Postsecondary education is a vital vehicle for economic mobility. As our workforce increasingly demands postsecondary credentials for good jobs, it is essential higher education in Colorado works for Coloradans. Currently, Colorado ranks 45th nationally in terms of public investment in postsecondary education. This series of briefs explores how Colorado’s postsecondary education system serves residents, with special attention to Coloradans of color. By exploring the challenges and opportunities within our postsecondary education system, we present a policy agenda on how we can work to make Colorado’s postsecondary education system the best in the nation, while centering equity. Here are some of the briefs’ key findings:

• The migration of highly educated people to Colorado drive the state’s high attainment rates, rather than in-state attainment.
• There are significant disparities in the credentials pursued and the amount of debt accrued based upon race and gender.
• The amount of student debt accrued and the time it takes to pay it off is different among Coloradans, and has significant long-term wealth implications.
• Decreased public investment over time has increased postsecondary institutions’ reliance on student tuition for revenue.
• The limited amount of public investment in postsecondary institutions hinders economic development and mobility in the state. However, the state’s postsecondary education funding formula has progressed over time to address equity gaps and meet state policy goals.

You can read the briefs below or download your own copy by clicking the following links:

• Brief #1: Colorado in Context
• Brief #2: The Value of Higher Education in Colorado
• Brief #3: Colorado’s Higher Education System Business Model
• Brief #4: Supporting Coloradans & Remaining Competitive