Presidential Scholar
$8,000 per year
Qualify with ANY ONE of:
- GPA (weighted): 4.0
- Class rank: Top 2%
- ACT / SAT: 30 / 1370
Renewal GPA (CSU Pueblo): 3.5
Scholarships
2025–2026 Priority Dates
Submit by these dates to maximize scholarship eligibility.
Dec 1 Foundation application opens
Mar 1 Foundation application deadline
Complete FAFSA FAFSA Code 001365
🕒 Important: Financial aid awards can only be issued during the current semester.
How to Apply
- Students apply via PAWS after admission; use Search to explore opportunities first.
- Complete the FAFSA (school code 001365) — or complete CASFA if not FAFSA-eligible.
- Apply for Scholarships (complete the CSU Pueblo Foundation Scholarship application which opens Dec 1, deadline Mar 1).
- Check your PAWS portal for any additional requirements and award notices.
Who Can Qualify?
- First-year, transfer, continuing, graduate, and online students.
- Merit-based and need-based awards; some by major, talent, or background.
- Special programs (e.g., PHEF, Daniels Fund, Denver Scholarship Fund, COSI, Raise.me, Promise/Pack Promise).
CSU Pueblo Foundation Scholarships
Over 100 Scholarships Based on Merit, Need, Student Type, and More.
The CSU Pueblo Foundation is committed to student success! With the help of our generous donors, we offer scholarship funds to bridge the gap between the cost of a university degree and the financial resources available to our students. The Foundation is focused on improving our students’ ability to persist and complete their education with a conferred degree.
Scholarships provided through the CSU Pueblo Foundation are listed in this search. You can search based on your academic interests or other types of criteria.
Please note: You cannot apply through the search function.
Automatic Merit Scholarships
Fall 2026 awards — first-time freshmen are automatically considered based on their highest qualifying metric, based on the criteria below.
Weighted GPA ACT/SAT composite Weighted Class Rank
Distinguished Scholar
$5,000 per year
Qualify with ANY ONE of:
- GPA (weighted): 3.75
- Class rank: Top 5%
- ACT / SAT: 27 / 1280
Renewal GPA (CSU Pueblo): 3.0
Promising Scholar
$3,000 per year
Qualify with ANY ONE of:
- GPA (weighted): 3.50
- Class rank: Top 15%
- ACT / SAT: 24 / 1180
Renewal GPA (CSU Pueblo): 3.0
The admission deadline for the automatic scholarship is May 1.
*Awards are based on the student’s single highest metric of either ACT/SAT, Class Rank, or GPA.
Stacking: Automatic Merit cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships (except the First Generation Scholarship). Full-time enrollment required. Renewable up to 3 additional years with the GPA above.
Details & Requirements for Admissions and FAFSA Deadline
Highest Award Policy
Students will receive the scholarship that matches their highest qualifying academic achievement.
Requirements & Deadlines
To be eligible for these scholarships in the fall semester after high school graduation, submit the following by May 1:
- Admissions application
- High school transcripts
- ACT/SAT scores (if applicable)
Important:
- Students must enroll in the fall semester immediately after graduation (or the next semester if graduating early).
Additional Details
- No separate application is needed.
- Scholarships are gift aid—they do not need to be repaid.
- Full-time enrollment is required.
- Merit scholarships may be reduced if total aid exceeds cost of attendance.
- Renewable for up to 3 years with the required CSU Pueblo GPA.
- 3+2 students should seek other aid options for their final year.
Special Note for ASCENT Students
ASCENT students are eligible for Foundation or Automatic Merit Scholarships after completing ASCENT and graduating high school, if they meet admission requirements and deadlines.
They are not eligible during their ASCENT year (5th year of high school).
Important Note About Self-Reported GPAs
If you're admitted using a self-reported GPA, you must submit an official transcript before your merit scholarship can be finalized.
If your official GPA is different from what you reported, your scholarship amount may be adjusted.
Scholarships
Explore Colorado Resident, Transfer, and Additional scholarship opportunities at CSU Pueblo.
Colorado Residents
$1,000 Commitment to Colorado
$1,000/year for Colorado residents who file FAFSA by May 1, receive a Pell Grant, and have a 3.0+ GPA. Not stackable with Automatic Merit.
Colorado Promise
Reimburses out-of-pocket tuition & fees (first 65 credits) for Colorado residents with family income ≤ $90,000.
Pack Promise
“Last-dollar” aid covering remaining in-state tuition after grants/scholarships for eligible students.
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI)
Support services and scholarships for adult learners (25+). Current programs include Finish What You Started and Back To Work.
Denver Scholarship Fund
For selected graduates from specific Denver-area high schools. Check eligibility and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Apply for admission, file the FAFSA (or CASFA if applicable), and complete the Foundation Scholarship application as early as possible. Priority consideration is tied to March 1; the Foundation application opens December 1.
Do I need the FAFSA for scholarships?
Many awards require demonstrated need via the FAFSA. If you are not FAFSA-eligible, complete Colorado’s CASFA to be considered for state aid and certain scholarships.
Where do I find scholarships that fit my major?
Use the Foundation Scholarship Search and filter by your academic area. You can also check your college/department pages for additional opportunities.
How will I be notified?
Watch your PAWS portal and CSU Pueblo email for updates, missing items, and award notices.
Impact of Scholarships on Financial Aid
Scholarships are part of a student’s total financial aid package. If a student’s demonstrated financial need is already met when a scholarship is added, other aid may be reduced or canceled.
Pell Grants are never reduced as a result of receiving a scholarship.
For more about how eligibility is calculated, see the Cost of Attendance page (see “How Aid is Determined” under General Policies).
Contact Student Financial Services
Administration 212 • Phone: 719-549-2753 • financialaid@csupueblo.edu
