Unlocking Opportunities: Colorado State University and Front Range Community College Join Forces to Enhance Access to Higher Education

The Ram Transfer Academy is here, offering students in Northern Colorado a faster and more affordable way to earn a degree from Colorado State University (CSU). This program, created in collaboration with Front Range Community College (FRCC), has just started welcoming its first students after nearly a year of planning.

Colleen Simpson, the president of FRCC, shared the mission behind the academy: “We are creating a community, a sense of belonging.” The academy aims to support students from all economic backgrounds, making higher education more accessible to everyone.

Take Ryan Foley, for instance. As a freshman, he can take most of his classes at FRCC while also enjoying the opportunity to attend courses at CSU. He carries student ID cards for both institutions, which gives him access to valuable resources, like the CSU library and various clubs, including the anthropology club. “I really wanted to be part of some of the clubs,” he said.

Foley joined the academy to pursue his passion for anthropology and as a way to get back into the academic world after some setbacks in the past. “It helps my journey a lot. I failed out of a few colleges before I got here. I am an older student coming back,” he explained.

Engaged to a CSU student, Foley appreciates the chance to study alongside his partner while saving money on tuition. He noted, “Compared to my wife, I think I am paying almost half for this year than she is at CSU. I will be able to take some of the same classes for almost half the price.”

Both CSU and FRCC leadership see the program as a great asset for students. Kevin MacLennan, CSU’s Vice President of Enrollment, emphasized that it reduces barriers for transfer students, helping more people earn their bachelor’s degrees. “It is about access and opportunity,” said Simpson, adding that they strive to make education feel normal for everyone.

Currently, the program has over 30 students enrolled, with hopes to grow to 50 by next year. “This is absolutely the most excited I have been for higher education,” Foley said, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding this new initiative.

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