Historic Enrollment Milestone at the Community College of Aurora
Spring 2026 sets a new all-time high
The Community College of Aurora has reached a historic milestone. For the Spring 2026 semester, more than 10,800 students are enrolled—the largest learner population in the college’s history. This achievement comes just one semester after the institution recorded its highest fall enrollment on record, signaling strong and sustained momentum.
Under the leadership of President Dr. Mordecai I. Brownlee, the college has implemented a focused, student-centered strategy designed to remove barriers and expand access to opportunity. Key efforts have included restoring bus service to the CentreTech campus, expanding concurrent enrollment pathways, launching targeted scholarship programs, and opening new workforce-aligned campuses in applied science, healthcare, and public service.
These initiatives are producing measurable results. Concurrent enrollment continues to grow, with new full-tuition scholarship pathways for Aurora Public Schools graduates. In addition, more than 150 students who had previously stopped out of college returned this spring after a focused outreach effort asking a simple question: How can we help you finish?
“This moment represents more than record enrollment,” Dr. Brownlee said. “It reflects a growing trust in the mission of the Community College of Aurora and our commitment to translating education into real economic mobility for the communities we serve.”
The college’s growth is also fueled by major investments in workforce-aligned programming, including the new Center for Applied Science and Technology and the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. These expansions position the institution to meet Colorado’s most urgent talent needs while providing students with clear pathways to high-wage, in-demand careers.
As enrollment continues to rise, the Community College of Aurora remains focused on its core mission: ensuring that every learner not only gains access to higher education, but succeeds in it. With expanded campuses, targeted financial support, and wraparound services, the college is building a model designed for today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.
This historic enrollment milestone reflects more than growth. It signals a college on the rise—one intentionally built to serve its community, strengthen the regional economy, and create real pathways to opportunity.
