Located in the heart of downtown, CCD offers a diverse range of associate degrees and certificate programs. It is highly regarded for its seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities and its commitment to student support services.
Top Community Colleges in Denver, Colorado - June 2026
USA / Colorado / Denver
Discover the best community colleges in Denver, Colorado, offering high-quality education and flexible programs. Find your path to academic success with our expert-vetted list of local institutions.
A leading urban institution focused on accessible education and transfer success.
Details
- Year Founded: 1967
- Employees: 500-1000
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-303-556-2600
- Email: admissions@ccd.edu
About the Company
Pros
- Downtown location
- Strong transfer pathways
Cons
- Limited campus housing
- Parking can be difficult
Innovative college known for unique health and specialized technical programs.
Details
- Year Founded: 1969
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-303-914-6600
- Email: admissions@rrcc.edu
About the Company
RRCC provides a supportive learning environment with state-of-the-art labs. Their focus on career-ready skills in healthcare and STEM makes them a top choice for students looking for immediate workforce entry or university advancement.
Pros
- Specialized vocational programs
- Modern facilities
Cons
- Located outside Denver proper
- Competitive enrollment
Comprehensive college serving the south metro area with diverse degree options.
Details
- Year Founded: 1965
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-303-797-4222
- Email: admissions@arapahoe.edu
About the Company
ACC is widely recognized for its robust academic transfer programs and practical vocational training. The faculty-to-student ratio ensures personalized attention, helping students reach their professional and academic goals efficiently.
Pros
- Excellent faculty
- Strong community ties
Cons
- Requires commute from central Denver
- Older facilities
Diverse and inclusive environment offering high-quality education in the east metro.
Details
- Year Founded: 1983
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $
- Phone: +1-303-360-4700
- Email: admissions@ccaurora.edu
About the Company
CCA is dedicated to student success through inclusive practices and innovative teaching. It offers exceptional support for first-generation college students and diverse populations seeking affordable, quality higher education.
Pros
- Diverse student body
- Affordable tuition
Cons
- Distance from Denver city center
- Limited social events
Large, multi-campus institution with a vast array of transfer and technical programs.
Details
- Year Founded: 1968
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-303-404-5000
- Email: admissions@frontrange.edu
About the Company
As one of the largest community colleges in Colorado, FRCC offers unmatched variety in course selection. Its reputation for academic excellence and wide range of online options makes it a highly flexible choice for busy students.
Pros
- Extensive program selection
- Flexible scheduling
Cons
- Large student body size
- Administrative complexity
Focused career and technical training center for hands-on industries.
Details
- Year Founded: 1975
- Employees: 100-200
- Price Range: $
- Phone: +1-303-344-4910
- Email: info@pickenstech.org
About the Company
Pickens provides intensive, hands-on training for careers in fields like healthcare, technology, and trades. It is a prime institution for students who want to enter the workforce quickly with specialized certifications.
Pros
- Practical job training
- Short program duration
Cons
- No traditional associate degrees
- Career-only focus
Historic technical college providing workforce development in the heart of Denver.
Details
- Year Founded: 1916
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $
- Phone: +1-720-423-4700
- Email: info@emilygriffith.edu
About the Company
With a long-standing tradition of serving the community, this institution offers a wide range of career certificates. Their apprenticeship programs and English language courses are highly rated by local employers.
Pros
- Central location
- Strong industry partnerships
Cons
- Facility aging
- High student demand
Regional partner for many Denver-based commuters seeking specialized trade skills.
Details
- Year Founded: 1968
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-307-778-5222
- Email: admissions@lccc.wy.edu
About the Company
Though slightly further afield, this college attracts many students from the Denver metro area for its specialized agriculture and engineering technology programs. Offers a traditional campus feel with strong athletics.
Pros
- Strong athletics
- Specialized technical labs
Cons
- Distance from Denver
- Out-of-state tuition nuances
A diverse college system often utilized by Denver students for military-affiliated education.
