Thriving Institution Designations for Higher Education

Colorado public colleges earn new outcome recognition

The law creates “thriving institution” recognition for Colorado public colleges that meet student outcome standards. Starting in 2027, the state identifies qualifying colleges within 30 days after its annual enrollment, retention, and graduation data release. Colleges have 10 calendar days after notification to accept public recognition. The state posts accepting colleges’ names and notifies lawmakers of all colleges earning designations. Standards cover student progress, degree completion, retention, and earnings after graduation by degree. They use only existing state or federal data, with no new data collection. Measures must be statistically valid, follow privacy laws, and publish only grouped data that protect students’ identities. The state sets multiple recognition levels, performance thresholds, and review periods, with attention to rural campuses and state education and workforce goals. The system must improve outcomes for affected students without reducing outcomes for other student groups. An advisory committee represents colleges, students, workforce groups, and research, student-success, and privacy experts. It meets at least once in 2027, then only for new designations or major standards changes. Annual reports are due November 15, starting in 2026, and enter the legislature’s oversight hearings. The department can adopt rules and accept gifts, grants, and donations. Recognition creates no state funding entitlement or duty to replace federal or private funds. It does not directly change tuition, taxes, wages, or household benefits.