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Colorado Free Application Days

The Colorado Free Application Days campaign is an initiative designed to inspire more Coloradans to continue their education. From Tuesday, Oct. 20 through Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions will waive their application fees, making it free for anyone to submit an application.

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. See which schools were awarded the inaugural designation.

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.

Higher Education Works!

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

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

October 15, 2026

Colorado students can apply to college for free during the ninth annual Colorado Free Application Days, Oct. 20-22

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.

October 6, 2026

Colorado Department of Higher Education Recognizes First Cohort of AI Engaged Campuses

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.

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

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WorkED UP! Podcast

WorkED Up! is the podcast for people who are fired up about the future of work and education and not afraid to say it.

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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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