If you are thinking about going to a college in the State of Colorado, you should apply for the College Opportunity Fund Stipend. It’s easy. It’s fast. And, the State of Colorado will provide a stipend to eligible undergraduate students when you attend a
participating Colorado public or private institution.
What is it?
The College Opportunity Fund (COF), created by the Colorado Legislature, provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students. Eligible undergraduate students must apply, be admitted and enroll at a participating institution. Both new and continuing students are eligible for the stipend. Students who do not apply will be responsible for the full amount of in-state tuition (student share plus the state’s share).
Qualifying students may use the stipend for eligible undergraduate classes. The stipend is paid on a per credit hour basis to the institution at which the student is enrolled. For the 2007-2008 school year, the tuition stipend equals $89 per credit hour for students attending a participating Colorado public college or university. For example, if a student takes 15 credit hours per semester, that student will receive a stipend in the amount of $2,670 for the year. Students that attend a Colorado participating private university receive half the amount per credit hour in stipend funding ($44.50 per credit hour for the 2007-2008 school year). The amount of per credit hour funding is set annually by the Colorado legislature.
Each eligible undergraduate student can receive stipend funding for up to 145 credit hours. Certain exceptions may be made to the credit hour limit if a waiver is granted.
Eligibility Requirements
If you are planning to attend a Colorado public college or university:
- There are no income qualifications
- You do not have to be a full-time student
- You must be classified as an in-state student for tuition (as determined by the college)
- You must be an undergraduate student
If you are planning to attend a Colorado participating private university:
- You must be classified as an in-state student for tuition (as determined by the college)
- You do not have to be a full-time student
- You must have graduated from a high school in the state of Colorado, completed an approved home-school program or received a GED from the state of Colorado
- You must apply for financial aid (complete the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be eligible for a Pell Grant from the federal government)
- You must be an undergraduate student
How To Apply
- You must be at least 13 years of age to apply
- You need only apply once
- You can apply now — you do not need to know what college you will ultimately attend
- The student should apply online