Scholarships & Financial Aid

Adjustments to aid

The combination of all financial aid including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study cannot exceed your total cost of attendance. 

If you receive a scholarship, it may impact your other financial aid. CU Boulder will use private scholarships to replace loans and/or work-study before adjusting any university grants or scholarships. 

We'll notify you if we make any changes to your financial aid. 

Taxable scholarships

Scholarship, fellowships and grants may be subject to federal income tax if they:

  • Exceed the cost of attendance
  • Are designated for:
    • Housing and food
    • Transportation
    • Personal expenses

If your award(s) are taxable, make sure you keep receipts & copies of university bills. 

   Questions about taxable scholarships

Questions about scholarship taxes should be directed to the IRS.

You can also review  IRS Publication 970 for details about education-related tax benefits.