Higher Education Close to Home
One of Centennial's greatest advantages is its proximity to quality higher education. Within a short drive, residents can attend community colleges offering affordable associate degrees and certificates, private colleges with specialized programs, and career-focused institutions designed for working professionals. These options are ideal for high school graduates, adults returning to school, and employees seeking new skills in Colorado's growing economy.
We evaluated colleges serving Centennial on academic quality, affordability, flexibility, career outcomes, transfer pathways, and student support.
Community Colleges and Four-Year Colleges
Community colleges provide affordable lower-division coursework and workforce training, often with guaranteed transfer pathways to Colorado universities. Four-year colleges offer bachelor's degrees and, in some cases, graduate programs. Many Centennial students begin at a community college and transfer to complete their degree, saving significantly on tuition.
The 10 Best Colleges Serving Centennial
1. Arapahoe Community College
Located in nearby Littleton, Arapahoe Community College is the closest community college to Centennial. It offers associate degrees, certificates, and strong programs in nursing, business, and technology, along with concurrent enrollment for high school students.
2. Community College of Aurora
Community College of Aurora serves eastern Centennial and offers diverse programs including film, criminal justice, and health sciences. Its supportive environment and flexible schedules help working students succeed.
3. Red Rocks Community College
Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood is known for programs in physician assistant studies, renewable energy, and fine woodworking. Its scenic campus near the foothills attracts students from across the metro.
4. Metropolitan State University of Denver
MSU Denver is a large, affordable public college on the Auraria Campus downtown, accessible by light rail from Centennial. It is known for career-ready programs in aviation, hospitality, and business.
5. Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University offers faith-based undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Its adult and graduate studies programs are popular with working professionals.
6. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
RMCAD is a respected private art college offering degrees in animation, graphic design, illustration, and game art. Creative Centennial students value its studio-focused education.
7. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University offers career-focused degrees in technology, business, and healthcare, with campuses in the Denver area and flexible online programs suited for working adults.
8. Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College in downtown Denver provides hands-on career training in trades, healthcare, and technology. Its affordable programs lead directly to in-demand jobs.
9. Johnson and Wales University Denver Programs
Johnson and Wales has long been associated with culinary arts and hospitality education in Denver. Its legacy continues to influence culinary training in the region.
10. Denver College of Nursing
Denver College of Nursing focuses on preparing nurses through practical, career-focused programs. With healthcare employers expanding across the south metro, its graduates are in high demand.
Trends in College Education
Colleges in the Denver metro are expanding flexible learning formats, including hybrid courses, evening classes, and accelerated programs. Concurrent enrollment allows high school students in the Cherry Creek and Littleton districts to earn college credits for free or at reduced cost.
Workforce alignment is another key trend. Colleges partner with employers in healthcare, aerospace, cybersecurity, and skilled trades to design programs that meet real labor market needs. Short-term credentials and stackable certificates are growing in popularity as adults seek quick, career-boosting education.
Tips for Choosing a College Near Centennial
Identify your career goals and research which programs align with them. Compare tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities, including Colorado's College Opportunity Fund stipend for in-state students. Ask about transfer agreements if you plan to continue to a university, and consider commute times or online options to balance school with work and family.
How Centennial Residents Use Local Colleges
Local colleges serve far more than recent high school graduates. Mid-career professionals in the Denver Tech Center take evening courses to earn certificates in project management, cybersecurity, and accounting. Parents returning to the workforce use flexible online programs to refresh their skills, and retirees enroll in enrichment classes in art, history, and languages. High school students from Arapahoe, Grandview, and Eaglecrest frequently earn college credit through concurrent enrollment before graduating, giving them a meaningful head start on a degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest college to Centennial?
Arapahoe Community College in Littleton is the closest community college to most Centennial neighborhoods and offers a wide range of degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways.
Can community college credits transfer to Colorado universities?
Colorado's guaranteed transfer agreements allow many community college credits to transfer to public universities, helping students save money on a bachelor's degree.
Are evening and online classes available?
Yes. Most colleges serving Centennial offer evening, weekend, hybrid, and fully online options to accommodate working adults and parents.
What financial aid is available?
Students can access federal grants and loans, Colorado state aid, institutional scholarships, and the College Opportunity Fund stipend, which reduces tuition for eligible in-state undergraduates.
Final Thoughts
Centennial residents have exceptional access to colleges that meet every goal and budget. From the affordability of Arapahoe Community College to the creative focus of RMCAD and the career readiness of MSU Denver, these institutions help students build skills and pursue rewarding careers in Colorado and beyond.