Established in 1975, College of the Rockies serves a regional population of close to 83,000 people, guided by its Mission, Vision, and Values, and through the leadership of their President and Board of Governors. Each year, the college provides instruction in a wide variety of programs to approximately 2100 full-time equivalent students, including close to 200 international students from more than 30 countries. It is located in the British Columbia Rocky Mountains. The region features beautiful forests for hiking, famous hot springs resorts and some of Canada's finest skiing and snowboarding areas.

The range of programs offered by the college includes University Studies, Business, Health, Fire Services Training, Global Studies, Kinesiology, Office Administration, Child, Youth and Family Studies, Tourism and Recreation, Information Technology, Trades and Adult Upgrading. The Student Services department offers a wide range of services to help students meet educational, career and personal goals, such as Education Advising & Career Planning, Financial Aid, Disability Services, Study Skills Counselling, Student Counselling & Wellness, Exam Invigilation and Aboriginal Services.

The college is dedicated to enhancing students experience by offering a wide variety of activities and events throughout the academic year, including ski day, coed basketball league, Avalanche volleyball match, fitness classes, Zumba, Yoga and cross-country skiing.

Cranbrook is home to two campuses. The main campus houses the majority of college's administrative departments and student services, and the Gold Creek campus offers a variety of trades programs. The programs, courses, and services offered by five regional campuses are as diverse as the communities and people they serve. A few have their own 'signature programs which are unique and special and most provide courses in Adult Basic Education.