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NEWS | May 2, 2025

Governor signs first tuition waiver bill for Colorado National Guard members

By Elena O’Bryan, Colorado National Guard Public Affairs

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – There are already many benefits to joining the National Guard such as job training, pay, and retirement benefits.  The State of Colorado just added one more, and it’s big. 

For the first time, colleges and universities in Colorado will waive tuition for eligible Colorado National Guard members.

Governor Jared Polis, joined by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, signed Senate Bill 25-247, Tuition Waiver & Colorado National Guard Members, at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Denver, May 1, 2025.

“In Colorado, we are committed to expanding support and opportunities for our valuable military community, by saving military-connected families more money on healthcare and reducing the cost of college for the next step in their careers. Thank you to the sponsors for creating legislation that uplifts and protects Colorado's important military community,” said Governor Polis.

“Colorado has always proudly stood behind those who serve — and today, we’re reaffirming that commitment,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.  “We honor your service not just in words, but through meaningful action. Colorado is proud to stand with you and is committed to being the best home for our military-connected communities.”

The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan and other CONG members stood by the governor as he signed the bill. 

“This bill acknowledges that we must continue to recruit and retain talent in our state for the critical role that our Colorado National Guard plays in defending our state and nation,” Clellan said.

Before the Tuition Waiver program, the State Tuition Assistance Program, in addition to a Federal Tuition Assistance Program, had been available to CONG members who qualified.  The State TA program had a cap of $5,000 towards each semester of study.  345 CONG members out of about 5,000 members used the program last fall.    

U.S. Army Officer Candidate (Staff Sgt.) Lindsey Lopez, serving as the Non-commissioned Officer-in-Charge, G1 (Administration) Education and Incentives, Colorado Army National Guard previously used the TA Program to pay for her undergraduate degree which she earned at the University of Colorado at Denver.  She is now working on a Master of Business Administration at the same school. 

Lopez said she joined the Guard because of the TA benefit.

“I joined as a 17-year-old during my junior year of high school, and I didn’t have money set aside for attending school. 

“When I completed my bachelor’s degree, it really opened up the opportunity for the officer path. The state tuition assistance program opened opportunities I didn’t know were there.”

Lopez said she’s looking forward to a more streamlined process with an even greater benefit.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Erich Coogan, 140th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard said the Tuition Waiver program “will make it a lot easier for anyone involved; it’s a waiver so there’s no transfer of money.”

He said he learned about tuition assistance after enlisting and decided to take advantage of it.

“This is a huge program. For other people it’s a huge reason for them to join the National Guard,” he said.

“The military offers a lot—job skills, networking skills, life experience, travel opportunities.  It’s a total package, but education is one of the top reasons why individuals join,” said U.S. Army Maj. Nicole Jackson, COARNG education services officer.

“Having a waiver versus a tuition assistance program is a lot more appealing because then hopefully they won’t have to pay out-of-pocket given how expensive school is becoming.  These days, tuition assistance may not be enough. Offsetting the tuition, given how expensive it’s been getting, is a pretty big win.”

Jackson should know.  She had to pay for what she owed after tuition assistance for her master’s degree at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

“Thank you to the sponsors for creating legislation that uplifts and protects Colorado's important military community,” Governor Polis said.

Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer and Representatives Shannon Bird and Rick Taggart sponsored the bill.

CONG members should check the CONG website (co.ng.mil) Education Services page under the Resources tab to find out how and when they can apply for the program.  To be eligible for the tuition waiver, a Soldier or Airman must be accepted by the school, pursuing a degree, in good standing with the Guard, and have completed an application for state or federal student aid.

To join the Colorado Army National Guard, visit: https://co.ng.mil/Contact-Us/Army-Guard-Recruiting/

To join the Colorado Air National Guard, visit: https://co.ng.mil/Contact-Us/Air-Guard-Recruiting/

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