Financial Benefits of Becoming a Colorado Resident (Targeted Message)

Dear [first],

You have been approved for in-state tuition as an honorably discharged veteran.  We’re reaching out with information about the potential financial benefits of also becoming a Colorado resident for tuition purposes.

Financial Benefits of Becoming a Resident

As an honorably discharged veteran, you’ll be assessed the in-state tuition rate through a military residency exception while attending CU Boulder.

However, if you are 22 years old or older, married or a graduate student, you can begin taking steps now to become eligible for in-state tuition as a full Colorado resident. Colorado undergraduates are considered for state and CU Boulder grants, which could increase your financial aid offer next year.

Pursuing Colorado resident classification is optional and will not affect your eligibility for the in-state tuition rate under the veteran exception.

Your Next Steps to Petition for a Residency Change

Step 1: Submit Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you do intend to become a Colorado resident and want to be considered for additional financial aid, submit your2027–28 FAFSA and any requested documentation. The FAFSA will be available October 1 for the upcoming school year. Learn more about applying for aid.

Step 2: Take Action to Establish Colorado Domicile

Your 12-month physical presence period began when you moved to Colorado. To prove demonstrate your intent to make Colorado your one, true, fixed and permanent home, you must:

• ObtainGet a Colorado driver’s license or ID card within 120 days of moving to the state.
• Register your vehicle, (if you have one,) in Colorado within 180 days of moving to the state to avoid penalties.
• Establish additional Colorado ties. Visit our adult residency page and watch the adult residency video to learnreview the full requirements.

Step 3: Submit a Residency Petition

Use our residency calendars to determine the first semester for which you'd qualify for in-state residency. 

Once petitions open for that term, submit your residency petition with all required documentation to the Office of the Registrar by the posted deadline.

Office of the Registrar | University of Colorado Boulder
303-492-6970 (option 3) | tuitclass@colorado.edu