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AI-Engaged Campus Designation

The AI-Engaged Campus Designation recognizes higher education institutions that are advancing student-centered, equitable and responsible AI engagement across key areas—including curriculum, faculty development, policy, workforce connections, ethics and integration. Applications are now open, and institutions can apply through noon on September 14.

Basic Needs Campus Designations

The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) today announced the first cohort of higher education institutions to receive the state’s new Basic Needs Campus Designations, recognizing campuses that are leading the way in supporting students’ essential needs so they can succeed in college and beyond.

House Resolution 1

HR1 is a major federal higher education and workforce policy package that restructures several student focused programs, updates reporting requirements and introduces new accountability measures for institutions. It changes how student financing, workforce programs and outcomes reporting are defined and evaluated at the federal level.

Future Ed Honor Roll 2026

The Colorado Future Educator Honor Roll celebrated the state’s top teacher candidates. The 2026 Future Educator Honor Roll event was held on Tuesday, May 5 at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood.

Higher Education Works!

Higher Education Works is designed to amplify how learning beyond high school works for Coloradans and Colorado’s future workforce.

2026–27 FAFSA and CASFA Forms Are Now Available!

The 2026-27 FAFSA/ CASFA are now open! Complete your application today!

Colorado Work-Integrated Learning (CO-WIL)

The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) announced the five institutions selected to participate in the inaugural Colorado Work-Integrated Learning (CO-WIL) Pilot, a three-year initiative designed to give students real-world, hands-on learning experiences in college and university classrooms that apply to growing industries and good-paying jobs across the state.

News

July 31, 2026

Return on Higher Education Remains Strong for Colorado Students

State report highlights higher earnings, stronger employment outcomes and lower debt for graduates of Colorado public institutions

July 29, 2026

Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Awards $6.8 million to Support Colorado Students in Pursuing Their Postsecondary Education

DENVER – The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, awarded 40 grants totaling more than $6.8 million to support Coloradans pursuing higher education.

July 10, 2026

Colorado Department of Higher Education Announces up to $1.5 million in Grant Funds for Scholarship Programs Targeting High-Needs Industries

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), through the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), has released the 2026–2027 Career Launch Request for Application, making up to $1.5 million in grant funding available to eligible nonprofit organizations across Colorado.

Division Spotlight

Student and Academic Affairs

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This division is responsible for academic and student affairs policy development and program implementation.

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Professionals

View resources for educators, administrators, and other professionals on topics like loan forgiveness and more.

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"Learning is worth it. It is work, but the work is its own reward."
— Chris Kolakowski
Arapahoe Community College Student
"You are never too old to go back to school."
— Donna McGee
Colorado Mesa University Student
"This program has changed my life for the better."
— Dennica Tafoya
Colorado Collegiate Apprentice

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