Q:

What is the College Opportunity Fund?

A:

The College Opportunity Fund provides state-tax dollars to students to support undergraduate education at public and participating private colleges and universities in Colorado.  It is designed to bring awareness to elementary, middle and high school students and parents that state tax dollars are available to offset the costs of undergraduate education.

Q:

Who is eligible to participate?

A:

Students who are classified as in-state residents and taking undergraduate classes at public and participating private colleges and universities in Colorado are eligible to participate in the College Opportunity Fund.  Age and income are not eligibility factors.

Q:

When can I begin using my College Opportunity Fund stipend?

A:

Students can begin applying the stipend toward their tuition in Fall 2005.

Q:

Can I use my stipend at any public college or university in Colorado?

A:

Students are eligible to use their stipends at any public or participating private college or university in Colorado.

A stipend may be used at most public institutions in Colorado and at private institutions where participation is authorized by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.  However, the local district colleges (Aims Community College and Colorado Mountain College) and the area vocational schools (San Juan, Emily Griffith and Delta-Montrose) are funded differently by local taxes and state appropriations.  The stipends will not be disbursed on behalf of students attending those institutions.  Additionally, off-campus, extended campus, or continuing education classes that are not supported by state funding will not be eligible for stipends.

Q:

Can I qualify for a stipend if I attend any private college or university?

A:

Pell-eligible students at participating private institutions can qualify for a reduced stipend.  Check back for updates after January 1, 2005, to see what in-state private institutions are participating in the College Opportunity Fund.

Q:

Can I use my stipend if I attend an out-of-state college?

A:

No.  In order for a student to participate in the College Opportunity Fund, he or she must be enrolled at an in-state institution.

Q:

If I'm already a student, will I be able to receive a stipend?

A:

If you are already enrolled in an undergraduate program, you will be eligible to begin applying the stipend toward your tuition in Fall 2005.

Q:

Is the stipend retroactive?

A:

No.  Students who are enrolled in an undergraduate program before Fall 2005 will not be eligible under the College Opportunity Fund to be reimbursed for previous tuition payments.

Q:

How much is the stipend worth?

A:

The stipend is estimated to be worth $2,400 for students enrolled at a public institution and at $1,200 for Pell-eligible students who are enrolled at any participating private institution.

Q:

Can the amount of the stipend change?

A:

Yes.  The Colorado General Assembly sets the stipend during its budgeting process each spring.  At this time, the General Assembly has the discretion to increase or decrease the amount of the stipend.

Q:

How do I apply to participate in the College Opportunity Fund?

A:

Click here to sign up for the College Opportunity Fund.
 

Q:

Will the stipend cover the total amount of in-state tuition?

A:

No.  The stipend is designed to increase public awareness that the state helps offset the costs of undergraduate education at public and participating colleges and universities.  With the stipend estimated to be worth $2,400 at public institutions, the cost for undergraduate education will not decrease from today's current rates.

Students remain responsible for paying the full cost of tuition and fees, which may continue to be covered through loans, grants, work-study, or personal income.