State Tuition Waiver
Welcome to the Colorado State Tuition Waiver web page. Here you will find information on the State Tuition Waiver that replaces the State Tuition Assistance program begining July 1, 2025.
Important Announcement
Open Office Hours will be available during July. These sessions are intended to ensure all service members have access to accurate information about the program and the opportunity to get their questions answered.
Below is the schedule for the upcoming Open Office Hours and Tuition Waiver sessions to be held over Microsoft Teams.
July Open Office Hours:
Join the Tuesday July 8 at 9:00 AM Session
Join the Wednesday July 9 at 11:00 AM Session
Colorado National Guard Tuition Waiver
Applications for the Colorado National Guard Tuition Waiver are open from July 1, 2025 until July 31, 2025. Applications for the Fall 2025 Semester will not be accepted after July 31, 2025.
Overview
Effective July 1, 2025, the Colorado Tuition Waiver Program will replace the current State Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. Previously, the State TA Program offered up to $5,000 per semester in tuition assistance. Despite this benefit, usage remained relatively low—only 207 out of more than 5,000 eligible CONG members participated during the Fall 2024 semester.
The new program will cover 100% of tuition cost for eligible members of the Colorado National Guard (CONG). While the Colorado Tuition Waiver covers 100% of tuition, it does not include mandatory fees, textbooks, or other related educational expenses. To help offset these remaining costs, service members are encouraged to explore and utilize Colorado State Grants and Financial Aid, Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), and/or their GI Bill benefits.
Credit Hour Limits under the Tuition Waiver Program:
- 2-Year Institutions: Up to 65 credit hours
- 4-Year Institutions: Up to 130 credit hours
- Combination of 2-Year and 4-Year Institutions: Maximum of 145 credit hours
In addition, each service member is eligible to complete one postgraduate degree with DMVA approval:
- Master’s Degree: Up to 60 credit hours
- Doctoral Degree: Up to 90 credit hours
- Professional Degree: Up to 150 credit hours
These postgraduate credit limits are in addition to the maximum allowable credit hours for associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
The Tuition Waiver also covers full tuition for one Certificate of Completion per service member. Any request for an additional certificate waiver requires formal approval from the DMVA Tuition Waiver Manager.
In accordance with Senate Bill 25-247, the program includes student enrollment and tuition expenditure caps per fiscal year, which will be monitored and administered by the DMVA Tuition Waiver Manager.
Eligibility Criteria – Colorado State Tuition Waiver Program
- All Colorado National Guard (CONG) service members are eligible to apply for the State Tuition Waiver Program.
- Applicants must be active members of the Colorado Army or Air National Guard and in good standing with their unit and command.
- Completion of Basic Training is required (if applicable to the service member’s military occupational path).
- Members transferring from other states or service components are eligible to use the Tuition Waiver immediately, no waiting period is required, provided Basic Training has been completed.
- ROTC Scholarship Recipients:
- Those who elected the “room and board” option in their ROTC contract are eligible for the State Tuition Waiver.
- Those who selected the “tuition and fees” option in their ROTC contract are not eligible for the State Tuition Waiver.
- The applicant’s Expiration Term of Service (ETS) must not occur during the semester or quarter in which the Tuition Waiver is being used.
- Members anticipating separation must submit documentation confirming reenlistment to remain eligible.
- Applicants must be admitted to a Designated Institution of Higher Education (DIHE) in the State of Colorado.
- Annual submission of a FAFSA or CASFA is required.
- Applicants are not required to qualify for aid—only submission is mandatory.
- FAFSA and CASFA may not be submitted together.
- Service members eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) are strongly encouraged to apply for and use FTA before utilizing the State Tuition Waiver.
- Use of GI Bill benefits is not required to be eligible for the Tuition Waiver.
- Applicants must complete all registered courses and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by their institution.
- There is no additional service obligation required for any Colorado National Guard member—regardless of rank—who participates in the State Tuition Waiver Program.
Maximizing Your Benefits
Service members are encouraged to:
- Speak with their unit’s education officer or benefits advisor to determine eligibility and coordination of benefits.
- Apply early for FTA, GI Bill, and other aid to avoid delays in funding.
Required FAFSA or CASFA Application
In accordance with Senate Bill 25-247, all service members applying for the Colorado State Tuition Waiver Program must complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) each fiscal year prior to submitting their Tuition Waiver application to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).
Designated Institutions of Higher Educations
Approved designated institutions include:
- Adams State University
- Aims Community College
- Arapahoe Community College
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado Mountain College
- Colorado Northwestern Community College
- Colorado School of Mines
- Colorado State University at Ft. Collins & Online Plus
- Colorado State University
- Colorado State University Global
- Colorado State University at Pueblo
- Community College of Aurora
- Community College of Denver
- CU Anschutz
- Emily Griffith Technical College
- Fort Lewis College
- Front Range Community College
- Lamar Community College
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Morgan Community College
- Northeastern Junior College
- Otero Junior College
- Pickens Technical College
- Pikes Peak State College
- Pueblo Community College
- Red Rocks Community College
- Technical College of the Rockies
- Trinidad State Junior College
- University of Colorado at Boulder
- University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado at Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- Western Colorado University
For Schools
Additional Resources
- Read the Full Communication Plan
- Tuition Waiver Flyer
- Army Tuition Assistance
- GI Bill Information
- CSU Global State TA Application Periods and Semester Deadlines
- CSU Global Academic Calendars and Important Dates Video
- CSU Global Academic Calendars
Federal Tuition Assistance
The State TA office does not handle Federal Tuition Assistance benefits. If you have question about Federal Tuition Assistance please contact:
CO Army National Guard Education Office
2LT Lindsey Lopez
Email: ng.co.coarng.mbx.g1-per-es@army.mil
720-250-1325
Buckley SFB Training Assistant
Mrs. Cody S. Maki, Civ
140 Force Support Squadron
Base Education & Training Office
Buckley Space Force Base, CO 80011
DSN: 847-9589
Commercial: 720-847-9589
cody.maki.2@us.af.mil
Base Training Assistant & 140th Wing Formal Schools Manager
MSgt Jennifer K. Wilger
720-847-9419
18860 E. Breckenridge Ave.
Bldg 801, Room N260
Buckley SFB, CO 80011