The State of Colorado is investing in your education! Colorado has programs to make college more affordable and reduce financial barriers to postsecondary education.

The Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) gives eligible undergraduate students a stipend per credit hour to offset tuition costs. The stipend for the 2026/27 school year is $116/credit hour at public Colorado colleges. Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/jaG950ZT6qM.

Colorado Promise reimburses eligible students for out-of-pocket tuition paid for their first 65 college credits. Qualifying students will get reimbursed with a state tax credit the next year. Learn more: https://ow.ly/HLzX50ZT6qL.

Stipend means the amount of money per credit hour paid by the state of Colorado on behalf of an eligible undergraduate student attending a participating college in the state of Colorado. The Colorado Legislature sets the specific per credit hour amount for the stipend annually. The current amount is...

09/29/2026

Students and job seekers - get ready for your future career!
My Colorado Journey gives students and job seekers tools and resources to explore careers and plan their next steps. Users can:
▪️Explore career pathways that lead to in-demand jobs in Colorado
▪️Discover the skills and training needed and the pay you can expect in different careers
▪️Connect with Colorado Workforce Centers and community support resources.
Check out My Colorado Journey today: https://www.mycoloradojourney.gov/.

Explore career pathways in Colorado's highest-growth industries.

09/29/2026

Do you learn, earn or work in Colorado? We want to hear from you!
The state is gathering feedback on Colorado's higher education and workforce systems. Students, job seekers, employers and service providers are invited to share your perspective with state leaders and policymakers through our brief survey. Your insights will help guide upcoming policy and funding decisions.
Complete the survey by Monday, October 5: https://ow.ly/T86v50ZSMNy.

Welcome to the Statewide Postsecondary Talent Development System Feedback Survey! Why Your Voice Matters Your experiences and insights are essential to making sure Colorado's programs and resources effectively support communities across our state. Whether you are currently trying to complete a train...

09/29/2026

Higher education works for your future!
There is no wrong path - whether you pursue a bachelor's degree, apprenticeship, associate degree, industry credential or certificate, higher education can lead to career growth, economic mobility and personal success. Data shows that individuals who complete postsecondary education have higher lifetime earnings on average and are more likely to be employed.
Learn more about the benefits of higher education: https://highered.colorado.gov/publications/Reports/Legislative/ROI/202607_ROI.pdf.

09/28/2026

Last week, CDHE's Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Tricia Johnson attended an Innovation Showcase presented by the Boys & Girls Club Salida in partnership with Junior Edison, and VeroTouch. This impactful event gave students an opportunity to share their designs for concrete structures while connecting with local industry and workforce opportunities.

JuniorEdison is a student-driven incubator based in Salida empowering students through mentorship, project-based learning and real-world experiences.
VeroTouch is a pioneer in 3D printed construction and partners with local institutions and organizations on classes, internships and learning experiences for Colorado students.

Read more about the event: https://arkvalleyvoice.com/boys-girls-club-salida-junior-edison-and-verotouch-bring-youth-innovation-to-life-in-salida/.

09/28/2026

CDHE is hosting an in-person Educator Financial Aid Training session and Financial Aid Completion Night at CSU Fort Collins on October 27!

Counselors, teachers and community professionals are invited to join us from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to get current information and strengthen their ability to support students in securing financial aid.
Students and families are invited to attend from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to learn more about aid options and get hands-on assistance with completing financial aid applications.

Find more information and register at https://cdhe.colorado.gov/educator-financial-aid-training.

In an effort to increase FAFSA and CASFA completion rates across Colorado, HB22-1366: Improving Students' Postsecondary Options places a strong emphasis on providing financial aid training to those on the frontlines of student support— educators, counselors, and family engagement professionals.

09/28/2026

Colorado residents can apply to college for free during Colorado Free Application Days, October 20-22! Get ready now by applying for financial aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open now! Completing the FAFSA gives students access to work-study funds, federal grants and loans, and grants and scholarships from their college.

The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA), the state financial aid application for undocumented, Colorado ASSET students, will be available on October 1. Submitting the CASFA gives students access to state and institutional financial aid.

Start the FAFSA today: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Learn more about CASFA: https://cdhe.colorado.gov/casfa-resources-for-parents-students.

09/25/2026

Yesterday, CDHE executive director JB Holston attended an event welcoming Dr. Sarah Heath as the inaugural president of Emily Griffith Technical College. Dr. Heath has been a leader in the Colorado Community College System for over 10 years and has a wealth of experience in Career and Technical Education.
Welcome, Dr. Heath! We look forward to working with you, and to your continued leadership in Colorado's higher education system.
Learn more about Dr. Heath: https://ow.ly/zoFJ50ZRxUF.

09/25/2026

As we finish GEAR UP Week, join us in celebrating the many talented, dedicated people making Colorado GEAR UP a success! Our leadership team, advisors and steering committee all play a vital role in getting more Colorado students to and through college. Your support and hard work is essential in fueling student achievement and the long-term success of Colorado GEAR UP.
Meet the Colorado GEAR UP team: https://ow.ly/kiEU50ZRz4e.

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