Community College in or near Denver (Aurora, Westminster: credit, loans, apartments)

[lildreamer]

We are moving to colorado springs from out of state in June. My son will be a High School Senior. He is wanting to attend a community college in or near Denver after he graduates. I read something about a College Opportunity Fund and that some colleges offer it. I would love to know more about it. Also if he attends one of these schools near Denver what is the best living arrangements? He would rather live off campus. Are there cheap apartments near the colleges that are more for the college students? Any recomendations or suggestions?
Thank you.

[wanttomoveeast]

I went to CCD (Community College of Denver) and it was a great experience. It prepared me for "real" college. I received my 2 yr. associates degree and then transferred to UCD (University of Colorado at Denver). I had signed a transfer agreement that allowed for nearly all of my credits to be received at UCD. I finished a few years after that -- I work a full-time job so it took longer.

There are three colleges on Auraria Campus - downtown Denver. They are the two above and Metropolitan State College. I have several friends incl. my DH who go to Metro, and most of them are really disappointed in that school. I think the problem is that our Administration is removing funds from colleges, and that results in poorer teachers and facilities. Many classes are cancelled out of the blue.

The entire time I went to CCD, I lived on Capitol Hill. It is very vibrant and fun, and I miss it deeply. I now live in North Denver. I should also say that while it is mixed in age ranges, they tend to be youngish (20s).

As to the COF (College Opportunity Fund), I cannot recall whether that is state or fed. funded, but either way, it did not help me out too much. In fact, we just received my DH's bill, and while the fund helps out a lot, it doesn't really offset the cost as the colleges just jack up rates. I am a native so had no problem receiving it, but since you are moving here from out of state, residency is definitely a question. Search the web for info, you might be able to start with FAFSA, it's what we all had to fill out in order to qualify for any grants or loans. I bet there is info on there about COF.

Hope this helps.

[lildreamer]

Thanks wanttomoveeast!! I appreciate the info.

[wanttomoveeast]

Sure anytime. I have a lot of experience with college, Colorado and Auraria Campus, so if you have more questions, fire away!

[Quicie]

You know, I'm glad someone made this thread about colleges. I was wondering if anyone knew of a college that has this type of program that I'm currently trying to finish now. Please tell me you do!


Program Objectives: The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) program is designed to provide the working adult, who has completed the 60 hours of core curriculum, the opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree in 52 academic weeks. By taking classes at night and on weekends, the adult student may complete two years of coursework in just 12 months (not including holidays).

[Katiana]

The issue of residency has been discussed many times. I would suggest doing a search. There are some links to some reputable sites that explain the whole shebang.

In the COS area, there is Pike's Peak CC. Going farther north towards Denver, there is Arapahoe CC in Littleton, Red Rocks CC in Golden, and Front Range CC in Westminster, which also serves Boulder and Larimer Counties. I believe there is a CC in Aurora, too. Plus CCD that wanttomoveeast referred to. I would do a google search for "community colleges in Colorado" for more information. The Colorado Opportunity Fund is state money; it is the state portion of your tuition (something like that). My DD gets it at CU, too. But you do have to be a resident to get it.

[Quicie]

will someone please answer my question please.

[wanttomoveeast]

quicie: You really have to learn to stop hijacking threads. The OP asked about the COF fund, and colleges that accept it (which BTW is all public and certain eligible private schools) and living situation, etc. It is a grant funded by the state that pays for a portion of your tuition. But really, IMHO, it's a joke. The schools jack up rates every year (helloooo, CU and UCD both went up drastically) and then they "give" you money to pay for it. To really see what I mean, you'd have to see your bill from the school. https://cofweb.cslp.org/cofapp/WhatIsCof.jsp

If you want to know about residency, as Katiana said, there have been tons of talks about it. Really, the best way is to get ahold of the registrar at each college and ask. It's not that complicated. It usually involves how long you've lived here and if you can provide proof of living here, i.e. a lease.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by wanttomoveeast

quicie: You really have to learn to stop hijacking threads. The OP asked about the COF fund, and colleges that accept it (which BTW is all public and certain eligible private schools) and living situation, etc. It is a grant funded by the state that pays for a portion of your tuition. But really, IMHO, it's a joke. The schools jack up rates every year (helloooo, CU and UCD both went up drastically) and then they "give" you money to pay for it. To really see what I mean, you'd have to see your bill from the school. https://cofweb.cslp.org/cofapp/WhatIsCof.jsp

If you want to know about residency, as Katiana said, there have been tons of talks about it. Really, the best way is to get ahold of the registrar at each college and ask. It's not that complicated. It usually involves how long you've lived here and if you can provide proof of living here, i.e. a lease.

I agree about hijacking threads. You can do research to find out what colleges offer a Bachelor in Criminal Justice. With the web, you don't even have to write letters of inquiry to various schools, which is what I had to do back when I was a young woman looking for colleges. Just look at their websites under "academics" or do a search for criminal justice.