Do Colorado community colleges have transfer agreements?

I'm in a community college in Colorado and want to transfer to a four-year school. Are there specific transfer agreements in place that I should be aware of to make my transition smoother?

Yes, community colleges in Colorado do indeed have transfer agreements in place. These are often termed as "articulation agreements" or "transfer pathways." The purpose of these agreements is to make the transition from a community college to a 4-year institution smoother by ensuring that all credits earned at the community college level will be recognized and transferred to the 4-year institution.

For example, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has transfer agreements with many four-year institutions both within and outside Colorado. Typically, these transfer agreements specify that after completing a specific Associate Degree, students can transfer, usually as juniors, into a Bachelor’s degree program at a four-year institution. The Colorado Department of Higher Education has a website dedicated to these "guaranteed transfer pathways."

One specific program is the Colorado Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement, which provides students who complete an AA/AS degree and meet certain requirements with the opportunity to transfer to any public Colorado university as a junior in their chosen field. Other institutions beyond Colorado may have similar agreements in place with the CCCS.

It can be helpful to meet with your academic advisor or transfer counselor to plan your path based on these agreements. They can guide you on which specific classes you need to take so your credits fulfill the requirements of the university where you plan to transfer. Remember to double-check the transfer policies of the specific institution you are interested in, as it could vary by school.