History of the College
Pikes Peak State College was established by a legislative act in 1968 and was then called El Paso Community College. When the College opened its doors in September 1969, more than 800 students attended classes in rented buildings in Old Colorado City on the west side of town. Enrollment grew rapidly, and the need for permanent facilities soon became apparent. The full-service Centennial Campus was built at the south end of Colorado Springs in 1978. In that same year, the name of the College was officially changed to Pikes Peak Community College.
The Pikes Peak Region has experienced significant population growth since 1978, driving the community need for expanded educational services. This demand resulted in the opening of the Downtown Campus in central Colorado Springs in 1986 and the Rampart Range Campus in the north end of the city in 1998.
In April of 2022, Gov. Polis signed a bill officially changing the name of the institution to Pikes Peak State College. The new name reflected an expansion into four-year degrees and a more aspirational posture.
Today, PPSC has grown and expanded to become the largest postsecondary educational institution in Colorado Springs and offers the most widely accessible and affordable education in the region. PPSC offers more than 200 certificate and degree programs in transfer liberal arts and sciences areas and career and technical education.
Currently, Pikes Peak State College helps 17,000 to 18,000 people each year begin their education, advance their careers, and enrich their lives
Vision Statement
Students succeed at Pikes Peak State College.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide high quality educational opportunities to all, with a focus on student success and community needs, including:
- Occupational programs, including certificates, associate and bachelor degrees, for youth and adults in career and technical fields,
- Two-year transfer educational programs to qualify students for admission to the junior year at other colleges and universities, and
- A broad range of personal, career, and technical education for adults.
Values
We value a community built on learning, mutual respect, and diversity. We demonstrate these values in the following ways:
- Teaching and Learning: Our primary commitment is to student learning, success, and achievement, while promoting open and universal access to an affordable education and affirming the importance of our facilities and learning environments.
- Mutual Respect and Accountability: Because people are our greatest resource, we foster a culture rooted in civility, mutual trust, and support, and hold ourselves accountable for our decisions and actions.
- Community and Diversity: We engage and support our community while embracing diversity, as it enriches lives and educational experiences.
Required Disclosures
The College is required to disclose, on a yearly basis, certain types of information to all prospective and current students. These items include:
Faculty and Instructor Resource Guide
The Faculty and Instructor Resource Guide contains pertinent information affecting faculty members, current through the date of its issuance. To the extent that any provision of the Handbook is inconsistent with State or Federal law, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Policies (BPs) or Colorado Community College System President’s Procedures (SPs), the law, BPs and SPs shall supersede and control. BPs and SPs are subject to change throughout the year and are effective immediately upon adoption by the Board or System President, respectively. Faculty members are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the BPs, SPs as well as College directives, including but not limited to the contents of the Resource Guide.
To access BPs and SPs, see www.cccs.edu/about-cccs/stateboard/ policies-procedures/.
Nothing in the Resource Guide is intended to create (nor shall be construed as creating) an express or implied contract or to guarantee employment for any term or to promise that any specific process, procedures, or practice will be followed or benefit provided by the College. The College reserves the right to modify, change, delete or add to the information in the Resource Guide as it deems appropriate.
PPSC All Student Handbook
The PPSC All Student Handbook, https://www.pikespeak.edu/student-support/ppsc-student-handbook/, contains pertinent information affecting students, current through the date of its issuance. To the extent that any provision of the Handbook is inconsistent with State or Federal law, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Policies (BPs) or Colorado Community College System President’s Procedures (SP’s), the law, BPs and SPs shall supersede and control. BPs and SPs are subject to change throughout the year and are effective immediately upon adoption by the Board or System President, respectively. Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the BPs, SPs as well as College directives, including but not limited to the contents of the Handbook.
To access BPs and SPs, see www.cccs.edu/about-cccs/stateboard/policies-procedures/.
