CO HB1006

Colorado Department of Higher Education must identify and designate public colleges and universities as "thriving institutions" based on student outcome performance rather than enrollment share, beginning in 2026

Designations recognize institutions serving historically underserved populations including Hispanic/Latino students, first-generation students, low-income students, adult learners, transfer students, and rural students

Advisory committee of 9+ members (including university representatives, researchers, students, and workforce experts) must be convened by September 1, 2026 to develop outcome standards measuring graduation rates, credential completion, retention, transfer success, and labor market outcomes

Institutions meeting standards have 10 calendar days to accept or decline recognition; approved institutions are posted on department website and reported to the General Assembly

Designation does not create entitlement to state funding and must rely on existing state/federal data collections without requiring additional institutional reporting