Today the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) announced that the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) will join the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program, an initiative that guarantees new, first-time CCCS students admission to participating four-year colleges and universities upon completion of an associate degree. The program offers an affordable, seamless pathway for graduates to continue their education in-state.

“We are excited to welcome CU Boulder to this successful program and expand transfer options for students,” said Dr. Landon Pirius, CCCS vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.  “The Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program reimagines the college journey, and we are grateful to our higher education partners for helping us build supportive pathways that will bolster college access—especially for students who are historically underrepresented at four-year colleges and universities.” 

As part of the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program, students can transfer to participating Colorado colleges and universities without passing a placement test, taking or retaking specific credits, or accruing additional debt. CCCS works with partner institutions to provide streamlined transfer services, academic counseling, advising, and even financial aid in some cases to support students.

“The Bridge to Bachelors program is another critical tool to increase access to higher education in Colorado, and we love to see these students continue their educational journey with CU Boulder,” said Clark Brigger, executive director of the CU Boulder Office of Admissions.

The program allows students to begin their education close to home and lower the overall cost of college. Each year, about 20% of CCCS students—or 9,000—transfer to a four-year college or university, saving at least $8,000 in tuition by starting at a CCCS college. Since Bridge to Bachelor’s launched in June 2020, more than 5,000 students have registered for the program, and more than 220 are now eligible to enroll with a four-year college or university partner.

The program will also help the state meet its ambitious goals set forth by Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly, who have called on state higher education institutions to improve the transfer process and build more “stackable” education pathways that reduce time and cost for students.

For more information on the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program, visit the CCCS website.

Bridge to Bachelor’s University Partners

University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado State University – Fort Collins, Colorado State University – Pueblo, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado Mesa University, Western Colorado University, Fort Lewis College, Western Governor’s University, Adam State University, University of Northern Colorado, and Regis University.