Colorado School of Trades
- Colorado School of Trades (CST) is the oldest and largest Gunsmithing School in the United States. The Colorado School of Trades has been teaching Gunsmithing since 1947. We prepare our students for an exciting career as a Gunsmith. Gunsmiths spend their workday repairing and building custom firearms, operating lathes and mills, and performing detailed wood shaping and finishing. Their machinists skills are on display every day.
School Highlights
- Colorado School of Trades serves 150 students (100% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 36:1.
- Minority enrollment is 100% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 36%.
- Colorado School of Trades is one of 5 community colleges within Jefferson County, CO.
- The nearest community college to Colorado School of Trades is Colorado School of Healing Arts (3.3 miles away).
Top Placements
Colorado School of Trades places among the top 20% of community colleges in Colorado for:
- Category Attribute
- Diversity Average community college minority breakdown
- Student Earnings Highest graduate earnings (10 years post graduation)
- Completion Rates Highest completion rates
School Overview
- The teacher population of 15 teachers has grown by 25% over five years.
| Colorado School of Trades | (CO) Community College Avg. | |
| Carnegie Classification | Associate of Arts Colleges | Baccalaureate / Associates Colleges |
| Institution Level | At least 2 yrs but < 4 yrs | Four or more years |
| Institution Control | Private, for profit | Private, non-profit |
| Total Faculty | 15 staff | 40 staff |
| Number of Programs Offered | 1 | 8 |
| Total Enrollment | 150 students | 1,643 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 10:1 | 36:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 150 students | 742 students |
 |  | |
| % White | - | 64% |
| Diversity Score | 1.00 | 0.55 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 90% | 36% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $40,200 | $33,100 |
| % Students Receiving Some Financial Aid | 58% | 92% |
| Median Debt for Graduates | $20,000 | $11,730 |
| Median Debt for Dropouts | $4,750 | $5,139 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS
School Notes
- Founded in 1947, the Colorado School of Trades (CST) has been a gunsmith training destination since its inception. Our school enjoys a worldwide reputation built on a nearly 70-year history and a long list of successful graduates recognized by top Gunsmith employers everywhere.The Colorado School of Trades has applied a system based on hands-on, project-oriented training geared to train individuals who wish to become artisan craftsmen. Our gunsmith classes offer a personal approach to training that allows a motivated student to enter the profession of Gunsmithing as an entry level general Gunsmith.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to Colorado School of Trades is Colorado School of Healing Arts (3.3 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- Colorado School of Healing ArtsPrivate, for profit176 students | 3.30 Mi7655 W Mississippi Ste 100
Denver, CO 80226
(303) 986-2320 3.30176 - 8,112 students | 3.40 Mi13300 W Sixth Ave
Denver, CO 80228
(303) 914-6600 3.408,112 - 10,296 students | 5.40 Mi1111 W. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 556-2600 5.4010,296 - Westwood College-Denver SouthPrivate, for profit236 students | 6.80 Mi3150 S Sheridan Blvd
Denver, CO 80227
(303) 934-1122 6.80236 - Colorado Heights UniversityPrivate, non-profit154 students | 6.90 Mi3001 S Federal Blvd
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 937-4200 6.90154
Recent Articles
Learn about mentoring programs at community colleges around the country and the benefits they offer to students.
The millennial generation is assumed to be entitled, lazy, and tech-obsessed. When you graduate from college, you may find yourself working against these stereotypes to land your first job. Keep reading to learn some tips for breaking those millennial stereotypes.
If capturing a moment in time calls to you, then consider developing your photography career starting at your community college. Learn about how community colleges can train and prepare you for a career in photography.
