Colleges and Trade Schools in Colorado
By Publisher
| Last Updated
The programs at colleges and trade schools in Colorado are designed to help students develop the skills that lead to vocational success. And the region's strong economy is generating growing numbers of opportunities in numerous career sectors, such as technology, business, health care, and more.
Education & Training in Colorado
With a robust economy and a wide variety of vocational colleges, trade schools, and other post-secondary options, Colorado is an excellent place to train for new opportunities.
Key Benefits of the Region for College Students
- 1. Better chance for personalized instruction: Colorado's public four-year schools have student-to-faculty ratios lower than the U.S. average.
- 2. Less student debt: According to the Institute for College Access & Success, Colorado graduates in the Class of 2020 had lower than average student debt levels compared to the rest of the country.
- 3. Educated state: Colorado is the fourth most educated state in the USA as of 2024, according to data from World Population Review. The number of educated individuals increases the likelihood that prestigious companies will consider Colorado college graduates for employment.
Colorado Trade Schools & Colleges
Sponsored Listings
Lincoln Tech
- Denver
- Automotive Technology
- Collision Repair and Refinishing
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical/Electronics
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Welding Technology
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
- Denver
- Aviation Electronics Technology (Avionics)
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
Cannavision Institute
- Online in CO, OH, OR, & WA
- Cannabis Compliance and Administration
- Cannabis Cultivation and Horticulture
- Cannabis Dispensary Operations
- Cannabis Processing and Extractions
- Cannabis Studies
Accreditation for Colleges & Trade Schools in Colorado
Accreditation signifies a school has been evaluated by an independent agency and has met or exceeded specific quality standards. Plus, a school must be accredited by a regional or national body approved by the U.S. Department of Education for its students to qualify for federal financial aid.
Many Colorado universities and community colleges are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Trade and vocational schools often seek national accreditation through agencies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Private vocational colleges and trade schools in Colorado also need a license from the Division of Private Occupational Schools before offering instruction to Colorado students.
Financial Aid for Colorado Students
The Department of Higher Education offers information on different forms of state aid that Colorado students can access. The list includes need-based grants, work-study programs, and tuition assistance initiatives funded by the state but disbursed through individual institutions. Contact the financial aid office at the school you're interested in attending for details on what's available.
The College Opportunity Fund (COF) program provides a per-credit-hour stipend to Colorado students who attend participating public or private schools. The stipend amount is set annually, and public school students receive more than those at private institutions. You can apply through the program's website.
Most forms of federal and state aid are awarded based on information students provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) students can apply for state-funded aid using the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). ASSET students have lived in Colorado for at least three years and graduated from a high school in the state or passed an equivalency exam, but lack lawful immigration status.
Colorado Is Where Your Better Future Can Begin
Post-secondary education can help you capitalize on many of the most promising opportunities in this state. Vocational colleges and trade schools in Colorado offer the kind of skills-focused programs that can help you get ahead.