The 2024 Colorado state legislative session concluded on May 8, passing several bills to make college more affordable.
Financial Aid for Students Experiencing Homelessness
House Bill 24-1403: Starting in the 2024-25 academic year, public institutions of higher education in Colorado will provide financial assistance to eligible resident students between the ages of 17 and 26 who experienced homelessness in the state at any point during high school.
What we know so far
The bill covers the remaining balance of tuition and fees, after other scholarships and grants, for up to the first 132 semester credit hours for students identified under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Based on our current understanding of the legislation, a student’s eligibility for HB24-1403 will be determined using data submitted by their high school’s district homeless liaison to the state.
What’s next
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is in the early stages of implementing this program. This includes discussions with internal partners and the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) to launch it as soon as possible. CSU expects that the CDE will start notifying universities and eligible students about the eligibility confirmation process in the coming months.
Colorado Promise: Two Free Years of College Expanded
House Bill 24-1340: Starting in fall 2024, Colorado students attending public higher education institutions with family incomes of $90,000 or less can receive complete reimbursement for out-of-pocket tuition and fees through a tax credit.
What we know so far
This program, which extends support to middle-income residents, applies to students in their first two years of college and covers up to 65 credits, excluding credits from concurrent enrollment, AP/IB, military, or prior learning. To claim the reimbursement, students must file state taxes (beginning tax year 2025), with refunds for the 2024-25 academic year available in early 2026.
What’s next
Eligible students must enroll within two years of high school graduation, be degree-seeking, complete the FAFSA or CASFA, take at least six credits per semester, and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Institutions will notify students of their eligibility each term. Additional information the Colorado Promise can be found on the CDHE’s Affordability in Higher Education and Promise Programs page.
CSU’s Office of Financial Aid will continue to provide updates on HB24-1403 and HB24-1340 as more information becomes available.
