by Doug Schmitt
BusinessSchools.com Staff Writer
September 27, 2006
Colorado Springs, a lively city with a mid-western ambiance, is the second largest city in Colorado with a population of nearly 400,000. Located near the renowned Pikes Peak on the east side of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs had an economy based on logistics during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today, the city is a hub for military defense and high-technology industries, which helps to spur the regions growing business industry. In addition to a terrific economy, Colorado offers an abundance of recreational activities include skiing, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the Colorado Springs World Arena and Ice Hall.
Employment and Internships
Colorado Springs's economy is fueled mainly by the military and high-tech industries, but it's not dependent upon it. The region has been said to have one of the top 10 fastest growing economies in the nation. Some of the largest employers in the city are Lockheed-Martin, Progressive Insurance, Verizon, and Hewlett-Packard. Students will find internship and employment opportunities with these and several other Colorado employers.
Through 2014, the job outlook in Colorado Springs for business related professions in is excellent according to the Colorado Department of Labor. For all business and financial operations occupations will have 24.5% more jobs. Business operations specialists anticipate 23.5% additional jobs; operations specialties managers expect to have 24.9% more opportunities; human resources managers' expect 13.8% additional opportunities; and financial management occupations will experience the most new jobs with a 26.1% increase.
Education
Several educational opportunities present themselves to students in Colorado Springs. One such opportunity is with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) College of Business. Offering undergraduate degrees as well as MBA and Executive MBA programs on-campus and via distance education, UCCS areas of concentration include Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, and Marketing.
Other educational options include Pikes Peak Community College, which offers degree and certificate programs with areas of study including Business Administration, Economics, and Hospitality Management. Additionally, the University of Phoenix – Southern Colorado Campus, offering students bachelors and MBA programs with flexible class schedules designed for working students. Specialties include Business Administration, Business Management, Criminal Justice Administration, and Health Care Administration.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to students in Colorado Springs in many forms including grants, loans, and scholarships. UCCS provides several in-house scholarships to students based on financial need and academic merit as well as other criteria. For instance, the Bruce and Anne Sheppard Reach Your Peak Scholarship is available to Colorado residents, based on financial need and also requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. In addition to institutional scholarships, several private scholarships are available to students.
Other traditional financial aid options are grants and loans. Examples of such options include Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, Plus Loans, and Perkins Loans. Students may apply by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. FAFSA's may be obtained through school financial aid offices or online.
Summary
Colorado Springs provides business students an array of educational options along side a rapidly expanding economy and thriving business industry that promises opportunities for graduates. Couple this with the numerous recreational activities that the picturesque Midwest offers and it makes Colorado Springs a terrific place to get an education.
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