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CU Promise FAQs

What is the CU Promise Program?

Beginning fall 2005, CU-Boulder will guarantee a financial aid package that includes a combination of grants and a work-study award sufficient to fund the student share of tuition, fees, and estimated book expenses (as defined by Colorado Commission on Higher Education) for eligible students.

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What does "student share of tuition" mean?

An act of the Colorado State Legislature in May 2004 established a new way for the State to provide state tax dollar support for higher education at the undergraduate level. The state is no longer appropriating monies to institutions for undergraduate education, but is providing direct funding to undergraduate students through the "College Opportunity Fund" or "COF." Undergraduate, in-state students must apply for and authorize use of the COF, which will then be applied to the student's university bill. The remaining portion of tuition is referred to as the "student's share" of tuition. For more information about tuition & fees and COF visit http://bursar.colorado.edu/.

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How do I apply for the CU Promise Program?

The university will evaluate the eligibility of all entering students who may qualify based on their completed financial aid application. Students must apply for financial aid each year to continue in the program.

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What are the eligibility requirements?

Learn how new students qualify for the CU Promise Program and how to maintain eligibility as a continuing student.  Eligibility Requirements.

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What are the family income requirements?

Eligibility for the CU Promise Program is based upon the family income of the student as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The family income level must be at or below the federal poverty guidelines.

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How long can a student participate in the CU Promise Program?

A student may remain in the program for up to 10 semesters (excluding summer terms, which will not be funded) or completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.

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If a CU Promise student loses eligibility after the first year, can the eligibility be regained?

Students who are eligible for the CU Promise Program during their first year of enrollment at CU–Boulder, who become ineligible in a subsequent academic year (e.g. student fails to meet satisfactory academic progress), may appeal to the Office of Financial Aid for reconsideration.

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How are a student's CU Promise awards affected by other resources or scholarships?

In accordance with federal and state requirements, CU's Promise awards will not exceed the student’s financial need. Financial need is determined by taking the student’s cost of attendance as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and subtracting the expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by the financial aid application form, and any other resources.

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Can a student who is not eligible based on total family income, become eligible through the financial aid Professional Judgment process?

Eligibility for the CU Promise Program is based on the actual total family income as reported on the federal income tax return. Adjustments to income through the financial aid Professional Judgment process will not affect Promise eligibility.

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What aid is available for a CU Promise student who goes on Study Abroad?

Students who are enrolled in an eligible study abroad program will receive only the amount of funding they would be eligible for if they were enrolled on the Boulder campus. However, a student may choose to accept a loan to cover additional study abroad expenses.

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Will awards be adjusted for students who transfer between CU-Boulder colleges or schools during the academic year?

Awards for students who transfer between CU-Boulder schools or colleges will not be adjusted during the course of the academic year unless there is a change in financial need that requires a decrease in the award.

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What happens if a student transfers from one CU campus to another?

The CU Promise program is a CU system program available at all campuses. As long as a student continues to meet the eligibility requirements of the program, the guarantee will be available at any CU campus.

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What happens if a student is unable to or chooses not to earn the work-study award?

The work component is an essential part of this guarantee. A student may choose to accept a loan (if eligible) to replace the work component or cover other expenses in the cost of attendance (e.g. room and board, transportation, medical, personal). However, additional grant aid will not be awarded to replace work-study funds.

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How is participation affected for a student who returns to CU-Boulder after a withdrawal?

As long as this program is in existence, a student who withdraws from the university will be eligible for continued awarding upon his/her return in a subsequent semester. Participation will continue in accordance with the rules at the time the student initially entered the program. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls during the same academic year may be re-awarded as funds allow.

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