Many community members of all ages are planning for their next phase in life. We hope a major part of your plan is to further your education and skill development. Once you decide to pursue or continue post-secondary studies, the next step is to determine where. Colorado offers a wide range of outstanding educational institutions, so why choose CNCC?

Explore CNCC’s Mission, Vision, and Values statements through this link: cncc.edu/about/mission-vision-strategic-plan. These principles guide our strategic planning and daily operations.

Our innovative and high wage-earning academic programs​

1. CNCC has received final accreditation for its new Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program. This program will commence in the Fall of 2025 and will join the impressive group of academic programs that lead to high-wage jobs. Radiologic technicians operate imaging and radiation therapy equipment and perform medical exams using x-rays to help doctors diagnose and monitor illnesses or abnormalities. The average salary for radiologic technicians ranges from $63,000 to $76,000.

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2. CNCC consistently ranks among the top community colleges in the nation for highest graduate salaries, according to Payscale.com. This achievement is due to CNCC’s commitment to creating new and innovative programs.

3. CNCC is one of only two community colleges in the country that excavates and stores dinosaur bones. Walter, an herbivorous dinosaur, is housed in the Field Museum on the Craig campus, which is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

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4. The college’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is a 30-credit online program designed for current dental hygienists with an AAS. It includes a capstone course featuring a service abroad/humanitarian trip to Guatemala.

5. Through collaboration, students can earn a BSN in Nursing and in ECE/Elementary Education (2026)

6. CNCC sponsors annual Study Abroad/Global Education programs, with previous trips to destinations like Italy and Spain. A trip to Egypt is planned for the summer.

7. CNCC’s aviation program was recognized by Flight Magazine as the top program in Colorado for preparing graduates for the workforce.

8. CNCC’s Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is one of only six in the country.

9. In 2024, CNCC was ranked first among all Colorado community colleges for successful university transfer among low-income students.

10. Unlike most community colleges, we offer housing and intercollegiate athletics. CNCC provides unique programs that lead to high-paying jobs and bachelor’s degree pathways, along with a residence life experience in Rangely at one-third the cost of a university.

Community engagement

1. CNCC hosted a Town Hall meeting on Feb. 17 in Rangely, featuring U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd. Community leaders and interested residents attended this event with discussions focusing on health care, food and housing costs, expanding regulations, energy and water rights issues, the State budget crunch and its impact on K-12 and higher education, and rising personnel costs for businesses. 

2. Growing concurrent enrollment which provides free tuition to high school students allowing them to earn up to an associate’s degree before completing high school. This enables students the earning potential to support their own household. 

Our commitment

CNCC remains committed to access, student and employee success, while being responsive to community and workforce needs. The education we provide is grounded in the Colorado experience and focused on the skills students must have from day one upon transfer or hire. This commitment makes us a unique and obvious first college choice.

Lisa Jones is the president of Colorado Northwestern Community College.