Feb. 11, 2026
Aurora, CO. – Just one semester after the highest fall semester enrollment on record, the Community College of Aurora set a new all-time enrollment high. More than 10,800 students are enrolled for the spring 2026 semester, the largest learner population in the college’s history. It is the second time enrollment has surpassed 10,000 learners, with numbers expected to grow as registration for select courses remains open through late March.
Crossing 10,800 students this spring, achieving the highest enrollment in the college’s history reflects an intentional, student-centered strategy,
said CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee. We have worked relentlessly to remove barriers to access, including reinstating bus service to our CentreTech Campus, so transportation is no longer an obstacle to opportunity. Combined with the extraordinary work of our faculty, who ensure our learners are prepared for in-demand, high-wage pathways, and the college’s growing ability to translate education into real economic mobility, this moment represents more than record enrollment. It marks a historic trajectory for the future of CCA and the communities we serve.
Concurrent enrollment students are one of the fastest growing set of learners contributing to CCA’s trend towards growth. Enrollment incentives like the Momentum Scholarship for Aurora Public Schools (APS) concurrent enrollment students make CCA the most financially sensible choice. The scholarship provides full tuition support to new, full-time CCA learners who completed at least one concurrent enrollment course through CCA while attending an APS high school. The graduating concurrent enrollment class from APS high schools this spring will be the first to receive the full-ride scholarship when enrolling full-time at CCA in the fall. Together, these pathways reflect a growing pipeline from high school to college completion, helping learners reduce time to earn a degree, lower costs, and enter the workforce sooner.
This spring, more people are choosing the Community College of Aurora because they see a place that believes in them,
said Clair Collins, CCA’s Vice President of Enrollment Success and Completion. With more than 10,800 students enrolled, our growth tells a story of excitement, trust, and second chances. At the same time, more than 150 students who had stepped away from college came back after a focused outreach effort that simply asked, ‘How can we help you finish?’ Whether someone is just getting started, returning after a setback, or working toward a better job and a better future, our role is to open doors, remove barriers, and help our community move forward together.
Trending Upward
CCA’s record-setting enrollment reflects years of coordinated investments in academic programs, student services, and campus infrastructure designed to meet learners where they are. In 2025, the Center for Applied Science and Technology officially opened at Aurora’s CentreTech campus and CCA expanded south with the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. The Centennial campus is now home to new program offerings in Nursing and Behavioral Health, all of which demonstrate CCA’s commitment to meeting Colorado’s most urgent workforce needs. Another new financial incentive, Commerce City Promise, provides residents of Commerce City no-cost access to short-term, high-value credential programs that lead directly to in-demand careers.
CCA is a school of possibility with a seamless network of pathways. Learners can pursue education and technical training that aligns with their career goals, whether that means immediate entry into the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution.
As enrollment continues to rise, CCA remains focused on what matters most: ensuring students not only access higher education, but succeed in it. With expanded campuses, workforce-aligned programs, targeted financial support, and wraparound student services, CCA is meeting a critical moment for Colorado’s economy and communities. This record-setting enrollment reflects growing trust in CCA as a college built to serve today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.
About the Community College of Aurora
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora, Centennial, and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on three (3) campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent-enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
Contact
Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]