Trinidad State College

The Partnershipfor Rural EducatorPreparation (T-PREP)

T-PREP is a flexible program that lets tomorrow's teachers who live and/or work in rural communities earn a four-year degree and teaching license without leaving home. CU Denver is ranked as a top education school by U.S. News & World Report and is known as a leader in teacher residency programs. Trinidad State has prepared students for bachelor's degree programs for more than 90 years.

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University of Colorado Denver & Trinidad State College

How It Works

One Pathway, Two Institutions

Every T-PREP student follows the same route: two years at Trinidad State, two years with CU Denver, and a handful of ways to save time and money along the way.

Save with BAMA

Opt into BA to MA (BAMA) and three classes you take during your senior year double count toward both your bachelor's and your master's degrees — billed at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Add an Endorsement

Expand your options as an elementary education teacher by taking two extra classes and adding a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse endorsement to your elementary education teaching license.

Licensure Options

T-PREP at Trinidad State

Ages 0–8

Early Childhood Education

Prepare to work with the youngest learners, from birth through third grade.

Grades K–6

Elementary Education

Prepare to teach across the elementary grades, with the option to add a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse endorsement.

Ages 5–21

Special Education

Prepare to support students with disabilities from early elementary through the transition years.

Is T-PREP Right for You?

Eligibility & Employment Status

Already working in a school or early childhood setting? T-PREP was designed with people like you in mind.

Already earned some college credit? You're on your way — most, if not all, of your previous credits will transfer.

Graduated from high school, love your community, and want to be a teacher? T-PREP works for you, too.

Why Earn a Bachelor's Degree?

Widen Your Career Opportunities

In T-PREP, we prepare highly competent professionals who embrace the whole child in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse settings. The School of Education & Human Development at CU Denver is rated a top school by U.S. News & World Report, and our graduates become some of the best-prepared teachers in the country.

Requirements for the teaching workforce are evolving in Colorado in the age of universal Pre-K. A bachelor's degree now will prepare you to work in a variety of Pre-K through 6th grade settings, and to serve in leadership positions in the future.

Bachelor's degrees open career doors
Advance your knowledge and abilities
Serve young children, youth and families effectively
Meet the evolving requirements of educators in Colorado
Get prepared to work in a variety of Pre-K through 6th grade settings
Be prepared to serve in leadership positions in the future

Tuition & Scholarships

Affordable by Design

Tuition & Fees

Students pay Trinidad State's low community college tuition rates for the first two years, then enroll through CU Denver for the third and fourth years at university rates — with reduced fees.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Contact TSC Financial Aid to see if you're eligible for additional grants and scholarships for rural teachers. Southern Colorado residents may also qualify for an extra 20% off with the Learn Local Scholarship.

Contact Financial Aid Learn Local Scholarship