FOR RELEASE: Thursday, July 24, 2025
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, 720-250-1053, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@army.mil
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Colorado National Guard members received a boost in benefits when Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-247 Tuition Waiver & Colorado National Guard Members at the State Capitol in Denver, May 1, 2025.
The Colorado Tuition Waiver Program became effective in July 2025, replacing the State Tuition Assistance Program.
“In Colorado, we are committed to expanding support and opportunities for our valuable military community such as by reducing the cost of college for the next step in their careers,” Governor Polis said at the bill signing.
Previously, the State TA Program offered up to $5,000 per semester in tuition assistance. Despite this benefit, usage remained relatively low with only 207 out of more than 5,000 CONG members participating in the program during the fall semester of 2024.
The new program will cover 100% of tuition cost for eligible members of the CONG. 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, financial aid, federal tuition assistance, or their GI Bill benefits.
The tuition waiver program applies to: 2-year institutions with a credit hour limit of 65 credit hours; 4-year institutions, up to 130 credit hours; a combination of 2- and 4-year institutions; up to 145 credit hours; graduate programs, up to 30 credit hours; doctoral programs, up to 90 credit hours; and professional degrees, up to 150 credit hours.
The tuition waiver also covers full tuition for one Certificate of Completion per service member.
Annual submission of a Free Application for Financial Student Aid or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid is required.
In order to qualify, service members must be active members of the Colorado Army or Air National Guard and in good standing with their unit and command. The applicant’s expiration term of service must not occur during the semester or quarter in which the tuition waiver is being used. Applicants must be admitted to a designated institution of higher education in Colorado and pursuing a degree.
There is no additional service obligation required for CONG members who participate in the State Tuition Waiver Program.
More information and a list of qualifying schools can be found at:
https://dmva.colorado.gov/tuition-waiver
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/