Colorado Promise
The Colorado Promise is a program established by the State of Colorado that offers a tax credit to eligible students whose family income is $90,000 or less. The program helps cover tuition and fees for qualifying undergraduate students who attend a Colorado public institution within two years of graduating from high school. The credit applies for your first 65 earned credits (excluding AP/IB, concurrent, military, or prior-learning credits).
Quick Snapshot
- Colorado resident for tuition purposes
- Complete FAFSA or CASFA
- Family income ≤ $90,000
- Undergraduate, in-state, degree-seeking student
- Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester
- Begin attendance within 2 years of high school graduation or equivalent
- Have fewer than 65 total earned credits (excluding AP/IB/military/prior learning)
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA each term
- Must pay tuition and/or fees in that term to qualify for tax credit
How the Colorado Promise Works
The Colorado Promise provides a refundable tax credit that reimburses eligible students for out-of-pocket tuition and mandatory fee expenses. The benefit is calculated after all other federal, state, and institutional aid is applied. Credits earned through AP/IB exams, concurrent enrollment, military service, or prior learning are not eligible toward the 65-credit limit.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be classified as a Colorado resident for tuition purposes.
- Complete and submit the FAFSA or CASFA.
- Have a total family income of $90,000 or less, as reported on FAFSA/CASFA.
- Be an in-state, undergraduate, degree-seeking student enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per term.
- Enroll in a Colorado public postsecondary institution within two years of high school graduation or equivalent.
- Have fewer than 65 earned credits (not including AP/IB, concurrent, or prior-learning credits).
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 term GPA.
- Have paid at least a portion of tuition or fees during the term of eligibility.
Application Process
There is no separate application for the Colorado Promise program. Eligible students are automatically identified based on FAFSA or CASFA information. To ensure consideration, students must complete their financial aid application by the priority deadline of May 1 for the upcoming fall semester.
Request More Information
Complete the short form below to connect with a CSU Pueblo financial aid representative about the Colorado Promise program.
Need Help?
For questions or assistance, contact the Student Financial Services office:
- Phone: 719-549-2753
- Email: financialaid@csupueblo.edu
- Location: Administration Building, Room 212
Related Programs
*Program details and eligibility criteria are subject to change based on state funding and policy updates. Please verify the most current information with the Colorado Department of Higher Education or CSU Pueblo Student Financial Services.
