The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) offers a variety of scholarships to support both resident and nonresident students in financing their education. Understanding the available scholarships, their amounts, eligibility criteria, and the university’s acceptance rate can help prospective students navigate the application process more effectively.
Scholarship Amounts and Types
CU Boulder provides several scholarships, each with distinct eligibility requirements and award amounts. Below are some notable scholarships:
1. Presidential Scholarship
- Eligibility: Incoming nonresident first-year students who submit a completed admission application by January 15.
- Award Amount: $15,000 per year for the first and second years, and $12,500 per year for the third and fourth years, totaling $55,000 over four years.
2. CU Boulder Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship
- Eligibility: Nonresident students demonstrating high academic achievement.
- Award Amount: Varies; specific amounts are determined based on the applicant’s academic credentials.
3. Regent Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-year students graduating from Colorado high schools.
- Award Amount: One $1,000 scholarship is offered each year per Colorado high school based on high academic achievement as measured by GPA, rank in class, and level of coursework.
4. Arts & Humanities Merit Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-year students admitted with a declared Arts & Humanities major.
- Award Amount: Varies; determined based on academic credentials and portfolio reviews.
It’s important to note that while CU Boulder offers scholarships ranging from $350 to $15,000 per year, the majority range from $1,500 to $2,500 annually. Most scholarships are not ‘full-ride’; however, students can receive multiple scholarships and grants from different sources to help meet educational costs.
Acceptance Rate
CU Boulder has a moderately selective admissions process. According to recent data, the university has an acceptance rate of 81%, with an early acceptance rate of 89.3%. This indicates that a significant majority of applicants are admitted, though the university maintains standards to ensure incoming students are well-prepared for academic success.
Application Process for Scholarships
Prospective students should follow these steps to maximize their scholarship opportunities:
1. Apply for Admission
The first step is to submit a complete application for admission to CU Boulder. The scholarship application is optional and separate from the admission process.
2. Access the CU Boulder Scholarship Application
After applying for admission, access the scholarship application through the Admissions Application Status page. Select “Apply for Scholarships” (available 3-5 days after applying for admission).
3. Complete and Submit the General Application
Fill out and submit the general scholarship application. This application allows students to apply for multiple CU Boulder scholarships with one general application and gain access to additional scholarship opportunities. The application opens November 1.
4. Review Recommended Opportunities
After submitting the general application, review recommended scholarship opportunities that may require additional information, such as essays or letters of recommendation.
5. Submit the FAFSA or CASFA
While not required for merit-based scholarships, submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is encouraged to be eligible for as much financial aid and scholarships as possible.
Maintaining and Renewing Scholarships
Scholarship recipients must meet certain requirements to maintain and renew their awards. These typically include maintaining a minimum GPA, enrolling in a specific number of credit hours, and making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there scholarships that waive out-of-state tuition for nonresident students?
CU Boulder offers scholarships to nonresident students based on factors like academic performance, test scores, and financial need. However, there is no scholarship that permits a nonresident student to be charged resident tuition. Additionally, CU Boulder does not participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
2. Does CU Boulder offer full-ride scholarships?
While CU Boulder offers scholarships ranging from $350 to $15,000 per year, most are not full-ride. However, students can receive multiple scholarships and grants from different sources to help meet educational costs.
3. How do I apply for scholarships as a transfer student?
Transfer students should apply for admission and then access the scholarship application through the Admissions Application Status page. The general scholarship application should be completed and submitted by June 15.
4. When does the CU Boulder Scholarship Application open?
The CU Boulder Scholarship Application opens on November 1 each year. Most scholarship applications are due between February 15 and March 15.
5. Is the FAFSA required for merit-based scholarships?
No, the FAFSA or CASFA is not required for merit-based scholarships, as they do not take financial need into consideration. However, submitting a FAFSA or CASFA.