The Mountaineer Promise
The Mountaineer Promise guarantees that standard tuition and mandatory fees will be covered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional scholarships and grants for eligible Colorado residents.
Tuition and Fees
We commit to covering the standard tuition and mandatory fees, up to 18 credits, for all students whose families’ Adjusted Gross Income is less than $70,000 a year and meet the requirements below.
Why It Matters
Every student should have the opportunity to have an education. Western focuses on taking away barriers that could keep a student from success.
The Western Difference
From our location to our small class sizes with professors who are always there to help, Western has a community of support for all students.
Who qualifies?
New Students
Beginning Fall 2024, all new undergraduate students at Western Colorado University will be evaluated for eligibility to have standard tuition and mandatory fees covered under The Mountaineer Promise. The Mountaineer Promise includes federal and state grants, along with WCU grants and scholarships.
- Colorado Resident for the purposes of Tuition Classification, or ASSET eligible; and
- A new first-year or transfer student; and
- File FAFSA or CASFA before June 1 that demonstrates an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below $70,000 for dependent students, and/or qualifies for a PELL grant, and/or demonstrates significant financial need; and
- Qualify for the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) and
- Enroll full-time in an on-campus, degree-seeking program of study (12+ credits); and
- Provide additional information if requested.
The Mountaineer Promise is guaranteed to eligible students for eight semesters, with appeal processes offered for up to two additional semesters. Continued eligibility is contingent on remaining eligible for need-based financial aid, the yearly completion of the FAFSA or CASFA before March 15, and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
Summer aid may be offered on appeal, contingent on availability.
Continuing Students
All continuing students will be evaluated for eligibility based on FAFSA or CASFA completion by March 15 and eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All students will be evaluated on information submitted in their application for admission, the FAFSA or CASFA, and any additional information requested by Western.
Colorado residents or ASSET-eligible students working toward their first bachelor’s degree meet the financial need criteria by filing a FAFSA or CASFA. Students must qualify for need-based aid, be eligible for COF, enroll full-time (12-18 credits), and maintain SAP for need-based aid.
Standard tuition (tuition due after COF is applied) and mandatory fees are covered, up to 18 credits. The promise does not cover housing, dining/meals, textbooks, and other nonstandard tuition, optional fees, or associated costs. WCU-CU Partnership differential tuition is not covered.
- Federal Pell and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Colorado State Grant and COSI Awards
- WCU scholarships and grants
The College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides a stipend to eligible Colorado residents attending a Colorado public or participating private institution. COF is part of The Mountaineer Promise and must be authorized for full tuition coverage. Details at cof.college-assist.org.
At Western, mandatory fees are outlined at western.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-costs/.
The Promise is that students will receive gift aid (federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships) to cover tuition and fees. Scholarships and other resources could impact what is offered, but the overall offer will equal or exceed standard tuition (tuition due after COF is applied) and mandatory fees.
Students enrolled at Western will be eligible for The Promise; however, the tuition differential is not included. Upon transfer to the University of Colorado, financial aid will be awarded by CU-Boulder; the CU Promise may be an option at that time.
Eligible students will see a combination of grants and scholarships in their financial aid package that covers standard tuition and mandatory fees.
Continuing students must be eligible for COF, enroll full-time (12-18 credits), maintain SAP for need-based aid, and complete the FAFSA or CASFA by March 15.
The Promise is for Colorado undergraduate students working on their first bachelor’s degree.
When enrolled in an eligible education abroad program, students may receive only the amount of funding they would be eligible for if enrolled on the Western campus.
The Promise is awarded only for the fall and spring semesters. Eligible students enrolled in summer classes will be considered for grants based on the availability of funds.
External scholarships may be stacked, and WCU scholarships that exceed tuition and fees may be used to cover educational costs up to the full cost of attendance.
We’re Here To Help
Not sure if you qualify? Just need some guidance? Talk to a financial aid counselor.
We’re here to guide you on this journey.
The Western Commitment
In alignment with our strategic plan, Western Colorado University maintains an ongoing commitment to provide affordable education.
The Mountaineer Promise guarantees that standard tuition and mandatory fees will be covered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional scholarships and grants for eligible Colorado residents. You will not have to pay back any financial aid used for The Mountaineer Promise. You can also be assured that if tuition increases and you remain eligible, the financial aid you receive will also increase.
Take the Next Step
Apply to Western
We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.
Visit Western
The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.
Alumni Community
We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.
Request Information
Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.