Colorado expands open education grants to cut textbook costs

DENVER — The Colorado Commission on Higher Education has approved 28 Open Educational Resources grants aimed at reducing textbook costs and expanding zero-cost degree options for students across the state.

The grants, totaling $1 million, will support the creation of free, high-quality learning materials. More than half of the funding will go toward developing zero-textbook-cost degrees and collaborative projects.

Governor Jared Polis renewed the Zero Textbook Cost Challenge in May. Colorado colleges and universities responded by proposing 11 new zero-cost degrees and certificates in this cycle. Funded programs include an associate of applied science in space studies at Arapahoe Community College; a bachelor’s degree in construction project management at Metropolitan State University of Denver; a bachelor’s degree in data science at the University of Northern Colorado; and a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Western Colorado University.

“Educational materials like textbooks are essential to student success, yet too often they come with a hefty price tag,” Polis said. “By investing $1 million in open education grants, Colorado is signaling to students that we are committed to removing barriers and making higher education affordable and accessible. This investment alone will save students an average of more than $3 million on textbooks.”

The OER grant program is now in its seventh year. Since its launch, participating institutions have saved students nearly $60 million through the creation, adaptation and use of no-cost instructional materials. More than 2,200 courses have been converted to use openly licensed resources. Cost savings are expected to surpass $75 million by spring 2026.

“Education should open doors, not close them,” said Colorado Department of Higher Education Executive Director Angie Paccione. “These grants will save students hundreds of dollars on textbooks, expand zero-cost degree programs and ensure that no one is left behind because of the cost of learning materials.”

The program provides funding for degree development, collaborative initiatives, institutional incentives, small group projects, individual courses and professional development. This year’s grants involve 20 institutions and will support zero-textbook-cost degrees in fields ranging from mathematics to social work. Eighteen degrees and certificates are already in progress, and the new funding will increase the total to 29. One collaborative project, the OER Anatomy Hub, offers free digital anatomical models that can be reproduced with 3D printing for science and health programs.

Year eight of the grant cycle drew the most competitive pool of applicants to date, with $1.5 million requested across 35 proposals. “Enthusiasm for open pedagogy and zero textbook cost programs is at an all-time high in Colorado,” said Chealsye Bowley, CDHE director of open education and learning innovation.

The OER Council and the Department of Higher Education will host events during Open Education Week from March 2 to 6, 2026, including webinars, trainings and faculty awards. The annual statewide OER conference will take place May 29 at Arapahoe Community College. Registration is free.

The General Assembly created the OER initiative in 2018 under H.B. 18-1331 and later expanded the program through S.B. 21-215. The 2025 OER Report details the program’s impact and growth.