Colorado’s public higher education system is coordinated by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE), an 11-member board established by the legislature. CCHE sets statewide higher education policy, approves new degree programs, recommends funding formulas, oversees statewide financial aid, defines institutional roles and missions, and establishes admissions and enrollment standards. The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) serves as CCHE’s administrative arm, implementing policy and overseeing programs such as financial aid, credit transfer, and statewide data services.
The system includes 13 public four-year institutions, 13 community colleges within the Colorado Community College System, and several private institutions. Each public institution has its own governing board while the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) governs the community college system, except for two locally governed district colleges.
