10 Best Community Colleges in Colorado

Key Takeaways

• Colorado’s 13 community colleges offer in-state tuition typically ranging from $4,500 to $6,000 per year.
• Students can earn guaranteed university transfer through the GT Pathways curriculum or pursue hands-on technical careers.
• Programs align with Colorado’s leading industries, including technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and aerospace.
• The College Opportunity Fund reduces tuition for residents, and most colleges offer flexible schedules and strong online options.
• Campus locations span from Denver’s metro area to mountain towns and the eastern plains, offering statewide access to higher education.

Why Should You Consider Community Colleges in Colorado?

If you’re looking for a flexible and affordable way to start your college journey, Colorado’s community colleges are an excellent choice. With 13 institutions spread across the state, from downtown Denver to the foothills of the Rockies and the agricultural plains, these schools provide access to high-quality education without the high cost of a four-year university.

In-state tuition typically falls between $4,500 and $6,000 per year, and Colorado residents benefit from the College Opportunity Fund (COF), which reduces tuition costs even further. Whether you’re aiming to transfer to a four-year university or jump straight into the workforce, community colleges here offer strong academic programs and career-ready technical training. You’ll also benefit from GT Pathways, a statewide curriculum that guarantees transfer of credits to public universities in Colorado.

These colleges are designed to meet the state’s workforce needs in high-growth industries like healthcare, technology, outdoor recreation, renewable energy, and aerospace. You’ll find industry-standard equipment, flexible scheduling options for working adults, and Colorado Community College Online for those in remote areas or needing maximum flexibility.

No matter where you live or where you want to go, Colorado’s community colleges offer accessible, affordable, and high-quality pathways to higher education and career success.

10 Best Community Colleges in Colorado

Colorado’s community colleges combine academic transfer pathways, technical career training, and flexible learning options in some of the most stunning and diverse settings in the U.S. Here are five standout institutions offering excellent value across the state.

Pickens Technical College

Located in Aurora, Pickens Technical College offers specialized hands-on training for students focused on fast-tracking into skilled careers. With tuition at $6,540 per year, it’s one of the most affordable options in the Denver metro area.

Main Courses

Pickens specializes in automotive technology, culinary arts, multimedia graphics, construction trades, and healthcare, all delivered through high-quality, industry-specific labs.

Pros

• Focused technical programs with real-world application
• Strong ties to Denver-area employers
• Industry-grade equipment and labs for career-ready training

Cons

• Limited academic transfer options compared to traditional community colleges

Average In-State Tuition

$6,540 – A smart choice for students pursuing direct-to-career technical programs in metro Denver.

Aims Community College

Serving northern Colorado, Aims Community College has campuses in Greeley, Windsor, Fort Lupton, and Loveland, offering strong regional coverage and affordable tuition at just $6,710 per year.

Main Courses

Aims offers standout programs in aviation, oil and gas technology, agriculture, allied health, and automotive technology, all supported by state-of-the-art training facilities.

Pros

• One of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado
• Four campus locations for regional flexibility
• Well-equipped technical centers and flight simulators

Cons

• Commuting between campuses may be necessary for some programs

Average In-State Tuition

$6,710 – Exceptional value for students in northern Colorado pursuing technical and career-aligned education.

Front Range Community College

As Colorado’s largest community college, Front Range Community College offers comprehensive programs through campuses in Westminster, Longmont, Fort Collins, and Brighton. Tuition sits at $9,230 per year.

Main Courses

FRCC excels in healthcare, horticulture, advanced manufacturing, forestry, and information technology, with many programs tied to local industries and universities.

Pros

• Multiple campuses along Colorado’s Front Range
• Strong university transfer partnerships
• Extensive program variety with updated facilities

Cons

• A larger student population may feel less personal without strong self-direction

Average In-State Tuition

$9,230 – Ideal for students looking for broad academic and career pathways in one of Colorado’s most connected college networks.

Red Rocks Community College

Set in the foothills of the Rockies, Red Rocks Community College offers a scenic and academically rich experience for $9,250 per year, with campuses in Lakewood and Arvada.

Main Courses

RRCC is known for its programs in renewable energy, healthcare, water quality management, outdoor leadership, and physician assistant studies.

Pros

• Gorgeous campus setting with access to outdoor recreation
• Specialized sustainability and healthcare programs
• Strong career placement support

Cons

• Less convenient for students commuting from Denver’s eastern suburbs

Average In-State Tuition

$9,250 – A top pick for students interested in environmental careers and outdoor industry training.

