In the state of Colorado, a law called Colorado ASSET allows college-bound undocumented students pay in-state tuition.

With Colorado ASSET you also qualify for College Opportunity Fund, which provides you a mini "stipend" to attend college if you graduated from a Colorado high school and are now attending a college in Colorado.

COF takes off $94 per credit hour off of your tuition for Public Colleges and $47 per credit hour for Private Colleges.

An ASSET form must be completed for all public universities in the state of Colorado.

See the website below for further information on Colorado ASSET.

http://www.ciccoloradoasset.org/

It’s strongly advised that you begin to speak with your college advisor or counselor on your post secondary planning early. See the steps below that will help you in your planning.

College Planning for Undocumented Students

Speak to Someone You Trust.

• Share your story with your college advisor and/or counselor. Let them know your post-secondary plans and career goals. Know that we keep all information confidential, and that we will do our best to guide you towards options that best suit you.

Research Colleges.

• Look into colleges that provide financial opportunities to attend. Some schools have institutional grants and scholarships that are open to all students, regardless of citizenship status. Researching schools that are a good college fit is important. However, equally important is researching schools that give institutional grants and scholarships to undocumented students.
  • Some institutions in the state of Colorado that provide generous institutional aid include: Colorado State University Fort Collins, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Community College of Denver, University of Colorado at Boulder and University of Northern Colorado.

Research Scholarships.

• The earlier you research scholarships, the better. There are some scholarships that don’t have legal status, as a requirement. See the links below for scholarships that are available to undocumented students, as well as financial aid policies with certain universities.
  • https://www.ktda.co/scholarships
  • https://getmetocollege.org/financial-aid/info-for-undocumented-students/school-policies-towards-undocumented-students
  • https://www.thedream.us/

Talk to Parents/Guardians About Family Contribution.

• Sit down with your parents and let them know of your academic and career goals.
• If possible, make a long term plan of how much money you hope to save upon high school graduation.
• Even if you are saving a little bit at a time, a little can go a long way.

Consider Taking Concurrent Enrollment Courses at Your High School.

• Most high schools provide students with the opportunity to take classes at a community college or technical college. T
• Take advantage of the opportunity as classes are paid for by the district.
• You would be able to lower the cost of your college career by taking and passing concurrent enrollment courses.
• Some students begin taking concurrent enrollment courses during their sophomore year in high school, and continue to take courses until their Senior year in high school.
• This sets those students to be on track to graduate high school with their associate’s degree!
• In addition to the many benefits of concurrent enrollment, it allows you to have the opportunity to qualify for the ASCENT Program. The ASCENT Program details are found in the Senior Survival Guide.
• Concurrent enrollment programs help you prepare for college and assist financially.

Complete Forms.

• Forms such as Colorado ASSET, institutional FAFSA etc., must be completed at the moment it is requested.
• Funding for students is at a first come, first serve basis, so it is important that you complete documents promptly.
• Follow up once the documents are submitted to ensure the requirement is successfully fulfilled.

Complete Institutional Financial Aid Form

• Some schools have institutional money to award undocumented students.
• Instead of completing the FAFSA, you would complete an institutional financial aid form. The institutional financial aid form asks for information and documents similar to the FAFSA. Check with the financial aid offices at your prospective schools to see if they have institutional financial aid, and how you would qualify for it.
• Make sure that you submit documents before the priority deadline.

Meet with an Advisor at Your Top 3 Schools About Their Support for Undocumented Students.

• It is important to know that a school has your program of interest and financial opportunities to attend. However, just as important is the support a school has for you to succeed while you are at the institution.
• Some schools have support programs for undocumented students, either led by the school themselves or student let. Getting involved with students who are in your situation can help during times of need, and can remind you that you are not alone on this journey. You do have a support group.