海角社区

What is Colorado Promise?

Beginning in Fall 2024, students in an undergraduate program who are attending a Colorado public institution and have family incomes of $90,000 or less are eligible for a state tax reimbursement of any out-of-pocket tuition and fees paid for their education. Colorado Promise is specifically for students in their first 65 college credits. Students must have a Colorado in-state tuition classification and be enrolled in a postsecondary public institution within two years of graduating high school.

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Who qualifies?

Eligibility

Student Eligibility

  • Complete or annually
  • Family Adjusted Gross Income of $90,000 or less, as determined by the FAFSA or CASFA
  • Colorado resident with an in-state classification
  • Classified as degree or credential-seeking working towards a certificate, associates, or bachelors
  • Complete High School After January 1, 2024
    • This includes both graduating from high school or GED graduates.
    • If you were already enrolled in a Colorado public college in Fall 2024, this rule doesn’t apply to you.
  • Initially enrolled in public postsecondary within two years of high school graduation or equivalent

Enrollment Eligibility

  • Have accumulated fewer than 65 credits at the start of term (excluding AP, IB, military credit, credit for prior learning and dual or concurrent enrollment)
  • Completed at least 6 credits at the end of the term
  • Earned a 2.5 GPA at the end of the term
  • Student or family paid some amount in tuition and/or fees directly
Understanding the Differences With 海角社区
and State Promise Programs
Feature Roadrunner Promise (海角社区) Colorado Promise (State 鈥淗igher Ed Tax Credit鈥)
What it is An 海角社区 last-dollar grant that applies directly to your bill. A refundable state income-tax credit that reimburses what you paid out-of-pocket for tuition & mandatory fees.
Who runs it 海角社区 Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships State of Colorado (CDHE), claimed on your CO tax return
Income limit $65,000 AGI or less (family, as defined by FAFSA/CASFA). $90,000 AGI or less (family, as defined by FAFSA/CASFA).
When you get the benefit A couple of weeks after each semester鈥檚 Census date – it covers remaining tuition & mandatory fees after other aid. After you file taxes for the academic year (e.g., AY 2024-25 is claimed on 2025 taxes, refund paid in 2026).
How many credits it covers Up to 15 credits/term, up to 10 semesters (鈮 four years). Only for the first 65 college credits (鈮 two years). Must complete 鈮6 credits in a term and earn 鈮2.5 GPA for that term to qualify.
Enrollment requirements Full-time (12+ credits); first-time, first-year CO resident; submit FAFSA/CASFA by deadline; authorize COF; maintain SAP. CO resident; in an undergrad program; initially enroll within 2 years of HS graduation; have some out-of-pocket tuition/fee payment (after grants/scholarships).
What costs count Tuition + published mandatory fees only (not program/course fees, housing, etc.) Tuition + mandatory fees actually paid out-of-pocket (after other aid). If you used loans to pay these, those amounts can be reimbursed.
How to apply No separate app; file FAFSA/CASFA and meet criteria. No separate app, but you must file a CO tax return to claim the credit.
Status notes Continues while you meet eligibility (up to 10 semesters). Refundable even with $0 income tax liability; available to ASSET students if other criteria are met.

Frequently Asked Questions