State report highlights higher earnings, stronger employment outcomes and lower debt for graduates of Colorado public institutions
DENVER – July 31, 2026 – The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) today released its annual Return on Investment (ROI) report, providing a comprehensive analysis of how Colorado’s public colleges and universities are preparing students for careers, economic mobility and workforce success.
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. Grant funding included $5.3 million in matching student scholarships and $1.5 million in Career Launch funds to support students pursuing credentials connected to Colorado’s Top Jobs.
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.
DENVER – 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.
DENVER – Yesterday, the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) honored Colorado’s future educators during the eighth annual Future Educator Honor Roll, held as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.
Coloradans showcase their postsecondary pride and encourage students to reach their full potential
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) are proud to recognize the upcoming Decision Day 2026, celebrating Colorado students as they commit to colleges, universities, workforce training programs, apprenticeships or military service.
DENVER – April 24, 2026: Today, Governor Polis and 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.
New Scholarship Initiative Expands Support For Students on the Path to a Bachelor’s Degree
Initiative pairs financial supports with holistic student services to help more Coloradans get a bachelor’s degree
DENVER – Jan. 9, 2026: Colorado students submitted 71,504 college and university admissions applications during the state’s eighth annual Colorado Free Application Days, held Tuesday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. The statewide initiative saw a 9% increase in participation compared to last year and saved students more than $2.4 million in waived application fees, the initiative has seen an increase of students every year since its launch.
Holston brings decades of business, civic, and academic leadership experience to ensure higher education properly prepares students with skills for the careers of today and tomorrow
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis announced JB Holston as the next Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Holston will succeed Dr. Angie Paccione whose last day is January 9, 2026 and will shadow her starting on December 15.