Educational Excellence in Colorado Springs Schools
Colorado Springs is not only known for its stunning terrain, but a thriving educational landscape. Whether it’s one of the many school districts that have achieved distinction, higher education institutions like the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), or robust grant funding that paves the way for tomorrow’s learners, the Pikes Peak region is a beacon for top-tier education.
Keep reading to learn how Colorado Springs schools help students grow in well-supported learning environments and how the city is becoming one of the best in the nation for academic excellence and educational attainment.
Career-Driven Higher Education at UCCS
Students and lifelong learners soar to new heights in Colorado Springs — with everything from liberal arts universities to technical colleges helping students build the skills for the 21st century. Nearly 40% of Colorado Springs residents have achieved their bachelor’s degree or higher, leading to WalletHub ranking the city as the No. 17 most educated in the nation.
UCCS plays a vital role in shaping higher education in Colorado and in the Pikes Peak region. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the university’s commitment to affordable education makes it an accessible choice for many. And with a diverse student body where 34% identify as ethnically diverse, UCCS is committed to inclusion through its Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness, and Community (MOSAIC).
UCCS also works to increase education beyond its campus walls by collaborating with local high schools, offering dual enrollment programs that allow students to earn college credit early. The university supports professional development in the community through continuing education programs for business leaders, healthcare workers, cybersecurity specialists and more. UCCS also offers various centers and institutes, with its cross-disciplinary Cybersecurity program having catapulted the university to national recognition.
School is Always “in” in Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) is the largest higher education institution by enrollment in Colorado Springs, offering nearly 200 degrees and certificates across its three campuses, military locations and local learning centers. The U.S. Air Force Academy —another prominent institution in Colorado Springs — boasts an impressive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio with more than 30 majors available. The academy is home to the No. 1 aeronautical engineering program in the U.S. among schools where a doctorate is not offered.
For those seeking a more unconventional approach to education, Colorado College offers a unique learning experience. Instead of the traditional method of taking simultaneous classes, the school’s innovative Block Plan allows students to attend individual courses one at a time over a three-and-a-half-week period. This distinctive approach enhances information retention and encourages an in-depth exploration of subjects, earning Colorado College recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s most innovative liberal arts schools.
Finally, Colorado Technical University stands at the forefront of online education, consistently ranking among the best online degree programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. With a wide range of programs from associate to doctoral levels, the university provides flexible and technology-driven learning options, catering to the evolving needs of 21st century jobs.
Supportive Communities Prioritize Learning
Colorado Springs demonstrates a steadfast commitment to education at all levels, from K-12 to higher education and beyond. The city’s dedication to academic excellence is exemplified by several school districts, including Academy 20 and Cheyenne Mountain — both of which achieved accreditation with distinction for the 2022 school year.
One notable initiative boosting education throughout Colorado Springs K-12 schools is the state-funded Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant program, which was established in 2008. Every year the program provides competitive grants to local schools, enabling them to enhance existing structures and construct new ones. William J Palmer High School took part in the program in 2023, utilizing funds to update an aging school into a cutting-edge learning facility.
Post Graduation in Colorado Springs
Upon graduation from UCCS, 65% of college students choose to remain in Colorado to live and work. In fact, Colorado Springs ranked as one of Axios and The Generation Lab’s top 10 most desirable places to live for graduates in the U.S. for 2022 and was Zillow’s No. 1 best job market for graduates in 2023. These rankings follow U.S. News & World Report’s recent release of its annual Best Places to Live list — where Colorado Springs placed No. 9 out of the nation’s 150 biggest cities for the 2023-2024 index.
An abundance of quality-of-life drivers makes the Pikes Peak region an ideal place to put down roots. And with programs like Find Your COS that welcome and connect recent college graduates to community, recreation and career opportunities, the region is a well-rounded place to begin your professional life.
With its commitment to supporting K-12 schools, affordable and career-focused education, and post-graduation attractiveness, Colorado Springs provides educational excellence at every level. Learn more about opportunities to grow your knowledge and skills and contact us to find out more about programs like Find Your COS.