College Opportunity Fund (COF)

Colorado’s College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides a tuition stipend to eligible undergraduate students attending a Colorado participating public institution or private school.

Unlike traditional grants, the money is paid directly to your college on a per-credit-hour basis  and appears as a credit on your tuition bill.

The per-credit-hour rate is set annually by the Colorado General Assembly. For public institutions, it provides a stipend of $116 per credit hour or $58 per credit hour at participating private colleges.

For example, if you take 30 credit hours per semester in a public college, you will receive a stipend in the amount of $3,480 for the year.

COF vouchers are capped at 145 cumulative attempted semester credit hours. Students who reach this limit may request a waiver  for additional funding.

FAQ

Who is eligible for the Colorado Opportunity Fund?

1. Be 13 years of age or older
2. Be a Colorado resident and U.S. citizen or permanent resident
3. Be classified as an in-state student for tuition as determined by the college
4. Be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate student
5. Be admitted and enrolled at a Colorado public institution or a participating private institution ¹
6. Have not exceeded 145 credit hours of COF funding eligibility

How do I apply for College Opportunity Fund?

All eligible students must complete a one-time COF application  and authorize the use of funds each semester to receive the stipend toward their tuition bill.

Colorado Department of Higher Education
College Opportunity Fund
(720) 264-8553