Community College of Aurora

Situated in the eastern Denver metro area, Community College of Aurora offers vibrant academic and technical programs at $9,250 annually, with a strong focus on career readiness and diversity.

Main Courses

Specialties include film and media production, aviation, healthcare, criminal justice, and computer science, many of which connect directly to Denver’s booming industries.

Pros

• Diverse student population and inclusive campus environment
• Strong aviation and film programs tied to real-world job markets
• Convenient location near Denver International Airport

Cons

• Limited campus housing and fewer traditional college social amenities

Average In-State Tuition

$9,250 – A great fit if you’re pursuing creative or technical careers in the Denver metro area.

Morgan Community College

Serving northeastern Colorado, Morgan Community College is based in Fort Morgan with regional centers across the eastern plains. At $9,400 per year, it offers small class sizes and career-aligned programs in agriculture and healthcare.

Main Courses

MCC focuses on agriculture, healthcare, welding, emergency medical services, and business, all designed to meet the needs of rural and remote communities.

Pros

• Personalized instruction and small class sizes
• Strong connections to local healthcare and agricultural employers
• Ideal for students in remote areas

Cons

• Fewer cultural and entertainment options nearby
• Harsh winter weather can affect commuting

Average In-State Tuition

$9,400 – A great option for rural students seeking career-ready programs and personalized support.

Arapahoe Community College

With campuses in Littleton, Parker, and Castle Rock, Arapahoe Community College serves Denver’s southern suburbs with strong transfer and technical programs. Tuition is $9,780 annually.

Main Courses

ACC offers programs in health information technology, automotive service, mortuary science, architecture, and interior design, blending creative and technical training.

Pros

• Convenient locations across South Metro Denver
• Strong university transfer options
• Modern facilities and career-focused programs

Cons

• Higher tuition compared to other metro-area colleges

Average In-State Tuition

$9,780 – A well-rounded choice with excellent facilities and strong program variety in a growing region.

Lamar Community College

Located in southeastern Colorado, Lamar Community College offers residential campus life and specialized programs for $11,300 per year, ideal for students interested in agriculture and equine science.

Main Courses

LCC is known for its programs in agriculture, renewable energy, equine science, horse training and management, and healthcare.

Pros

• On-campus housing and student athletics
• Unique programs tied to Colorado’s high plains economy
• Supportive learning environment

Cons

• Remote location limits access to major cities and off-campus entertainment

Average In-State Tuition

$11,300 – A strong value for students seeking a traditional college experience in a rural setting with niche programs.

Trinidad State College

With campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa, Trinidad State College offers hands-on training and residential options for $11,300 annually in scenic southern Colorado.

Main Courses

Programs include gunsmithing, heavy equipment operation, aquaculture, nursing, and historical preservation, many of which are rare in the region.

Pros

• Nationally recognized gunsmithing program
• On-campus housing and athletics
• Small class sizes and scenic campus

Cons

• Higher tuition compared to many other community colleges
• Long travel distances to major urban centers

Average In-State Tuition

$11,300 – A unique option for students seeking specialized technical careers and a residential campus atmosphere.

Colorado Northwestern Community College

With residential campuses in Rangely and Craig, Colorado Northwestern Community College serves northwestern Colorado for $12,100 per year, offering distinctive field-based programs.

Main Courses

CNCC offers aviation technology, dental hygiene, equine studies, natural resource management, and paleontology, many tied to the surrounding natural environment.

Pros

• Full residential experience with housing and athletics
• Specialized programs like aviation and paleontology
• Outdoor study opportunities in Colorado’s scenic northwest

Cons

• The most remote location on this list with extreme weather and limited urban amenities
• The highest tuition among Colorado’s community colleges

Average In-State Tuition

$12,100 – Worth the premium for students seeking unique programs and a tight-knit campus community.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Best Community Colleges in Colorado

Colorado’s community colleges are designed to be accessible, but there are a few essential steps you’ll need to take before enrolling. These requirements help ensure you’re eligible for in-state tuition and placed in the right courses for your skill level.

High School Diploma Required

You’ll need to provide proof of high school completion, typically a diploma or equivalent credential such as a GED or HiSET. If you’re currently in high school, you may qualify for concurrent enrollment programs like ASCENT, which allow you to earn college credit while finishing your diploma.

Colorado Application Submission

You can apply either through the Colorado Community College Online portal or directly through the website of your chosen institution. Application fees are usually low, between $0 and $30, and many colleges waive them for students who demonstrate financial need or apply during promotional periods.

