COF

The College Opportunity Fund (COF), created by the Colorado Legislature, provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students. The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a participating college. 

If you attend a participating public college: 

• Undergraduate students enrolled at public colleges are eligible if they are classified as in-state students for tuition purposes. This is determined by the college. 

If you attend a participating private college: 

• Undergraduate students enrolled at participating private colleges may be eligible if the college is approved for the program by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and the student: 

  • Is classified as an in-state student for tuition purposes; 

  • Is a graduate of a Colorado high school or has successfully completed a non-public home-based educational program in Colorado; 

  • Demonstrates financial need through the student's eligibility for the federal Pell Grant, or its successor program; 

  • Is not pursuing a professional degree in theology; and 

  • Meets any other eligibility requirements established by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE). 

Undergraduate students must apply, be admitted and enroll in classes at a participating college to receive this benefit. Both new and continuing students are eligible for the stipend. 

The stipend is paid on a per credit hour basis directly to the college at which the student is enrolled. The credit-hour amount is set annually by the General Assembly. 

Eligible students can apply here: https://cof.college-assist.org/Apply

You apply for the stipend by completing the online Stipend Application. When you complete the stipend application, your account will be created. The college you attend will access this account information when it requests payment on your behalf. 

Unlike CASFA and FAFSA, you do not have to apply for COF every year. 

Information on this page is provided by the Colorado Departments of Education (CDE) and Higher Education (CDHE)