KRDO13 Investigates: IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs placed on state probation over graduate job placement rates
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A Colorado Springs career college that actively recruits service members and veterans and accepts taxpayer-funded education benefits is now on probation with the state after falling short of a benchmark for placing graduates in jobs.
KRDO13 Investigates found IntelliTec College's Colorado Springs campus reported an overall job placement rate of just 58% in May 2025, below the 70% benchmark set by its accreditor.
In January 2026, the state reviewed information that showed only two of IntelliTec's 10 programs reached the 70% mark. Seven had employment rates of 50% or lower. Tuition at the school costs anywhere from $18,900 to $38,400 depending on the program.
The findings eventually led the Colorado Private Occupational School Board to vote in April 2026 to place IntelliTec's Colorado Springs Certificate of Approval on probation.
State scrutiny began before probation
State records reviewed by KRDO13 Investigates show the concerns did not begin with the April vote.
When the state renewed IntelliTec's certificate to operate as a private occupational school in May 2025, the Board placed a condition on that approval requiring IntelliTec to submit its annual report detailing student placement rates.
After reviewing that report, the state Division of Private Occupational Schools issued IntelliTec a Notice of Noncompliance.
The Board then considered information from the Division, statements from school representatives and IntelliTec's response to that notice before voting to put the school's certificate on probation.
In its May 18 letter formally notifying IntelliTec of the action, the state said the probation was imposed for the school to demonstrate compliance with minimum standards required under Colorado law.
Those statutory standards cited by the Board include whether a school's educational services adequately achieve their stated objectives and whether adequate educational, financial and other records are maintained.
The letter does not say that the Board independently found IntelliTec violated every standard cited.
IntelliTec: Employment rate has improved to 64%
In a written response to KRDO13 Investigates, IntelliTec Colorado Springs Campus Director Sue Kuhl said the probation stems from employment outcomes for students who graduated during the 2022-2023 timeframe.
IntelliTec does not dispute that its employment rate fell below the benchmark.
Kuhl said that as of Aug. 10, the school's employment rate had improved to 64%, compared with the 70% benchmark.
The school expects to reach that benchmark by the end of 2026.
IntelliTec also stressed that its reported employment rate does not simply measure whether a graduate has any job. According to the school, the rate counts graduates who become employed in their field of study.
Kuhl said some additional graduates remain employed or find jobs outside their field and therefore are not included in that rate.
Military and veteran students
The issue has particular relevance in Colorado Springs because of IntelliTec's extensive efforts to recruit and serve the military community.
IntelliTec's own website describes its Colorado Springs campus as having a "deep military connection" because of the five military installations in the area and says it has many students who have served in the military. The Colorado Springs campus has also received a 2025-2026 Silver Military Friendly School designation and a Military Spouse Friendly School designation.
The school advertises assistance for students using military education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, and benefits for eligible military spouses and dependents.
In its response to KRDO13 Investigates, IntelliTec said its veteran population can also complicate its efforts to document graduate employment.
Kuhl said the school serves a large population of veterans, some of whom move out of Colorado after graduating. IntelliTec says verifying employment for those graduates can be more difficult.
School adds staff after falling below benchmark
IntelliTec told KRDO13 Investigates it has increased staffing in its Career Services Department since receiving the Notice of Noncompliance and being placed on probation.
The college said it also partnered with an outside organization to help find employment opportunities for graduates both inside and outside Colorado and to obtain documentation verifying graduates' employment.
What happens now?
The state's probation does not have a predetermined end date.
According to the Colorado Private Occupational School Board's order, IntelliTec's probation will remain in effect until the Board determines the school has satisfied the required minimum standards or until its Certificate of Approval expires, whichever comes first.
As part of the probation, the state ordered IntelliTec to provide graduation and placement rates for students in its 2025 and 2026 cohorts.
For 2025 cohorts and 2026 cohorts that had already finished by the date of the state's May 18 letter, IntelliTec was required to provide those numbers within 60 days. For ongoing or future 2026 cohorts, the school must submit the information within 60 days of each cohort's completion.
IntelliTec says its graduation rates have not been questioned and continue to exceed the applicable benchmark.
The school also says the probation does not affect current students, prospective students, programs, financial aid or credentials.
Kuhl pointed to the school's 2025 five-year accreditation renewal and said IntelliTec continues to provide the same education it has offered in Colorado Springs for more than 60 years.
IntelliTec expects to satisfy the state's requirements by the end of 2026.
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