What You Should Know About Graduating From Community College in Colorado
As you pursue higher education, you should keep in mind your career and earning potential. According to data from 2020, the occupations with the highest median wages for associate degree holders in Colorado were air traffic controllers, aerospace engineering and operations technologists, radiation therapists, dental hygienists, and nuclear medicine technologists.
While having an associate degree can expand your career opportunities, those new to the job market might benefit from focusing on careers that tend to have high job availability. The top five occupations with the most annual job openings for associate degree holders in Colorado are preschool teachers (excluding special education), paralegals and legal assistants, veterinary technologists and technicians, dental hygienists, and computer network support specialists.
Job seekers in Colorado should also consider which career fields are projected to decline. The only occupation expected to see a large drop in employment over the next decade is respiratory therapy technician.
What’s Next?
As you research community colleges in the state of Colorado, it’s important to consider how you plan to fund your education. We’ve put together a list of federal and state resources that connect you to scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities in Colorado.
- Colorado Department of Education. From state-based loans to federal grants, the Colorado Department of Education offers everything residents need to find financial aid resources.
- Federal Student Aid. The U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid provides over $120 billion in scholarships, grants, and loans every year. Determine your eligibility for FAFSA by visiting the FAFSA4caster and apply by completing the online FAFSA form.
- CareerOneStop. Sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CareerOneStop is a useful resource that connects students to information about the different scholarships and grants available in their state. After filtering searches by location and degree level, students gain access to information about award amounts, qualification requirements, and application deadlines.