Colorado students across the state’s many colleges and universities get to enjoy the natural beauty of the American West on a daily basis. Snow-topped mountains, plunging canyons, and dramatic waterfalls make this state a natural wonder. Unfortunately, to afford to study in this beautiful landscape, students will have to shell out an average of $9,798 per year, bringing a bachelor’s degree to nearly $40,000.

Whether the mountains are in your backyard or you’re traveling all the way across the country to study at a prestigious university in Colorado, there’s a solution to these sky-high tuition costs. In this article, we’ll explore the best scholarships in Colorado to fund your college education.

No one should be denied a quality education because of their financial situation. Here at Scholarship Institute, we strongly believe in scholarships as a debt-free method to pay for college. That’s why this article will provide a list of scholarships and a deep dive into the types of scholarships and organizations to look into, as well as tips on finding the best matches. We’ve got you covered so you can focus on pursuing your academic dreams.

Don’t just apply for scholarships in Colorado when you can increase your chances by applying to more scholarships in our database!

rock formation in colorado

Understanding Colorado Scholarships

It sounds too good to be true, but scholarships don’t have to be paid back, unlike loans. They’re a form of financial aid in which organizations or individuals essentially donate free money to fund your education because they believe your dreams are worth pursuing in university.

In particular, Colorado scholarships are created specifically for Colorado residents or out-of-state students looking to attend school in Colorado. These scholarships can help students attain higher education opportunities that otherwise may be out of reach due to financial reasons.

Why You Should Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are just one of many forms of financial aid out there, so it can be tempting to pass scholarships off. But don’t forget some scholarships can provide huge sums of money—like these full-tuition scholarships. Others might award smaller amounts, but they’ll add up over time. Here are five reasons why you should apply for scholarships—which are arguably the best form of funding a college education.

  1. Reduce Financial Burden: Scholarships help lower or eliminate the need for student loans, reducing debt after graduation.
  2. Access to Better Education: Financial support can make prestigious colleges or programs more attainable. Take a look at these PhD scholarships if you’re considering further education!
  3. Focus on Studies: Scholarships free students from financial stress, allowing more time for academics and extracurriculars.
  4. Recognition and Prestige: Winning scholarships enhances a student’s resume and opens doors to future opportunities.
  5. Support for Passions: Scholarships tailored to specific talents or interests encourage students to pursue their dreams.
benefits of scholarships

Types of Scholarships Available

There are three main types of scholarships, and they are classified by their eligibility requirements. Of course, there is overlap between all three types of scholarships, and many opportunities will utilize a combination of merit, need, and demographic-based eligibility requirements to find the best candidates.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships are the traditional scholarships. They are awarded to students based on their academic achievements, such as high school seniors with a minimum GPA. Scholarship committees for merit scholarships often choose applicants who have shown high academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievement over their high school and college careers.

Pros:

  • extremely common
  • less stringent eligibility requirements
  • high diversity so you can find a better match

Cons:

  • usually need high GPAs and standardized test scores
  • longer application process involving essays

Examples:

  • Francis H. Mahon Scholarship: Must have graduated from a specific high school with a GPA of 2.5+. Winners are selected based on character, academic aspirations, and financial need.
  • County Sheriffs of Colorado Scholarship: Any permanent legal resident from the listed districts on their website is eligible. Only academic and extracurricular merit will be considered in the scholarship selection process.

Check out more merit scholarships and ensure your achievements are recognized!

snow-covered town near mountains in colorado

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships consider factors such as family income and the number of dependents. Most organizations giving out need-based scholarships will require you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Pros:

  • best way to meet your financial need
  • doesn’t take into account your grades or extracurriculars

Cons:

  • if you earn above the income threshold, you can’t qualify
  • less common than merit scholarships

Examples:

  • Denver Foundation Ambassador Scholarship: Covers full financial unmet need and provides $1,500 for a laptop. Must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and demonstrated engagement in the community.
  • Excelsior Scholarship: Provides up to $5,000 depending on financial need. Vocational school and four-year college students can both apply.

Expand your scholarship applications with these top need-based scholarships for students of any state!

Demographic-Based Scholarships

The third major category of scholarships includes demographic-based scholarships. These are awarded to students within a specific demographic, such as race, gender, major, or family background. They intend to promote diversity in certain academic fields or support underrepresented groups.

