Colorado Schools for Hospitality

Colorado Schools that Offer Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Hospitality

Did you know that the hospitality and tourism industry is the second-largest industry in Colorado? What if we told you that in 2022, tourism and hospitality in Colorado generated $9.4 billion in visitor spending? That’s an enormous impact on the economy!

Getting a degree in tourism and hospitality means you’ll be working and learning alongside front-line staff to initiate change and contribute to the impact of this industry. Interested? Below is a list of schools across Colorado that offer degrees in hospitality:

• Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Colorado Mountain College
• Colorado State University
• Red Rocks Community College
• Front Range Community College
• University of Northern Colorado
• Colorado Mesa University
• University of Denver
• Western Colorado University

Alternative Pathways — Apprenticeships and Trade Schools

There are various entry points into the industry that include hands-on training. Consider opportunities such as apprenticeships and trade schools, without breaking the bank or missing out on valuable educational opportunities.

The emphasis on immediate applicability and job readiness sets these alternative pathways apart. Unlike traditional 4-year programs, apprenticeships and trade schools offer a direct route to employment and a series of mentorships, positioning yourself as an asset in the competitive job market. As you engage in real-world scenarios and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals, you’ll gain insights that extend beyond any classroom. According to the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, most apprentices are employed after completing their program, read more on the program here.

Technical Schools:

• Emily Griffith Technical College Culinary Program
• Colorado Mountain College Resort Management AAS and Certificate
• Cook Street School of Culinary Arts
• Pickens Technical College, Culinary Arts Certificate
• Red Rocks Community College’s Chef’s Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeships:

Colorado Restaurant Foundation offers a variety of information and resources for culinary apprenticeships:

• Colorado is one of only four states currently offering the Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship (RYRA) program, which provides employment and training for Certified Line Cook, Certified Restaurant Manager, and Certified Kitchen Manager apprenticeships for candidates 17 to 24 years olds. Learn more about this here!
• The Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) is the industry’s first-ever earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship program and is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The HSRA aims to create career opportunities for the restaurant, food service, and hospitality workforce for people over 24 years old. For more information, click here.

Other resources from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment:

• The Office of the Future of Work Apprenticeship Colorado (CTO)
  • Apprenticeship For Career Seekers | Apprenticeship Colorado
  • Home – Directory of Apprenticeship Programs (site.com)