Frequently Asked Questions

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These are some of the most common questions about the UNC Tuition Promise. If you have further questions, please contact our Financial Aid Office at ofa@unco.edu, or call 970-351-4862.

• What is the UNC Tuition Promise?

  The UNC Tuition Promise covers the costs of standard tuition and mandatory fees for all Colorado residents who qualify. To meet this promise, UNC will utilize a combination of a student's eligible financial aid. This promise is made to both new and continuing Colorado resident, undergraduate students working towards a first bachelor's degree.

• When does it begin?

  The program will take effect in fall semester 2024.

• Do students have to apply?

  Student apply for the UNC Tuition Promise through completion of the FAFSA or CASFA. Students who are admitted or enrolled and meet the eligibility criteria will receive a financial aid offer that includes a combination of federal, state, institutional, and scholarship aid.  The combination of aid will cover the costs of the student’s standard tuition and mandatory fees. 

• Who is eligible? 

  Students who meet all the following criteria are eligible: 

  • Colorado Residents, eligible MIlitary or ASSET undergraduates, working towards a first Bachelor's degree
  • Household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below $65,000 or a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 3,000 or less   
  • File the FAFSA (or CAFSA) by June 1, 2024 to be fully eligible 
  • Apply for and authorize COF (College Opportunity Fund)
  • Enrolled in 12+ 
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• What does it cover?

  The UNC Tuition Promise program will cover standard tuition and mandatory fees within your course program of study up to 16 credits. 

• What does it not cover?

  The UNC Tuition Promise program does not cover differential tuition, housing, dining/meals, textbooks and other nonstandard tuition, fees or associated costs. 

• How will students be informed if they are eligible to receive or not?

  For those who qualify, UNC’s financial aid offer will have a combination of grants and/or scholarship that when combined will cover standard tuition and mandatory fees.

• Do students need to reapply each semester? Each year? 

  Students will need to complete a FAFSA or CASFA each year in order to determine if they meet continuing eligibility requirements.

• How long can a student receive the UNC Tuition Promise?

  As long as the UNC Tuition Promise program is in place, students who meet eligibility requirements will be covered.

• Can a student receive the UNC Tuition Promise for a second bachelor’s degree?

  The UNC Tuition Promise program is for Colorado undergraduate students working on their first Bachelor’s degree.

• What is COF?

  The Colorado State Legislature provides direct funding to undergraduate, in-state students through the College Opportunity Fund (COF). Students must apply for and authorize use of the COF to ensure the full benefits of the UNC Tuition Promise. Otherwise, any remaining bill is considered non-standard and becomes the student's responsibility.

• Which fees are considered mandatory? 

  The UNC Tuition Promise covers the costs of standard tuition and mandatory fees for all Colorado residents who qualify. See the Bursar's webpage for a list of mandatory fees. Some fees, such as the New Student Fee and program-specific fees are not covered. However, other financial aid may be available to help cover additional costs.

• How does other resources or scholarships impact the UNC Tuition Promise?

  The UNC Tuition Promise utilizes a combination of federal, state, institutional grant and scholarship aid to cover the cost of standard tuition and mandatory fees. Therefore, other scholarships and resources could potentially impact what has been offered.  UNC will promise that your combination of eligible aid will always equal or exceed standard tuition and mandatory fees. 

• What aid is included for the UNC Tuition Promise? 

  All federal, state and institutional gift aid will go towards meeting the UNC Tuition Promise.

  Gift aid includes but is not limited to:

  Federal Pell Grant
  Federal SEOG Grant
  Colorado Student Grants
  UNC Founders Grant
  Institutional Admission Based Scholarships (e.g. Trustee, Presidential, Provost, Bear, Greeley Promise etc.)
  UNC Foundation Scholarships
  College or Departmental Scholarships
  UNC Talent Scholarships (e.g. Athletic Awards, Performing and Visual Art Awards)

  Eligible Promise funds may be reduced if you receive other private scholarships or funded resources."

• What aid is available for a student receiving the UNC Tuition Promise who participates in Study Abroad?

  Students who are enrolled in an eligible education abroad program will receive only the amount of funding they would be eligible for if they were enrolled at the UNC Greeley campus. Students may choose to seek out possible loans to cover additional education abroad expenses.

• Can a student receive the UNC Tuition Promise for summer courses?

  UNC Tuition Promise is only available for fall and spring semesters.

• What happens if I change my schedule or don't enroll full-time?

  UNC Tuition Promise requires full-time enrollment of 12 or more credits. Students who ultimately enroll in less then 12 credits total credits or less then 12 required Course Program of Study (CPOS) credits may not have their full financial aid pay towards their bill.