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.
About Colorado Promise
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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Public student-aid program