This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Colorado, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.
We currently have 122 scholarships in our database tagged for Colorado. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.
Across our Top 22 Colorado Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $162,200. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.
Colorado students should start by understanding the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF), which provides a per-credit stipend for residents attending eligible public colleges—and automatically reduces tuition. Need-based state aid is available through the Colorado Student Grant, which fills gaps after federal aid is awarded. Students pursuing teaching, healthcare, or high-demand technical fields can qualify for dedicated workforce grants that significantly reduce total cost. Many Colorado community colleges participate in local promise programs that cover remaining tuition after aid. Public universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State add competitive merit-based institutional scholarships. For best results, Colorado students should claim the COF stipend early, file the FAFSA ASAP, and apply to both 4-year and 2-year options to maximize stacking opportunities.
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The Highline Future Teachers Kelly Linderman Scholarship was established to create opportunities for outstanding graduates of Highline Academy who plan to pursue a career in teaching and/or education broadly. The scholarship honors Kelly Linderman, whose passion for education impacted many
Award: $5,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
The Helen M. McLoraine Foster Care and Emancipated Youth Scholarship provides financial support to individuals who have been in the Colorado foster care system and are pursuing post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must have been in the foster care system in
Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
The Helen M. McLoraine Opportunity Scholarship provides educational support to individuals who have faced extraordinary or challenging circumstances, have actively taken steps to improve their lives, and are committed to advancing their education. This program is open to current and
Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
The Helen M. McLoraine Nonprofit Employee Scholarship supports employees of Denver-area nonprofit organizations who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate coursework in human services. Applicants do not need to be pursuing a degree and can attend school part-time or full-time. Eligibility
Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
The Francis H. Mahon Scholarship was established to support low-income students with unmet financial needs who are pursuing full-time college degrees. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors from one of the following schools: Arrupe Jesuit, Bishop Machebeuf Catholic,
Award: $7,500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
The Excelsior Scholarship Fund was established to bridge the financial gap for academically excelling students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligible applicants must be residents of Colorado with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Applicants should plan to enroll in an
Award: $5,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
The Columbine Memorial Scholarship for teachers supports engaged Jefferson County School District teachers who have made a positive impact in their school and/or larger community. Eligible applicants must be currently working as a teacher or school professional at a public
Award: $1,500 Deadline: February Est. Time: Low (~23 min)
The Columbine Memorial Scholarship supports engaged students from the Jefferson County School District who have made a positive impact in their school and/or larger community. Eligible applicants must be graduating from a public high school in the Jefferson County School
Award: $2,200 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
The Brayman-Beach Scholarship honors Susan J. Brayman and Carroll D. Beach, visionary leaders in the credit union movement. This scholarship invests in Colorado youth and the future of the credit union industry. It is awarded annually to applicants seeking a
Award: $5,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
The Asian American Leaders in Mental Health Scholarship supports Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students pursuing careers in clinical mental health practice. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens of Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian Multiracial ethnicity, as defined by the
Award: $500 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~48 min)
The Ambassador Scholarship provides undergraduate scholarships to participants of the Ambassador Leadership and Scholarship Program. Eligible applicants must be planning to attend an accredited public two-year or four-year Colorado college or university full-time for the upcoming academic year. Applicants must
Award: $1,500 Deadline: January Est. Time: Med (~38 min)
The Alexander Brown Memorial Scholarship is designed to support solid organ transplant recipients who aspire to further their education. Eligible applicants include high school seniors planning to attend, or students currently enrolled in, accredited technical, 2-year, or 4-year institutions. The
Award: $1,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~78 min)This comprehensive collection of Colorado scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Colorado scholarship opportunities.
Colorado offers several highly competitive full-ride scholarships that cover the full cost of attending college, including tuition, books, fees, and in many cases housing and living expenses. These awards are designed to support exceptional students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and strong character. Full-ride programs in Colorado typically require a rigorous application process, including essays, recommendation letters, interviews, and evidence of sustained engagement in academics or community service. Students who win these scholarships often emerge as leaders in their schools and communities, with a strong commitment to service and personal growth. For motivated high school seniors, these full-ride awards can eliminate financial barriers and create life-changing opportunities at Colorado’s top public and private universities.
Top full-ride scholarships in Colorado include:
Tip: These programs are highly competitive, so prepare early with strong essays, recommendation letters, and community involvement.
