News Article

DENVER- The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and Governor Jared Polis are pleased to announce the ninth annual Colorado Free Application Days, taking place Tuesday, October 20, through Thursday, October 22, 2026. During the three-day event, all 31 public colleges and universities in Colorado, along with many private institutions, waive application fees, removing a financial barrier and making it easier for students to continue their education.

DENVER –The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) today announced the inaugural institutions earning the AI Engaged Campus Designation, recognizing Colorado colleges and universities that are taking intentional steps to prepare students, faculty and staff for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. This designation exists to celebrate that work, to guide institutions seeking a roadmap, and to set an aspirational standard for what responsible, student-centered AI engagement looks like in higher education. 

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 - Governor Polis celebrated the recipients of the 2026 Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Challenge Awards, recognizing educators, institutions, and programs that are transforming higher education through affordability, access, and innovation. 

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.