Colorado Promise is described as a two-year net-cost promise at eligible public institutions, but it is not an upfront scholarship deposit. The program uses an annual refundable state tax credit to reimburse part of tuition and fees paid out of pocket by the student or family.
General criteria include FAFSA or CASFA, family adjusted gross income of up to $90,000, in-state tuition classification, and undergraduate enrollment toward a degree or credential. There are also limits on accumulated credits at the start of a term and a timeline after high-school graduation; check the official fact sheet for your cohort.
For each term, CDHE’s sheet lists fewer than 65 accumulated credits at term start, at least six completed credits, and a minimum 2.5 GPA at term end, as well as some student-paid tuition or fees. The credit is calculated on eligible uncovered costs, not housing, books, or transportation. Institutions must notify eligible students by January 31 with the estimated tax-credit amount.
CDHE says there is no separate application: complete FAFSA or CASFA each year and ask the campus to confirm the data it uses. Keep tuition and fee receipts and follow state tax instructions when applicable. Ask in writing whether residency, transfer credits, and graduation date meet the rules.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
Because the benefit is delivered through the state tax system after eligible costs are paid, it is important to ask the campus how and when it will identify an eligible student and issue the estimate. Keep the tuition bill, payment receipts, and year-end tax records. A student should not assume that a tax-credit estimate is cash available at registration; the annual rules and tax filing process determine when reimbursement is realized.
Colorado Promise — Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Colorado Promise Fact Sheet — Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Colorado Promise law — Colorado General Assembly.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Colorado Promise
General criteria include FAFSA or CASFA, family adjusted gross income of up to $90,000, in-state tuition classification, and undergraduate enrollment toward a degree or credential. There are also limits on accumulated credits at the start of a term and a timeline after high-school graduation; check the official fact sheet for your cohort.
Public student-aid program
Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE)
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Colorado General Assembly · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
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.
-
Official website of Colorado Promise ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) ↗
Primary source
Colorado Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) ↗
Primary source
Colorado General Assembly · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.