FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is the Fund?
A. The College Opportunity Fund is a new way for Colorado to provide state financial support to eligible undergraduate students for higher education. It was created by an Act of the Colorado State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Owens in May 2004.
Q. What does it mean?
A. In the past, the state gave money directly to the colleges. Now, if you authorize use of the stipend for any given term, the college you are attending will receive the funding, and you will see it appear as a credit on your tuition bill.
Q. What if you don’t apply?
A. Then, you’ll actually pay your entire tuition bill. The state has put aside this money for you. If you don’t use it, you will pay more tuition than students who take advantage of the stipend.
Q. Who is eligible?
A. Undergraduate students who are eligible for in-state tuition, and who apply, are admitted, and enrolled at a state or participating private institution of higher education beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year. *
Q. How much is the stipend?
A. It will vary. The amount will be determined each year by the Colorado Legislature. Currently it is estimated to be approximately $2,400 per year for full-time students at public institutions.*
Q. How do I apply?
A. You can apply for your stipend online at https://cof.college-access.net/cof. You only have to apply once, and you will receive the stipend every term that you take eligible undergraduate courses, and have not met your 145 credit life time limit. *Calculated at $80 per semester credit hour. Students at private colleges must be Pell-eligible. Funding for private colleges varies.
*Calculated at $80 per semester credit hour. Students at private colleges must be Pell-eligible. Funding for private colleges varies.
APPLY NOW for your stipend at https://cof.college-access.net/cof or call 800-777-2757, EVEN IF YOU DECIDE LATER NOT TO ATTEND A COLORADO COLLEGE.
PARTICIPATING COLLEGES
Adams State College
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University System
Fort Lewis College
Mesa State College
Metropolitan State College of Denver
University of Colorado System
University of Northern Colorado
Western State College
Community Colleges
Arapahoe Community College
Colorado Northwestern
Community College
Community College of Aurora
Community College of Denver
Front Range Community College
Lamar Community College
Morgan Community College
Northeastern Junior College
Otero Junior College
Pikes Peak Community College
Pueblo Community College
Red Rocks Community College
Trinidad State Junior College
For a list of participating private institutions, please visit www.collegeincolorado.org or call 800-777-2757