Pros:

  • smaller applicant pools mean higher odds of winning a scholarship
  • often come with a built-in network of mentors and past scholarship winners

Cons:

  • higher eligibility requirements
  • often require essays or a commitment to promoting diversity

Examples:

  • Second-Chance Scholarship Program: A $5,000 award to cover college expenses for those released from the Division of Youth Services (DYS) commitment facility within the last 5 years. It may be renewed for every year of education.
  • Asian American Leaders in Mental Health: A maximum of $1,000 awarded to a student of Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity. Must have a commitment to counseling communities of color through a social justice approach.

If you’re a graduate student, be sure to look into our comprehensive list of the best grad school scholarships!

pros and cons of merit vs need based scholarships

Scholarship Application Process

  1. Research Scholarships: First, identify scholarships available in Colorado that match your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or personal background.
  2. Prepare Your Materials: Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a well-written personal statement if required. Some scholarships may also request proof of residency or financial need.
  3. Complete the Application Form: Carefully fill out the application form for each scholarship. Double-check that all information is accurate and that you’ve answered every question.
  4. Submit the FAFSA (If Required): Some scholarships require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility based on financial need. Complete this early to avoid delays.
  5. Follow Instructions and Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to the instructions provided for each scholarship. Missing a deadline or submitting incomplete documents can lead to disqualification.
  6. Submit Your Application: Review your application packet to ensure everything is included, then submit it via the method specified (online or by mail).
  7. Track Your Application: Keep a record of submitted applications and their deadlines. Follow up if confirmation of receipt is required.

Pro Tip: For the best online scholarship platform, we recommend utilizing Bold.org’s exclusive scholarship search engine. For Colorado-specific scholarships, we recommend the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) website, operated by the Colorado state government.

colorado student with turquoise folder

Additional Resources and Opportunities

The scholarship search is daunting, so we’ve put together some of the best scholarship organizations in Colorado. We recommend checking out all of them to diversify your scholarship applications but remember that many of them can offer substantial awards.

Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI)

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, is dedicated to enhancing Colorado residents’ access to higher education. By offering matching student scholarship grants, COSI collaborates with community organizations, educational institutions, and local foundations to increase scholarship funding.

In recent years, COSI has made significant contributions to support students across the state. In the first five years, COSI awarded $47 million in scholarships and served 75,000 students across Colorado’s counties. According to internal data, COSI recipients are also 19% more likely to continue in their education path than non-COSI recipients of similar demographics.

If you don’t qualify for low-income scholarships, check out these top middle-class scholarships to fund your education!

colorado opportunity scholarship initiative

University-Specific Financial Aid Offices

  • Colorado State University: provides scholarships to entering Colorado State University students. A single CSU application can give you access to dozens of CSU scholarships!
  • University of Colorado Boulder: offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships, including the Esteemed Scholars Program, which rewards high-achieving in-state students.
  • University of Denver: administers grants and scholarships such as the DU Educational Grant and various donor-funded scholarships, ensuring accessibility to a diverse student body.

Community Foundations

  • Denver Foundation: Provides a variety of scholarships for Colorado students located in the Denver area, including the Cleo Parker Robinson Scholarship for aspiring performing artists and the Colorado Press Association Scholarship for students pursuing journalism.
  • Pikes Peak Community Foundation: Offers scholarships such as the Karen Possehl Women’s Endowment Fund, supporting non-traditional female students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
  • Community Foundation of Northern Colorado: Administers numerous scholarship funds, including the Jim and Nadine Henry Scholarship for students studying agriculture and the Chris Poole Memorial Scholarship for students at Fort Collins High School.

Financing college is one thing, getting in is another. Boost your grades with the best tutoring programs by subject!

colorado state university sign

Frequently Asked Questions about Colorado Scholarships

1. Can International Students Get Scholarships?

Yes, many scholarships are available specifically for international students, including merit-based, need-based, and program-specific awards. Students should research scholarships offered by universities, private organizations, and government programs designed to support international education. For example, Colorado College offers need-based scholarships to international students as long as they fill out the CSS profile.

2. What GPA Do You Need to Get a Scholarship?

The required GPA varies depending on the scholarship, but many merit-based scholarships require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Some scholarships for specific programs or fields may have lower GPA requirements, focusing instead on other qualifications or achievements.

3. What Are the Easiest Scholarships to Apply For?

No-essay scholarships, sweepstakes-style scholarships, and automatic scholarships tied to university admission are often the easiest to apply for. These typically require minimal effort, such as filling out a simple form or meeting basic eligibility criteria.

Learn more about education, finance, and career paths with our Scholarship Institute blog!

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