Placement Test Completion

Most colleges use the ACCUPLACER Next Generation test to determine course placement, particularly for math and English. However, many schools also consider your high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores, or prior college coursework, so testing isn’t always required.

Residency Status Verification

To qualify for in-state tuition and access the College Opportunity Fund (COF), you’ll need to show that you’ve lived in Colorado for at least 12 consecutive months. Documentation typically includes a lease, state ID, utility bills, or voter registration.

How Do Colorado Community College Costs Compare to National Averages?

Colorado community colleges typically charge between $4,500 and $6,000 per year for in-state students, which is slightly above the national average of around $5,000, but still far more affordable than attending a four-year university in the state.

What makes Colorado especially appealing is the College Opportunity Fund (COF). This program provides a tuition stipend to all eligible residents, automatically reducing costs when you enroll in a participating college. On top of that, students may qualify for the Colorado Student Grant, institutional scholarships, and federal aid through the FAFSA.

Many colleges also offer Colorado Community College Online, giving you the option to study remotely and reduce living and transportation expenses. Considering the flexibility, strong career outcomes, and statewide access, Colorado’s community colleges offer a strong return on investment even with slightly higher base tuition.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Community Colleges in Colorado?

International students in Colorado can expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 per year in tuition. While this is higher than in-state rates, it’s still significantly more affordable than attending a public university in the state, where international tuition often exceeds $30,000.

Although international students aren’t eligible for COF or state financial aid, many community colleges offer international scholarships, campus jobs, and cultural diversity grants. These can help offset costs while offering meaningful engagement on campus.

It’s important to factor in additional costs like SEVIS fees, mandatory health insurance (usually $1,800–$2,500 per year), and the cost of living, which can vary widely depending on whether your college is in Denver, a mountain town, or a rural area. Still, for many international students, Colorado’s community colleges offer an affordable, high-quality gateway to U.S. education in one of the country’s most scenic and dynamic states.

How Does University of the People Compare With the Best Community Colleges in Colorado?

If you’re weighing your options for low-cost, flexible education, University of the People offers a very different, but highly compelling alternative to Colorado’s community colleges. Instead of traditional tuition, UoPeople charges only assessment fees: $160 per course for undergraduate degrees, $400 for M.Ed., and $450 for MBA or MSIT programs. That structure can result in much lower total costs than even Colorado’s most affordable in-state community college options.

Colorado community colleges do offer strong value, especially with College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipends reducing in-state tuition and a wide variety of hands-on, career-ready programs. But if your top priority is flexibility and cost, UoPeople may be the better fit. Its 100% online and asynchronous model means you can study from anywhere, on your schedule, an excellent option for working professionals or those with family obligations.

On the other hand, Colorado community colleges provide regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, which may offer broader transfer options within the U.S. university system. UoPeople is nationally accredited by the DEAC and WASC, which is well-respected, but can affect credit transfer depending on the receiving institution.

Ready to Choose the Best Community College?

Finding the right community college in Colorado depends on where you live, what you want to study, and how you plan to use your degree. Whether you’re aiming for a university transfer through GT Pathways or heading straight into a career in healthcare, aviation, renewable energy, or tech, Colorado’s 13 community colleges offer programs that match your goals.

Think about what’s most important to you: affordability, location, campus life, or program specialization. Then, explore whether you qualify for in-state tuition through COF, and look into school-specific scholarships or online learning options that make attending even more manageable.

Colorado’s community colleges combine practical training, academic flexibility, and statewide accessibility, giving you the tools to succeed, whether you’re in the Denver metro area, the foothills of the Rockies, or the plains of eastern Colorado.

FAQs

What is the cheapest community college in Colorado?

Pickens Technical College and Aims Community College are among the most affordable, with tuition under $7,000 annually.

How does the Colorado Community College Online system work?

It’s a centralized online platform where students across Colorado can enroll in fully online courses, regardless of their local campus.

Do Colorado community colleges guarantee transfer to state universities?

Yes. Through GT Pathways, students who complete approved general education courses are guaranteed credit transfer to public universities in Colorado.

Which Colorado community colleges have the highest graduation rates?

Graduation rates vary by program, but schools like Arapahoe, FRCC, and Red Rocks tend to have strong student outcomes and transfer success.

Are Colorado community colleges open to international students?

Yes. Most schools welcome international students and offer support services, though state-funded financial aid like COF is not available to non-residents.