Colorado is known for its natural beauty and is home to a variety of landscapes, such as the Rocky Mountains. But it’s not only the natural beauty that makes Colorado enticing for students – it’s a great place to follow your educational dreams too. It’s a state that’s consistently ranked in the top 10 in terms of education. It is ranked at number 4 currently in overall education rankings and also in higher education according to the U.S. News.

Colorado universities are known for being welcoming and diverse. They have excellent academics and extracurriculars too. There are more than 355,000 postsecondary student enrolments in the state and most of them are undergraduates. However, a lot of students fail to graduate due to high college costs, and those who do mostly do it with the help of student loans.

Colorado student debt totals around $28.5 billion and the average debt per student is even higher than the U.S. average, being around $36,800 per student. This debt creates a heavy financial burden on students in the long term which limits their spending on other things. To avoid accumulating high debt, students need to exhaust all other financial aid resources first before taking on student loans. Other options include work-study, federal grants, and scholarships.

There are many Colorado scholarships available for tertiary students that can not only help pay for tuition but other college-related living expenses too. Students of all levels from high school to post-graduate and from all backgrounds can easily find suitable scholarships to apply for. We have provided a list of Colorado scholarships for different students along with information on how to get them.

Colorado has around 92 colleges and universities out of which 33 are public institutions and 59 are private institutions. Almost half of these are 4-year colleges. There are also around 24 options for trade schools in Colorado. The top three universities in the state include Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, and University of Denver.

Colorado School of Mines is a suburban public institution with almost 6,000 undergraduate student enrolments. It is situated in the city of Golden, Colorado known for its scenic beauty and friendly atmosphere. Its average tuition cost is around $20,040 for in-state students, which is lower than the national average of $43,477. It has a 58% acceptance rate and generally accepts students with higher GPAs of around 3.9+ and an SAT score that is between 1330-1490. The cost of out-of-state students doubles to more than $40,000 for tuition and fees. The room and board in 2023-2024 is $16,110.

The University of Colorado Boulder is another public institution with a city setting. It has a reasonable cost of tuition of around $13,622 on average and has a much higher acceptance rate of around 79%. The tuition cost more than doubles for out-of-state students. Students generally accepted by this university have an average GPA of 3.7; however, those with lower can also apply as admission is not solely dependent on academic performance.

The University of Denver on the other hand is a private institution with an urban setting and much higher tuition costs. Its average tuition is around $59,340. The acceptance rate of the university is around 78% and the average GPA of accepted students levels around 3.7 with the SAT score range of 1220-1400. The room and board for The University of Denver is also higher than the other public institutions and is around $17,049 for the year 2023-2024.

A few Colorado colleges accept students with a 3.0 GPA and slightly lower on average. Pueblo Community College, Adams State College, and Metropolitan State College of Denver are three examples. The Pueblo Community College is a 2-year public institution; whereas, the other two are 4-year public colleges.

The Pueblo Community College is a small non-profit college located in the city of Pueblo. It focuses more on career and technical education offering various programs that can earn students vocational certificates and associate degrees. It does not offer on-campus housing and has much lower tuition fees. Its average GPA for accepted students is around 2.78.

The Adams State College is located in Alamosa, Colorado and it has around a 99% acceptance rate. It’s easier to get into this college as SAT and ACT scores are not compulsory and students with a B grade in high school can also get accepted. On-campus housing is also available for students looking to stay on campus.

Metropolitan State College of Denver has more than 88% acceptance rate for students with GPAs around 3.2 or higher. Moreover, this university does not require the submission of SAT or ACT scores for admission. If scores are submitted, only then they are considered.

Tertiary institutions in Colorado have lower average tuition costs compared to the national average. The average cost in the state equals around $12,816 for in-state students studying in 4-year public institutions. This is around $2,300 lower than the national average. For out-of-state students, the cost more than doubles, and if students choose to stay on-campus, there is an added cost of room and board.

Some institutions with the lowest tuition costs include Colorado Mountain College with an average in-state tuition of $4,980, Colorado Technical University with an average tuition of $12,696, Red Rocks Community College with tuition costs of $4,471 for in-state students, and Fort Lewis College with tuition costs of $9,212 on average. The tuition and fees for out-of-state students at these universities vary between $11,000 to $20,000.

University of Denver, Regis University, Colorado School of Mines, and Colorado Christian University are some of the most expensive universities with tuition costs ranging between $20,000 to $60,000. These can be quite expensive to afford without any financial aid. A few full-ride scholarships that can make it easier for students in Colorado and can cover up to 100% of tuition include Daniels Scholarship Program, Evans Scholars Program, and ARRL Rocky Mountain Scholarship Program.

Colorado has a total enrollment of around 355,130 with around 294,029 undergraduate enrolments and approximately 61,101 graduates. A bigger proportion, around 57%, of the student population consists of the female population.

The highest number of enrolments is of White Americans which is around 199,406, followed by Hispanics which contributes 66,572 to the total student population. Following are Black Americans and Asians making up 6% and 3% of the total respectively. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders makes up the smallest percentage with a student population of close to 1000 only.

