CU Boulder doubles financial aid program providing free tuition for in-state students

Apr. 19—The University of Colorado Boulder has announced the expansion of a financial aid program which will double the number of in-state students who are eligible for free tuition and fees for the 2023-24 academic year.

The program, called CU Promise, provides free tuition and fees for all Colorado resident students who are eligible for the Pell Grant. About 3,500 students for the 2023-24 academic year are expected to qualify.

"As a first-generation college student, I know how impactful financial support like this can be," Chancellor Philip DiStefano said in a press release. "CU Boulder is committed to addressing the cost of attaining a college degree and increasing access to higher education through CU Promise. The expansion of this program will help us attract and retain in-state students who might not otherwise see higher education as an option."

One change in the program is that transfer student eligibility is no longer restricted to students transferring from Colorado community colleges and other CU campuses. CU Promise students will not be removed from the program for dropping below full-time enrollment status or for taking semesters off. Prospective students will also no longer have to meet an application and verification deadline that is earlier than the date for other grant programs.

In addition to the tuition and fees benefit of CU Promise, students who have an expected family contribution of zero as determined by FAFSA will qualify for an additional $5,000 to offset other costs such as books and living expenses. Students must complete the FAFSA each year to determine eligibility for the CU Promise program.

For more information, visit bit.ly/43KjjCx.