HB 25-1038

House Bill 25-1038, which has been signed into law, requires Colorado’s Department of Higher Education to create a free online platform that helps students understand how their credits and courses can transfer between public colleges and universities in the state. This includes information on work experiences and prior learning opportunities that could earn academic credit. The law also allows private nonprofit institutions to voluntarily contribute similar information to this resource. Starting January 1, 2026, all public institutions must provide comprehensive records of their transfer policies for courses taken from fall 2023 onward. This platform aims to make it easier for students to navigate the complexities of transferring credits and choosing educational paths in Colorado.

Official Summary

The act requires the department of higher education (department), subject to available appropriations, to develop and maintain a free, publicly accessible online platform (platform) to provide current and potential students who are pursuing postsecondary education in Colorado with relevant information about which credits and courses, work-related experiences, and prior learning opportunities are transferable to or between the state's public institutions of higher education (institution). On or before January 1, 2026, an institution may submit to the department for inclusion in the platform: A comprehensive record, from the fall 2023 term onward, of the institution's awards of postsecondary transfer credit for all courses that the institution has identified as having learning outcomes equivalent to corresponding offerings at other institutions; and Descriptions of the institution's policy on work-related experiences or prior learning opportunities, and the credentials, licenses, or apprenticeship certificates for which the institution awards postsecondary academic credit. Using the data provided by an institution, the department shall include in the platform information about the transferability to or between institutions for several sources of postsecondary academic credit. These sources include courses in the statewide common course numbering system, now referred to as the guaranteed transfer pathway matrix, and credits earned through various standardized tests. A not-for-profit private institution of higher education may, but is not required to, submit applicable information for inclusion in the platform. The act creates the postsecondary transfer credit platform cash fund to accept gifts, grants, and donations for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the platform. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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