COSI Achieve is a new state initiative that combines tuition support with holistic student services. Colorado awards grants to colleges and nonprofit organizations, which connect funding to advising or other support. Students do not submit one statewide application directly to COSI; the first step is to ask their campus or a community partner.
The state announced $31,066,355.37 for a four-year period through June 30, 2030, distributed among selected colleges and nonprofits. Partners prepared during spring 2026, with student service scheduled to begin in July. Individual award amounts, criteria, and availability depend on each partner; the statewide total is not an individual promise.
The official page lists participating campuses and organizations, including Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Adams State, and local foundations. Some partnerships serve a particular county or population. Ask whether your college participates, what program it funds, whether spots remain, and which services are required or included; financial need and Colorado residency commonly matter, but verify each partner’s terms.
COSI programs have included matching scholarships, community support, Back to Work, and Finish What You Started; Achieve brings financial aid and persistence supports together. Do not confuse it with the College Opportunity Fund, a separate per-credit tuition stipend already covered elsewhere. Keep the partner’s name, verified requirements, award amount, and response date in writing.
Before accepting, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, residual tuition, mandatory fees, and indirect costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents with the official program office; keep a copy and submission confirmation. If your situation is unclear, get a written answer from the campus before committing to tuition or housing.
Read the program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
COSI Achieve — Colorado Department of Higher Education.
COSI: Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative — Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and dates can change by year and budget. A scholarship may cover only tuition or specified fees, not housing, meals, books, or transportation. File the FAFSA when applicable, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.
Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Achieve
COSI Achieve is a new state initiative that combines tuition support with holistic student services. Colorado awards grants to colleges and nonprofit organizations, which connect funding to advising or other support. Students do not submit one statewide application directly to COSI; the first step is to ask their campus or a community partner. The state announced $31,066,355.37 for a four-year period through June 30, 2030, distributed among selected colleges and nonprofits. P
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Achieve ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.