Colorado Department of Higher Education — Colorado Promise
CDHE maintains Colorado Promise information. For the credit, the institution certifies eligibility and the amount claimed on the state return; it is not an instant discount on the college bill.
About Colorado Department of Higher Education — Colorado Promise
Colorado Promise is state assistance that returns certain out-of-pocket tuition and fee costs at Colorado public higher-education institutions through a refundable tax credit. It is not a scholarship posted to the student account at registration: the student or family pays the bill first, the institution reviews the record, and, if eligible, certifies the credit for the state return.
The Department of Higher Education lists a family adjusted gross income of $90,000 or less, Colorado residency with in-state tuition classification, an eligible certificate, associate, or bachelor’s program, and a FAFSA or CASFA. The program also checks progress each term: fewer than 65 accumulated credits at the start under the program’s exclusions, at least six completed credits, a 2.5 GPA, and some tuition or fees paid by the student or family.
Eligible schools include public universities, community colleges, area technical colleges, and local district colleges. The state describes the credit as reimbursement for qualifying out-of-pocket costs after scholarships and grants, subject to the program’s credit-hour limit. Two students at the same campus may therefore receive different amounts because actual charges, other aid, term credits, and the institution’s certification differ.
There is no separate Colorado Promise application. File FAFSA or CASFA for each applicable year and ask the campus financial-aid office which records it needs. CDHE says that, starting in January 2026, institutions notify eligible students by January 31 whether they qualify and the amount of the credit. That certificate matters: Colorado’s Revenue Department requires an institution-issued certificate to claim the credit.
The eligible student claims the credit on the state return even if someone else paid the tuition; Colorado’s tax instructions say a parent cannot claim it instead. Keep the certificate, receipts, campus account statement, and FAFSA/CASFA records. Check the tax calendar before relying on a refund to meet an immediate tuition bill: a later tax refund does not replace aid applied before the payment deadline.
If a record omits a change in residency, credits, or payments, first ask the institution’s financial-aid office for a written explanation. <a data-profile="co-promise">CDHE explains Colorado Promise eligibility</a>, and <a data-profile="co-revenue">the Colorado Department of Revenue explains how to claim the tax credit</a>. CDHE’s general number is 303-862-3001; use official tax channels for questions about an individual return.
Who it serves and what it can cover: CDHE maintains Colorado Promise information. For the credit, the institution certifies eligibility and the amount claimed on the state return; it is not an instant discount on the college bill.
How to apply or get help: The program site lists a phone number and email, but no service hours; check the page before visiting. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
State refundable tax credit program for college tuition