College & Education in Colorado

18 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Colorado

Colorado uses 'allocation of parental responsibilities' instead of 'custody' and handles cases in district courts. The Child Support Services division runs enforcement statewide. Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins anchor the major metros. Colorado Legal Services (the statewide LSC program), Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and numerous county self-help centers support fathers statewide.

18 Resources

1. Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) — Free

State agency overseeing public higher education, administering financial aid programs such as the Colorado Student Grant, and coordinating policy for Colorado's colleges and universities. Serves prospective and current college students statewide. Start by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov to unlock state aid; direct program questions can be emailed to CDHE or routed through your college financial aid office with your student ID and FAFSA record available.

303-862-3001 · 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Colorado Student Grant (Need-Based Aid) — Free

State need-based grant for Colorado residents attending participating in-state colleges, with awards based on financial need determined by the FAFSA. Serves income-eligible Colorado residents at public and participating private institutions. File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and list a Colorado school; your college financial aid office will package the grant. Have ready Social Security numbers, prior-year tax returns, and any household untaxed income records.

303-862-3001 · Apply through FAFSA · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocking Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study funding for Colorado students attending eligible colleges and career schools. Serves U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens at no cost to apply. Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov; have ready your Social Security number, driver's license if applicable, prior-year federal tax return, untaxed income records, and a list of schools you are considering.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Federal Pell Grant Program — Free

Largest federal grant for undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need on the FAFSA, with awards disbursed through the student's college and no repayment required. Serves income-eligible undergraduates at Colorado colleges and nationwide. Apply by completing the FAFSA each year at studentaid.gov; have ready your Social Security number, prior-year federal tax return, records of untaxed income, and a list of the Colorado schools where you are applying.

1-800-433-3243 · Apply via FAFSA · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Community College of Denver — Paid

Denver's community college offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training with flexible scheduling at the Auraria Campus. Serves Denver-area residents and Colorado students at state resident tuition rates, with Pell Grants, Colorado Student Grant, and scholarships available. Apply online; bring a photo ID, official high school or GED transcripts, and FAFSA confirmation to enroll in classes and meet with an advisor.

303-556-2600 · 1111 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Pikes Peak State College (Colorado Springs) — Paid

Colorado Springs community college offering over 100 programs, strong adult learner and veteran services, and transfer options across the state. Serves students with state resident tuition rates, Pell Grants, Colorado Student Grant, and scholarships. Apply online; bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcripts, any prior college transcripts, DD-214 if using veteran benefits, and FAFSA confirmation to enroll and meet with an advisor.

719-502-2000 · 5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Front Range Community College — Paid

Northern Colorado community college with campuses in Westminster, Longmont, and Fort Collins offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to CU, CSU, and other four-year schools. Serves Colorado residents at state tuition rates. Apply online; bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcripts, any prior college transcripts, and FAFSA confirmation to enroll in classes and meet with an academic advisor or support specialist.

303-404-5000 · 3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Colorado Adult Education / GED — Free

Free adult education programs coordinated by the Colorado Department of Education helping adults earn their GED or high school equivalency, improve literacy, and prepare for college or career training. Serves Colorado adults 17 and older at local program sites statewide. Find a program by ZIP code on the state website; bring a photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and any prior high school or college records to the orientation.

Programs statewide · Varies; many evening classes · Visit Website

9. Colorado Workforce Centers - Education & Training — Free

Statewide workforce system offering career counseling, training scholarships funded through WIOA, education planning, and employer connections at workforce centers in every region of Colorado. Serves eligible job seekers at no cost for most services. Find your local center by ZIP code through the Connecting Colorado website; bring a photo ID, Social Security card, resume, and any prior training or education records to your first appointment.

Workforce centers across Colorado · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Pueblo Community College — Paid

Southern Colorado community college offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs in nursing, trades, and liberal arts with transfer pathways to four-year universities. Serves residents at state resident tuition rates. Apply online; bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcripts, any prior college transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and a DD-214 if using veteran benefits to enroll and meet with an advisor.

719-549-3200 · 900 W Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Aims Community College (Greeley) — Paid

Northern Colorado community college in Greeley offering affordable associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer pathways to four-year universities, along with career and technical programs. Serves Weld County and surrounding residents at state resident tuition rates. Apply online; bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcripts, any prior college transcripts, and FAFSA confirmation to register for classes and meet with an academic advisor.

970-330-8008 · 5401 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Red Rocks Community College (Lakewood) — Paid

Jefferson County community college offering programs in technology, healthcare, trades, and public safety along with strong transfer agreements to Colorado four-year universities. Serves Colorado residents at state tuition rates. Apply online; bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcripts, any prior college transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and a DD-214 if using veteran benefits to enroll and meet with an academic advisor or career counselor.

303-914-6600 · 13300 W 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Arapahoe Community College (Littleton) — Paid

South metro Denver community college offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, workforce programs, and strong transfer pathways to Colorado four-year universities. Serves Colorado residents at state resident tuition rates. Apply online; bring a photo ID, high school or GED transcripts, any prior college transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and a DD-214 if using veteran benefits to register for classes and meet with an academic advisor.

303-797-4222 · 5900 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction) — Paid

Western Slope public university offering bachelor's and master's degrees with affordable tuition and strong support services, including programs in business, education, nursing, and engineering. Serves Colorado residents at state tuition rates. Apply online through the university; bring a photo ID, high school or prior college transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and test scores if required for your program to complete enrollment and meet with an advisor.

970-248-1020 · 1100 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Metropolitan State University of Denver — Paid

Denver's urban public university offering affordable bachelor's and selected master's degrees with flexible scheduling tailored to working adults and transfer students at the Auraria Campus. Serves Colorado residents at state tuition rates. Apply online; bring a photo ID, prior college and high school transcripts, FAFSA confirmation, and a DD-214 if using veteran benefits to complete enrollment and meet with an academic advisor.

303-615-0000 · 890 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) — Free

State-funded scholarship program connecting Colorado students with need-based financial aid and wraparound support services for postsecondary education at participating Colorado institutions. Serves income-eligible Colorado residents pursuing college or workforce credentials. Apply through your campus financial aid office or a COSI partner program; complete the FAFSA first, and have ready recent tax returns and a list of the Colorado schools you are considering.

303-862-3001 · 1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. GI Bill Benefits - Colorado — Free

Federal education benefits for veterans, service members, and eligible dependents covering tuition, fees, and a housing allowance at Colorado colleges, universities, and training programs. Serves eligible veterans and dependents nationwide. Apply online at VA.gov and choose your Colorado school; have ready your DD-214 or Statement of Service, a photo ID, Social Security number, and the school's name and program information for your application.

1-888-442-4551 · Apply online at VA.gov · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

18. Scholarships.com - Colorado Scholarships — Free

Free searchable database of Colorado-specific scholarships and financial aid for postsecondary education, covering merit, need-based, identity-based, and field-specific awards. Serves students and parents nationwide at no cost. Create a free account on the website; have ready the student's current grade, GPA, intended major, state, and identity-based details such as first-generation status or background to receive matched scholarship opportunities to apply for.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.