The University of Colorado Boulder promises to offer enough grants to pay for the student share of tuition and mandatory fees, and a work-study amount to help pay other educational expenses.

Amount

The CU Promise will include a combination of grants, which in total will be enough to pay for the student share of tuition and mandatory fees. Grants included in the CU Promise are: the Federal Pell Grant, Colorado Student Grant and other CU grants.

How to Apply

There are two steps to apply and one important deadline:

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (or ASSET financial aid application) by mid-February to ensure you are considered for all types of financial aid. Some funds are limited and provided first-completed, first-served.
  2. Based on your FAFSA, we may ask for additional information about income and assets to determine eligibility for CU Promise. These forms or documents must be submitted to our office by the deadline for each semester (listed below) to be considered for the CU Promise.

Deadlines

  • To receive the CU Promise in Fall, all documents are due August 1 prior to the semester. 
  • To receive the CU Promise in Spring, all documents are due December 1 prior to the semester.

If your financial situation changes as a result of your aid application or the additional information we request, you may lose eligibility.

Eligibility

  • Colorado resident
  • U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Federal Pell Grant eligible (or eligible ASSET student with high financial need)
  • Demonstrated financial need (determined through FAFSA/ASSET Financial Aid Application & additional information requested by our office)
  • Undergraduate working on first bachelor's degree
  • Enrolled full time (12 hours per semester) on the Boulder campus

More Details

All CU Promise students must meet the following renewal requirements every year:

If you don't meet the renewal requirements due to a special circumstance (such as death of a relative, an injury or illness, etc.), you may contact the Office of Financial Aid to appeal.

Students may receive the CU Promise for up to 10 semesters, or until they complete their degree, whichever comes first.

Contact us if you believe you meet the eligibility criteria and did not receive the CU Promise.

Read the CU Promise FAQs for additional information.