Tuition, fees covered for Southern Ute students at CU Boulder under partnership with tribe

May 30—The University of Colorado Boulder will cover in-state tuition and mandatory student fees for four new students every year from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe beginning this fall.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Department of Education will nominate up to four students per year based on tribal enrollment and other forthcoming criteria. Nominees must be enrolled full-time at CU Boulder and complete FAFSA application.

CU Boulder worked with the Southern Ute Department of Education to create a new partnership between the organizations.

"The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is thankful for the collaboration with our higher education partners," Tribe Vice Chairman Lorelei Cloud said. "Education is a priority, and this revitalized opportunity expands our youths' resources to pursue higher education."

The Department of Education's mission is to encourage, help and provide resources for Tribal members seeking an education.

University of Colorado President Todd Saliman joined CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano and other CU faculty at an event Thursday marking the announcement of the new partnership.

"I'm thrilled about this partnership with the Southern Ute tribe," Saliman said in a press release. "We are excited for members of the Southern Ute Tribe to continue their educational journey on the CU Boulder campus, and can't wait to welcome our future Buffs while continuing to serve those Southern Ute students whose journey has already begun."

DiStefano said CU Boulder wants to make it easier for Native American students once they come to campus.

"It's also important that we ensure that students find a 'home away from home' on campus that respects their culture and supports their goals — whether those goals involve returning to their home communities to make a difference as graduates or using their degrees to make a difference in another part of the globe," DiStefano said in a press release.