Scholarship and Grant Programs Available in Colorado

Colorado offers a wide variety of scholarship and grant opportunities to help students fund their postsecondary education. From broad-based programs like the Colorado Student Grant to specialized awards like the Boettcher Scholarship, there are many options for residents to offset the costs of college or vocational training within the state. Major state grants assist with tuition and fees at public and private in-state institutions, while private programs offer funding based on criteria ranging from academic merit to financial need. This guide will outline the major state and private scholarship programs available, provide tips on the application process, and direct students to additional resources to uncover funding for higher education in Colorado. With some dedicated research and persistence, Colorado students can uncover many financial aid options suited to their unique interests, backgrounds, and academic goals.

Colorado State-specific Scholarships and Grants

Colorado Student Grant

The Colorado Student Grant is awarded by the Colorado Department of Higher Education to undergraduate students based on financial need. To be eligible, students must be Colorado residents attending an eligible Colorado college full-time. The maximum annual award is $5,000.

Colorado Graduate Grant

The Colorado Graduate Grant provides financial assistance to Colorado residents enrolled in certain graduate programs at Colorado colleges. Eligible programs include healthcare fields like nursing and social work. The maximum annual award is $5,000.

Colorado Career and Technical Education Grant

This grant supports Colorado residents enrolled in eligible career and technical education certificate programs at Colorado community colleges and technical schools. It covers up to 100% of tuition costs.

Colorado Opportunity Fund

The Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students attending Colorado public colleges and universities. The stipend amount varies based on the type of institution. In 2022-2023, the stipend is $94 per credit hour for community colleges and $40 per credit hour for 4-year institutions.

Teach Colorado Grant

The Teach Colorado Grant offers up to $5,000 per year to Colorado residents pursuing teacher licensure programs in fields with teacher shortages, such as math, science, special education, and linguistically diverse education. Recipients commit to teaching in a Colorado K-12 school upon completion.

Colorado Merit Aid Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes Colorado high school graduates who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Awards range from $500 – $5,000 annually based on GPA and test scores.

Private Scholarships

Daniels Fund Scholarship

The Daniels Fund provides scholarships to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming residents based on financial need, leadership, and community involvement. The maximum award amount is $18,000 per year.

Boettcher Foundation Scholarship

The Boettcher Foundation awards full-ride scholarships covering tuition, fees, and living expenses to top Colorado high school seniors. Awards are renewable for up to five years.

Colorado Make-A-Wish Scholarships

Make-A-Wish Colorado offers several annual scholarships ranging from $2,500 – $5,000 to graduating Colorado high school seniors who were previous Make-A-Wish recipients.

Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Scholarships

The Colorado Masons offer several scholarship opportunities to graduating Colorado high school seniors, including awards for those pursuing vocational and technical training. Most awards are between $500 – $2,000.

Denver Foundation Scholarships

The Denver Foundation administers over 60 different scholarship funds for Colorado residents, with awards typically ranging from $1,000 – $10,000. Eligibility criteria varies.

Daniels Scholarship Program

This program provides 4-year college scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Awards are based on character, leadership, and financial need. The maximum award amount is $18,000 annually.

Colorado Scholarship and Grant Honorable Mentions

• P.E.O. Scholarships – Need-based grants and merit scholarships for women pursuing higher education. Available to CO residents.
• American Indian College Fund – Scholarships for Native American students, including some Colorado-specific awards.
• Elks National Foundation Scholarships – Awards for CO high school seniors based on financial need and academics.
• Denver Foundation Child Care Awards – Grants to support childcare expenses for student parents in Denver.
• Latin American Educational Foundation Scholarships – For CO Hispanic students based on merit, need and community involvement.
• Colorado Garden Foundation Scholarships – For CO students studying horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, etc.
• Colorado Nurses Foundation Scholarships – For CO nursing students based on academic and clinical excellence.
• Colorado Pork Producers Scholarships – For CO high school seniors planning to pursue agriculture degrees.

Scholarship Tips for Colorado Students

• Start searching for scholarships early – during junior year of high school or first year of college. Deadlines are often a year in advance of the funding date.
• Look beyond academic performance – many scholarships also consider community service, leadership, creative talent, or other distinguishing characteristics.
• Don’t limit yourself to local scholarships. Many national scholarships are open to applicants from any state.
• Check with your high school guidance counselor and college financial aid office for additional scholarship opportunities.
• Create an organized system to track deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
• Follow instructions carefully and submit all required materials by the deadline.
• Proofread essays and short answers to make sure they align with the scholarship goals.
• Don’t miss out on “easy money” – apply for small and niche scholarships with less competition.
• Persist even if not selected on the first try – you often can reapply next year.

Additional Colorado Scholarship Resources

• College Assist Scholarship Search – Database of Colorado-based scholarships
• College in Colorado Scholarship Finder – State-sponsored scholarship search
• Colorado Department of Higher Education Financial Aid – Overview of state aid programs
• Denver Scholarship Foundation – Scholarships for Denver-area students
• Daniels Fund Scholarships – Information on the Daniels Fund opportunity

Applying for scholarships takes time and effort, but it can really pay off by reducing out-of-pocket college costs. With some research, Colorado students can uncover many financial aid opportunities suited to their unique skills and interests.

Common FAQs Related to Colorado Scholarships and Grants