Our University
Commitment to Colorado
June 17, 2010
A groundbreaking new program at Colorado State will help assure that qualified middle- and lower- income Colorado students can afford an education at one of the nation's top research universities. University administrators were joined by Gov. Bill Ritter to unveil the Colorado State University Commitment to Colorado at the Capitol this morning.
Program Begins Fall 2011
As part of CSU’s Commitment to Colorado, beginning in fall 2011, state resident students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree whose families make $57,000 or less - the median family income in Colorado - will pay only half the standard tuition rate. Using current tuition numbers, this would be annual savings of more than $2,600, the equivalent of getting one semester’s tuition free each academic year. Students from lower-income families who are eligible for Pell grants will not pay any tuition or fees to attend CSU, saving roughly $6,500 annually.
Access to High-quality, Affordable Higher Education
Background information
Dr. Tony Frank, President
Colorado State University
Press conference
June 17,2010
Colorado State Capitol
"Access to a high-quality, affordable higher education is one of the hallmarks of the American Dream. It was the key to my success. It is the key to Colorado’s future, and we need to use that key to keep the doors of opportunity wide open to all Coloradans," Ritter said. "I applaud Colorado State University for taking a big step in ensuring that higher education is affordable and accessible in Colorado."
While several schools around the country have offered this type of program to low-income students, CSU is the first in the state and one of only a few universities across the country to make such a commitment to middle-income families.
"With this commitment, we’re making it clear to Colorado students and their families that a world-class university education is an attainable option for all our children, no matter what their family’s income level," said Tony Frank, president of Colorado State. "We’re making this commitment, in part, as an investment in Colorado, as our state’s economic future depends largely on the kinds of education CSU provides as the campus that graduates more students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics than any other campus in the state. If Colorado is to succeed, broader access to higher education must be an option."
- Full story in Today @ Colorado State
- Resources for mediaare available with the press release on news.colostate.edu
Eligibility and More Information
Detailed information is available at sfs.colostate.edu. Students and families who can also call CSU's financial aid office at (970) 491-6321 and speak to a counselor, who can offer more information and personalized guidance.
Support the Program
You can support this vital program by making a gift now.