Nothing in the Handbook is intended to create (nor shall be construed as creating) an express or implied contract or to guarantee for any term or to promise that any specific process, procedures, or practice will be followed, or benefit provided by the College. The College reserves the right to modify, change, delete or add to the information in the Handbook as it deems appropriate.
Planning for a Bachelor’s Degree/Transfer Programs
Many students begin their college career at Pikes Peak State College with the eventual goal of completing a four-year, baccalaureate degree (bachelor’s degree). Students may complete their associate degrees, or the first two years of four-year bachelor’s degrees, at Pikes Peak State College and then transfer to four-year public or private institutions by following available transfer guides. Many bachelor’s degrees may be obtained by completing an additional approximately 60 credit hours at a four-year college or university (an additional two years, at full-time status, beyond obtaining PPSC’s associate degrees).
Statewide transfer agreements between most Colorado public four-year colleges and universities and the Colorado Community College system allow students seamless transfer. Several Colorado colleges and universities provide guaranteed admission, special scholarships, and reduced application fees or special privileges for Colorado Community College System associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) graduates. In addition, Pikes Peak State College has special agreements with a variety of private in-state and out-of-state institutions. Some Associate of General Studies (AGS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees also have pathways toward obtaining bachelor’s degrees. Students should consult with their faculty advisors during their first semester or as early as possible for detailed information about transfer programs. PPSC’s transfer web pages provide additional information.
Pikes Peak State College also offers a growing number of bachelor’s degrees, allowing students to complete full bachelor’s degrees without having to transfer. View all degree and certificate options at https://www.pikespeak.edu/programs/.
Career and Technical Education Programs
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can help students get a job, change careers, or improve current job skills. The career and technical programs at Pikes Peak State College teach the skills needed to work in a business, technical, industrial, service, or health career. Our programs offer curriculum and facilities that simulate the workplace. Depending on the program and the level of training, students may choose a bachelor’s of applied science degree, an associate degree, or a certificate.
All CTE programs offered at Pikes Peak State College are approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. All CTE faculty and instructors possess occupational experience and a CTE credential to teach in their area of expertise. Enrollment in Career Start is completed at the high school. Contact your high school counselor or call 719-502-3111 for more information.
Locations and Facilities
Pikes Peak State College serves the educational needs of the greater Colorado Springs community through four campuses strategically located in the south, central, and north areas of the city. These campuses provide accessible opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals, offering academic programs and resources tailored to meet diverse needs. With Mountain Metro bus service and an inter-campus shuttle connecting the northern locations, students can easily access any campus from anywhere in the city, ensuring that higher education remains within reach for all.
Centennial Campus
5675 South Academy Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone:719-502-2000
Toll-Free: 800-456-6847
Video Phone for Hearing Impaired: 719-358-2453
The Centennial Campus, located in southern Colorado Springs, serves as a hub for programs in the Business, Technology, and Public Service Division as well as the Technical and Professional Studies Division. It offers a full array of student services, including admissions, academic advising, financial aid, records, testing, a bookstore, Military and Veterans Programs, tutoring, Accessibility Services, TRIO Student Support Services, and career services.
Key facilities include a modern learning commons and library, a theater, lecture halls, computer labs, a community food pantry, a child development center, and science, career, and technical laboratories. Meeting and conference rooms are also available to support both academic and community needs.
Centennial Campus is home to the Student Experience and Leadership Office, encompassing the Student Government Association, the Sustainability Office, the fitness center, and various student clubs. The campus also features the Grove and other dedicated student-focused spaces designed to enhance campus life.
Parking is available in lots C, D, and E, with ADA-designated parking in Lot A and additional wheelchair-accessible spaces conveniently located near most building entrances. Fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, the campus is equipped with resources and support through Accessibility Services. Mountain Metro public bus service ensures easy connectivity from all parts of Colorado Springs, making the campus an accessible and welcoming destination for the entire community.