Details
- Year Founded: 1968
- Employees: 500-1000
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-719-502-2000
- Email: admissions@pikespeak.edu
About the Company
PPSC offers comprehensive associate degrees and certifications. It is particularly noted for its military education programs and support services for veterans transitioning into civilian careers or higher education.
Pros
- Military-friendly programs
- Good online options
Cons
- Significant travel from Denver
- Large campus spread
Small, community-focused college offering accessible online degree pathways.
Details
- Year Founded: 1970
- Employees: 100-200
- Price Range: $
- Phone: +1-970-542-3100
- Email: admissions@morgancc.edu
About the Company
Ideal for students seeking a smaller class size and a personalized atmosphere. They offer excellent remote learning options, making high-quality community college education accessible to those throughout the Denver metro area.
Pros
- Small class sizes
- Personalized attention
Cons
- Limited in-person events
- Rural focus
Satellite campus specializing in health sciences and dental hygiene education.
Details
- Year Founded: 1967
- Employees: 50-150
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-303-365-8300
- Email: lowry@ccd.edu
About the Company
The Lowry campus is highly specialized, offering top-tier training facilities for dental hygiene and health professions. It provides a quiet, focused environment for students in competitive healthcare programs.
Pros
- Advanced health labs
- Quiet campus vibe
Cons
- Specific to health majors
- Limited student activities
Administrative hub governing quality and standards for community colleges statewide.
Details
- Year Founded: 1967
- Employees: 100-200
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-303-595-1600
- Email: info@cccs.edu
About the Company
The governing body ensures consistent quality across all campuses. While not a direct instruction site, it serves as the ultimate resource for transfer agreements and statewide accreditation standards for Denver students.
Pros
- Resource hub
- Standardized policies
Cons
- Administrative focus only
- No student campus life
Unique partnership programs allowing community college credits to transition seamlessly.
Details
- Year Founded: 1965
- Employees: 1000+
- Price Range: $$$
- Phone: +1-303-556-3058
- Email: admissions@msudenver.edu
About the Company
While technically a university, their bridge programs for community college students are legendary in Denver. It is the gold standard for those planning to finish an associate's and quickly jump into a bachelor's.
Pros
- Perfect transfer support
- Urban campus lifestyle
Cons
- University pricing tiers
- High competition
Partnering with regional colleges for robust technical and academic credits.
Details
- Year Founded: 1925
- Employees: 500-1000
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-970-248-1020
- Email: admissions@coloradomesa.edu
About the Company
Their concurrent enrollment initiatives allow Denver-based students to earn dual credits efficiently. Their digital curriculum and collaboration with local tech industries are highly valued by professional students.
Pros
- Strong tech curriculum
- Efficient credit systems
Cons
- Distance based instruction
- Mostly remote interaction
Comprehensive college offering specialized nursing and vocational paths.
Details
- Year Founded: 1933
- Employees: 200-500
- Price Range: $$
- Phone: +1-719-549-3200
- Email: admissions@pueblocc.edu
About the Company
PCC is known for high-quality, specialized nursing and allied health programs. Their commitment to vocational training and accessibility has made them a popular option for Denver residents seeking specialized certificates.
Pros
- Excellent health programs
- Affordable costs
Cons
- Commute for Denver residents
- Limited campus options
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
- What are the top community colleges in Denver?
Denver offers several highly-rated institutions including the Community College of Denver and Red Rocks Community College. - Are community colleges in Denver affordable?
Yes, they provide a cost-effective alternative to four-year universities with many financial aid options available. - Can I transfer credits from a Denver community college?
Absolutely, most programs have articulation agreements with major universities in Colorado. - What degrees are offered at these colleges?
They offer Associate degrees, certificates, and specialized workforce training programs. - How do I apply to a community college in Denver?
Most colleges have an online application portal and require basic transcripts or placement testing. - Do these colleges offer online courses?
Yes, most community colleges in Denver offer a mix of hybrid and fully online programs to accommodate your schedule.