Western Colorado University’s Gunnison Valley Promise (GVP) makes a college degree more affordable for students who call the Gunnison Valley home. Beginning in Fall 2026, eligible local graduates can attend Western with tuition fully covered. Through strong community partnerships and donor support, the Gunnison Valley Promise removes financial barriers and invests in the future of our region.
The Gunnison Valley Promise guarantees that standard undergraduate tuition will be covered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid for eligible residents.
Students may qualify for the Gunnison Valley Promise if you meet the following criteria:
2026 graduates (or later) from one of the following:
Gunnison High School
Crested Butte Community School
Lake City Community School
Homeschool programs in Gunnison or Hinsdale counties
All students must:
Complete the FAFSA or CASFA
Apply for the Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF)
Completing the FAFSA or CASFA and applying for the Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF) are required steps to qualify for the Gunnison Valley Promise. These applications help Western verify eligibility and connect students to available state and federal resources.
Filing these forms does not mean you must demonstrate financial need. Instead, they ensure that all students receive the maximum support available.
Graduates before 2026 with no college credits
Students who:
Graduated from a qualifying high school before 2026, and
Have not earned college credits since graduation
May qualify for:
Graduates Before 2026 (With College Enrollment)
Students who:
Graduated before 2026, and
Have enrolled in college at Western or elsewhere
Are eligible for:
These students are not eligible for Gunnison Valley Promise tuition assistance at this time.
We commit to covering the full standard tuition, up to 18 credits per semester, for all students who qualify, reinforcing our promise to invest in local students and support their success from enrollment through graduation.
Western focuses on supporting our community by removing financial barriers, expanding access to opportunity, and investing in the students who will shape the future of the Gunnison Valley.
The Gunnison Valley Promise partners with Earn to Learn, a matched savings scholarship program. Earn to Learn combines student savings with scholarships, financial training, and education success coaching to help eligible students obtain an education and graduate workforce-ready with little to no student loan debt.
Eligible students who are accepted into Earn to Learn deposit $500 per year and receive an 8:1 match, creating $4,500 annually for education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, housing, and transportation.
This program helps students and families build long-term support alongside the Gunnison Valley Promise.
The Gunnison Valley Promise reflects Western’s long-standing commitment to the place we call home.
Announced in February 2026 at the Colorado State Capitol, the program was created through collaboration between Western, local leaders, municipalities, and private donors. Together, these partners have raised more than $1.5 million toward a long-term endowment that will sustain the program for future generations.
By helping local students stay, learn, and grow in the valley, GVP strengthens the entire community.
There is no separate application for the Gunnison Valley Promise. To be considered, students must:
Apply and be admitted to Western Colorado University
Complete the FAFSA or CASFA
Apply for the Colorado College Opportunity Fund (COF)
Apply to Earn to Learn (if eligible)
Once these steps are complete, eligible students are automatically reviewed and enrolled in the program.
Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible during their senior year of high school.
Western application: As soon as it opens
FAFSA/CASFA: Opens each fall
COF: One-time application, authorized annually
Applying early helps ensure funding is in place before the semester begins.
No. Filing the FAFSA or CASFA is required, but demonstrated financial need is not a qualifying factor.
The Gunnison Valley Promise covers fall and spring semester tuition. Summer courses are not included.
Yes. Students are encouraged to apply for all available scholarships and financial aid.
Not sure if you qualify? Just need some guidance? Talk to a financial aid counselor. We’re here to guide you on this journey.
Director, Student Financial Services
Western Colorado University
Taylor Hall 314
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
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