Downtown Campus
100 West Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
The Downtown Campus is located in the heart of Colorado Springs, just minutes from I-25 via the Bijou Exit (142). It serves as a vibrant center for programs within the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Division. The campus features specialized facilities, including music practice rooms, the Marie Walsh Sharpe Creative Commons (studio art space), and Studio West - an art gallery and performing arts venue for theatre and dance.
The Downtown Learning Commons provides comprehensive student services, including admissions, academic advising, financial aid, testing, tutoring, a food pantry, and Accessibility Services. Students can also connect with the Student Experience and Leadership Office, which offers events, activities, and engagement opportunities to enrich campus life.
Parking is available on the third level (P3) of the Palmer Center Garage, conveniently located across the street from the campus beneath the Antlers Hotel. Students and visitors can validate parking in the Learning Commons on the first floor of the north building. Additional metered street parking is available nearby, and free overflow parking can be found behind Studio West. ADA-designated spaces are located near building entrances for accessibility. Mountain Metro public bus service has a designated stop in front of the campus, allowing access to the campus from all parts of Colorado Springs.
Rampart Range Campus
2070 Interquest Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
The Rampart Range Campus, located in northern Colorado Springs, is easily accessible via the InterQuest Parkway Exit (153) off I-25. Serving as a vibrant hub for programs within the Science, Engineering, and Math Division, this campus combines comprehensive student support services with state-of-the-art facilities to promote academic and personal success.
Students benefit from a wide range of services, including admissions, academic advising, a bookstore, career services, Accessibility Services, TRIO Student Support Services, financial aid, library resources, Military and Veterans Programs, testing, and records. The campus also fosters a vibrant student community through the Student Experience and Leadership Office, which offers various campus life activities and engagement opportunities.
The Delta Dental Oral Health Career Center, located at Rampart Range, is a premier facility for training future dental professionals. Featuring state-of-the-art dental labs, modern equipment, and real-world clinical opportunities, it serves as the home for PPSC’s Dental programs, equipping students with the skills and environment needed to excel in high-demand oral health careers.
Convenient parking is available throughout the campus, with ADA-designated spaces located near building entrances for accessibility. The campus is a stop for the Mountain Metro public bus service. PPSC also provides a free shuttle to the Center for Healthcare Education & Simulation (CHES), ensuring seamless connectivity for students across PPSC’s locations.
Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation (CHES)
1850 Cypress Semi Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
The Center for Healthcare Education & Simulation (CHES) in northeast Colorado Springs is a premier campus designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare. As part of the Health Sciences Division, CHES offers a state-of-the-art learning environment where students gain immersive, hands-on experience using the latest healthcare technology.
CHES features advanced simulation labs, fully equipped medical classrooms, and cutting-edge resources that provide students with realistic training scenarios. These facilities ensure graduates are well-prepared with the skills and expertise needed to excel in high-demand healthcare fields.
Although direct access to services such as academic advising, financial aid, and tutoring is limited at CHES, students can easily connect with these resources through virtual meetings or by visiting other PPSC campuses. The campus also promotes collaboration through modern learning spaces designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between peers and faculty.
Convenient on-site parking includes ADA-designated spaces near building entrances for accessibility. A free shuttle service connects CHES to the Rampart Range Campus, providing students with seamless access to additional resources and programs. CHES embodies PPSC’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education, empowering future professionals to thrive in a growing and essential industry.
Visit Us
We’re excited to welcome visitors to Pikes Peak State College and show prospective students around our campuses. To schedule a tour at any of our locations, give us a call at 719-502-2000 or toll-free at 866-411-7722, or visit pikespeak.edu/visit-campus.
Use of College Facilities
If an external group would like to use facilities on one of our campuses, please contact Events Management at the Centennial Campus by calling 719-502-2333 or visiting pikespeak.edu/use-of-facilities. This webpage provides detailed information about requirements, costs, and how to submit a request.
|