Undergraduate students in Colorado can access a wide variety of scholarships funded by state programs, local organizations, and individual colleges. These awards range from small one-time stipends to multi-year renewable scholarships. Many Colorado universities automatically consider students for merit-based awards when they submit their admissions applications, while others require separate forms or supplemental essays. Students should explore both statewide initiatives and institution-specific opportunities to create a balanced financial aid plan. Need-based scholarships help low-income students bridge financial gaps, while merit-based awards reward academic achievement and outstanding potential.
Examples of Colorado undergraduate scholarships:
Tip: Check your school’s financial aid or scholarship portal, as many awards are automatically considered upon admission, while others require separate applications.
Colorado high school students can apply for numerous scholarships designed to support college readiness, academic success, and community engagement. Many of these scholarships are funded by statewide organizations, local nonprofits, or foundations that want to help students transition from high school to college with reduced financial burden. Some awards target students based on academic excellence, while others focus on unique personal circumstances, financial need, or involvement in extracurricular activities. High school students who start exploring scholarship opportunities early can build a strong application profile and increase their chances of securing funding.
Examples of scholarships for Colorado high school students:
Tip: Use local resources like your high school counselor and community foundations to find lesser-known scholarships with smaller applicant pools.
The Colorado Student Grant is a vital need-based financial aid program funded by the state to help low-income students afford college. Designed to bridge the financial gap between the cost of attendance and what a family can contribute, the grant supports Colorado residents attending eligible in-state colleges, including both public and private institutions. Award amounts vary based on financial need, institutional policies, and available state funding. For many students, the Colorado Student Grant forms the foundation of their financial aid package and can be combined with federal grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
Eligibility: Must be a Colorado resident, complete the FAFSA or CASFA, and demonstrate financial need.
The Green and Gold Scholarship is one of Colorado State University’s most well-known merit-based awards, designed to attract high-achieving Colorado residents. The scholarship provides up to $10,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years, making it a major financial resource for academically strong students. Recipients often display a strong combination of GPA, leadership involvement, and extracurricular accomplishments. The scholarship is automatically considered during the admissions process—no additional application is required—making it accessible to students who apply early and maintain strong academic records throughout high school.
Eligibility: Must be an incoming freshman. No separate application is required—students are automatically considered upon admission.
The Colorado Council Scholarship is awarded to exceptional graduating seniors who plan to attend college in Colorado. It supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in school or community activities. This scholarship is especially well-known among students who participate in Colorado Council College Fairs, which provide resources and information about colleges throughout the state. The award of $1,500 can help students cover books, supplies, or tuition costs during their first year of college.
Eligibility: Students must attend a Colorado Council college fair and submit an application. Selection is based on essays, GPA, and leadership.
The Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is one of the largest and most impactful financial aid organizations in Colorado. Its mission is to make higher education accessible for all graduates of Denver Public Schools, particularly those from underserved or low-income backgrounds. DSF provides renewable scholarships that cover a portion of tuition and fees at partner colleges and technical schools in Colorado. Beyond financial support, DSF also offers comprehensive college access services—such as FAFSA assistance, mentoring, and academic advising—to help students navigate the transition to higher education and persist through graduation.
Eligibility: Must graduate from a DPS high school and attend a DSF-partner college or technical school in Colorado.
The Pinnacol Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to students whose parents have been seriously injured or killed in a work-related accident. The program supports students facing unique financial challenges, helping them continue their education despite life-changing circumstances. Awards may reach up to $4,700 per year and can be used at any accredited college, university, or vocational program in the U.S. Because the scholarship is renewable, students can receive support for multiple years as long as they maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility: Must be a dependent of a worker who was injured or killed while working for a Colorado-based employer and be attending a college, university, or vocational school in the U.S.
The Boettcher Scholarship is widely regarded as Colorado’s most prestigious academic award. It provides a full-ride to any accredited four-year university or college in Colorado and includes tuition, fees, books, and a generous living stipend. The scholarship recognizes exceptionally high-achieving students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership ability, character, and a commitment to community service. Each year, only 50 students statewide are selected from a highly competitive applicant pool. Boettcher Scholars often go on to become leaders in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, education, and public service.
Eligibility: Must be a Colorado high school senior with exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Application opens in September and closes in November.
The Daniels Fund Scholarship is a life-changing full-ride scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The program honors students who exhibit strong moral character, leadership ability, and a determined work ethic—qualities valued by the foundation’s namesake, Bill Daniels. Recipients receive comprehensive funding that covers tuition, room and board, books, equipment, and other college expenses at any accredited college or university in the United States. In addition to financial support, scholars gain access to mentoring, leadership development opportunities, and a lifelong professional network.
Eligibility: High school seniors from eligible states with demonstrated need and strong moral character. Application typically opens in September and closes in October.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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