Best Community Colleges in Colorado of 2023

Aims Community College offers a comprehensive education with affordable tuition. Students benefit from rigorous coursework taught by enthusiastic instructors with a low student-to-faculty ratio. In these classrooms, each student is seen as an individual with unique needs and learning goals. Undergraduates can choose from over 200 academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates in agriculture, business, and health sciences. To promote higher levels of student success, Aims provides a roster of support services. In addition to academic and career counseling, students can utilize an online writing lab and testing center. First-generation and low-income students are encouraged to enroll in Trio, an educational program that equips students with the skill set they need to succeed in higher education.

Morgan Community College (MCC) offers tuition-free education through Care Forward Colorado, a program that provides short-term healthcare training at no cost to the student. Students pursuing a career as a nurse aide, phlebotomy technician, medical assistant, or emergency medical technician (EMT) qualify for this program, making MCC an excellent option for students with healthcare aspirations. In addition, MCC offers over 80 academic programs with relatively affordable tuition. Undergraduates can enroll in a degree or certificate track for careers in STEM, skilled trades, public service, and education. With six campuses and options for online learning, MCC can help its students achieve nearly any career goal.

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) offers a robust selection of academic programs, including three bachelor’s degrees. In addition, undergraduates can enroll in nationally recognized programs to earn an associate degree or certificate. Those interested in Nursing, Emergency Service Administration, and Advanced Paramedic Practitioner can directly enroll in a four-year program. Students planning to transfer can feel confident that their credits will move over easily, as ACC has over 30 transfer agreements to colleges and universities. ACC encourages students to engage with the community, with many opportunities to volunteer on and off campus. Options include seasonal student events, volunteering with Denver Audubon to maintain trails and outdoor spaces, and internships to serve the local community.

Students attending Trinidad State College (TSC) benefit from small class sizes with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Each course promotes high levels of interaction between students and faculty, creating a collaborative classroom experience. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the additional services TSC provides to promote student success, like career counseling and free tutoring. With adult education, non-traditional education, and dual enrollment programs, TSC has an option for nearly any degree seeker.

Front Range Community College (FRCC) provides an affordable education with courses taught by supportive faculty. Many students claim that the instructors at FRCC made a positive impact on their education. Instructors are known for treating their students with respect and providing encouraging, helpful feedback on coursework. With over 60 different pathways, undergraduates can enroll in various degree and certificate programs to help them achieve their future goals. Popular programs include health sciences, liberal arts, manufacturing technology, and education.

With a guaranteed transfer program, the Community College of Aurora (CCA) is an excellent option for students looking to transfer to a four-year institution. With CCA's Bridge to Bachelor's program, students can feel confident that their coursework will prepare them well to earn their bachelor's degree and guarantee their admission into any participating college or university. Many local institutions are participants, including the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and Western Colorado University. In addition, CCA offers many options for associate degrees and certificates, such as General Business, Early Childhood Education, and Phlebotomy.

Lamar Community College (LCC) students receive a high-quality education in a supportive learning environment. With over 70 years of experience in higher education, LCC has a rich history of promoting student success. In each program, courses are taught by caring faculty members devoted to helping students succeed inside and outside of the classroom. While many associate degrees are designed for students intending to continue to a four-year university, others are well-suited for students looking to enter the workforce immediately. In addition, students can earn certificates in accounting, horse training, emergency medical technician, cosmetology, and welding.

As the largest two-year residential college in Colorado, Northeastern Community College provides a robust roster of academic programs and many student support services. Undergraduates can choose from over 80 programs to meet their educational goals, including options for associate degrees and certificates. The Monahan Learning Center provides students with resources to promote success, including a library, free tutoring services, and the Trio program for first-generation or low-income students. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in opportunities to engage with their peers, with options like student government, livestock judging, chess club, and an athletics program.

Pikes Peak Community College offers over 180 academic programs and certificates to prepare students for high-paying jobs in the most popular industries. Students can enroll in general education programs, technical degree programs, or certificates and earn the necessary training for a new career or obtain a sought-after promotion. In addition, Pikes Peak provides dual-credit options for high school students and veteran benefits for the state's military population. With military and veteran experts on standby, these students can feel confident their high education journey will start on the right foot. All students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to determine which career pathway is right for them. Options are expansive and include programs in applied technology, public service, and medical sciences.

Otero Junior College (OJC) is a reputable two-year institution with over 50 academic programs. With a focus on creating a curriculum that is accessible and inclusive, OJC provides students with a transformational education that promotes cultural diversity and economic development. Students are encouraged to take advantage of comprehensive support services, including mental health services, tutoring, and the on-campus Learning Commons. This educational center provides opportunities for collaboration, socialization, and relaxation. OJC offers a selection of scholarships to make earning a degree more affordable, including scholarships specifically for nursing and education majors. In addition, certain undergraduates may also qualify for on-campus employment and work-study opportunities.