Colorado Resident Students

Merit-Based Scholarships

The University of Colorado Boulder Esteemed Scholars Program

CU-Boulder Esteemed Scholars Program is a new merit scholarship program recognizing top Colorado resident students for their outstanding academic achievements. A select group of entering Colorado resident freshman students will be awarded one of three awards based on a combination of grade point average and test scores. All Colorado resident freshmen who are admitted to CU-Boulder will be automatically reviewed for the scholarship program, no additional application is required.  In order to be considered for the CU-Boulder Esteemed Scholars Program, students must submit an admission application by the January 15 admission application deadline. For complete program information, including qualifying academic criteria, visit colorado.edu/finaid/scholars.html.

President Joseph A. Sewall Award - $20,000 over 4 years ($5,000 each year)

President Horace M. Hale Award - $14,000 over 4 years ($3,500 each year)

President James H. Baker Award - $10,000 over 4 years ($2,500 each year)

Regent Scholarship
The Regent Scholarship is available to high-achieving incoming freshmen from Colorado high schools. One student from each Colorado high school will receive $1,000. You will be automatically considered, but you must be admitted to CU-Boulder by February 15 to be eligible.

Presidents Leadership Class (PLC)
Presidents Leadership Class students are selected on the basis of intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and commitment outside of self and will receive $500-$3,000 per year. Complete the PLC application by February 15.

Norlin Scholars
The Norlin Scholars program offers first-year students $4,000, which is renewable for four years with a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Norlin Scholars are chosen for their strong academic commitment, exceptional creativity, and intellectual curiosity. The application deadline is February 15.

CU-LEAD Alliance
CU Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Diversity (CU-LEAD) is a unique set of academic learning communities where students, faculty, and staff unite to promote inclusive excellence. CU-LEAD offers $1,500 scholarships, renewable for four years, if students fulfill all program expectations.

Puksta Scholars
The Puksta Scholar Program is committed to providing scholarships to students who demonstrate community involvement, and who will continue to be civically engaged on the Boulder campus or in the local community. The application deadline is February 1.

Need-Based Grants

First Generation Grant
The First Generation Grant goes to incoming freshmen who are Colorado residents and whose parents do not have college, occupational, or technical training beyond high school. Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 and may renew for up to five years. No additional application is required, but you must submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.

FAFSA
Students are awarded a variety of federal, state, and institutional need-based grants, loans, and work-study based on the results of the FAFSA. CU-Boulder’s priority date is April 1, and our Federal Student Code is 001370.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Nearly 100 different scholarships are available at CU-Boulder. Each scholarship has different requirements, so find the one that fits you best!

Additional Funding Opportunities

Colorado Opportunity Fund: As a Colorado resident undergraduate student, you are eligible for a stipend that pays a portion of your total in-state tuition bill at CU-Boulder. The College Opportunity Fund provides a stipend for up to 145 hours of undergraduate study and is not dependent on grades or family income. And, you only have to apply once!

Timeline

Check out this list of scholarship and financial aid deadlines that you won't want to miss.