The total student debt in America is more than a trillion and Colorado contributes around $28.5 billion to the national’s total. This debt is spread over more than 770,000 student borrowers. On average per student borrower debt is equal to around $36,822 in the state which is around 27% higher than the national average of $28,950. Around 22.1% of the total borrowers in Colorado owe $20,000 to $40,000 in student loans.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter basically contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you do not miss out on any opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or someone from the family to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Colorado scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time in order to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Colorado offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities. You can also filter scholarships on websites like Scholaroo for opportunities specific to your state or area.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and make an outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

High school students have many Colorado scholarships available to them and the more you apply the better.

1. Greenhouse Scholarship
2. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
3. RMMI Technical Scholarship
4. Partner Colorado Foundation Scholarships – High School
5. Daniels Scholarship Program
6. Colorado Farm Show Scholarships
7. Chapter 77 – Denver Scholarship

Following are the best scholarships for undergraduates to apply to. Undergraduates from all year levels including freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years can apply for these scholarships. Some of these scholarships can help pay a huge chunk of tuition and related expenses making life easier for students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

1. RMMI Engineering Scholarship
   2. Partner Colorado Foundation Scholarships – College
   3. Colorado Garden Show Scholarships – Undergraduate and Graduate

There are a couple of scholarships available to Colorado graduate students that can help with their college expenses. Following are some of the top options to consider:

1. Colorado Garden Show Scholarships – Undergraduate and Graduate
2. Erickson Merkel Foundation Scholarships
3. Colorado Women’s Education Foundation Scholarship
4. MGMA Western Section Scholarship
5. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

There are not many teacher-specific scholarships in Colorado but teaching students can apply for all those scholarships that are available to students pursuing any choice of major. The following are some options to consider:

1. Erickson Merkel Foundation Scholarships
2. Partner Colorado Foundation Scholarships – High School
3. Study.com November Scholarships Study.com November Scholarships

There are scholarships specific to nursing students; however, the options are limited. Nursing students can apply for any scholarships not limited by major.

1. Erickson Merkel Foundation Scholarships
2. Partner Colorado Foundation Scholarships – High School

Women make up more than 50% of total Colorado student enrolment at all levels. For some of these women, getting through college is harder than other groups due to domestic responsibilities and other financial responsibilities they may have, especially single moms. The following opportunities can help take some of the burden off of women and help them graduate.

1. Colorado Future Woman Pilot Scholarship
2. Colorado Women’s Education Foundation Scholarship

Universities offer multiple types of scholarships to their students on various bases like merit, financial need, athletic excellence, and other talents. Some of the best universities in Colorado that offer merit-based scholarships to incoming students include Colorado State University, University of Colorado Boulder, and Colorado Mesa University.

Colorado State University offers many types of scholarships to Colorado residents, non-residents, and also transfer students. Their Green and Gold Scholarships for state residents are merit-based awards for new admissions. It is just one of the many options available. This particular scholarship awards $2,500 to $4,000 per year to the student and the rewards can be renewed for up to four years with a total of $10,000 to $16,000.

The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the most prestigious universities in the state offering many merit-based awards to residents and non-residents. Their CU Boulder Esteemed Scholars Program and Arts & Humanities Merit Scholarship are two examples of merit-based scholarship programs. The Esteemed Scholars program consists of two renewable scholarships including the Horace M. Hale scholarship with a $4,000 award per year and the Joseph A. Sewall scholarship which awards $7,000 per year. The Art & Humanities scholarships offer $3,000 to residents and $4,000 to non-residents.

Colorado Mesa University is a public institution located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers multiple scholarships based on academic achievement including the Distinguished Scholar Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Academic Achievement Scholarship. The award for these scholarships ranges from $1,250 to the full cost of tuition.

Many websites list scholarships and you can find relevant ones by using the filters provided. We have provided close to 30 Colorado scholarships for students from all levels. Students can find some scholarship opportunities on the Colorado Department of Higher Education website. They also offer need-based student grants that can help pay for tuition. Multiple organizations work towards their community by providing financial assistance in the form of scholarships to students.

The Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and the Denver Foundation are two nonprofit organizations working towards the betterment of the educational and economic future of the city. The DSF scholarship awards up to a maximum of $3,600 on an annual basis. The other organization offers various scholarships to assist with college tuition with a few ranging up to more than $10,000.

Another organization in Colorado with the name EEqual supports students who are struggling with homelessness or housing instability to get the financial help needed to pay for college. Their scholarships cover tuition costs of up to $8,000.

Students can always contact the financial aid office of their institution to find out about in-house scholarships that colleges and universities offer to their students. Most institutions provide scholarships to their incoming students based on merit, financial need, and athletic talent.

Students in Colorado can access many grants at the federal level, state level, and institutional level. Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are two federal-level national grants that Colorado students may be eligible to receive. To assess eligibility, students must submit a FAFSA.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education also supports state residents with the financial aid that they need to pursue higher education including grants. At the state level, need-based residents can access the Colorado Student Grant and Colorado Graduate Grant to get the financial support required.

Many colleges and universities have grants for their students too. You can contact your school’s financial aid office to find out more. The University of Colorado Denver is one such university that offers the University Need ​Grant and Lynx Grant to its students who can demonstrate financial need.