Gov. Bill Ritter spoke at today's press conference announcing the Commitment to Colorado program.
Attending Colorado State University just got a lot more affordable for low-income students.
Starting in the fall of 2011, CSU’s new Commitment to Colorado program will significantly reduce tuition costs for about one in five of the university’s resident undergraduates. Low-income students who are eligible for federal Pell grants will not pay any tuition or fees to attend CSU.
Gov. Bill Ritter today praised CSU for expanding its financial aid efforts.
“Access to a high-quality, affordable higher education is one of the hallmarks of the American Dream. It was the key to my success. It is the key to Colorado’s future, and we need to use that key to keep the doors of opportunity wide open to all Coloradans,” Ritter said. “I applaud Colorado State University for taking a big step in ensuring that higher education is affordable and accessible in Colorado.”
Thursday morning, Ritter joined CSU System Chancellor Joe Blake, CSU President Tony Frank and CSU-Pueblo President Joe Garcia to announce the financial aid program at the State Capitol.
In addition to eliminating tuition for Pell Grant recipients, Commitment to Colorado slashes costs for moderate-income families. Beginning in fall 2011, state resident students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree whose families make $57,000 or less – the median family income in Colorado – will pay only half the standard tuition rate.
Using current tuition numbers, this would be annual savings of more than $2,600, the equivalent of getting one semester’s tuition free each academic year.
Do your homework:
CSU website about the Commitment to Colorado program.
