In-State Tuition for Native American Students

Eligibility

According to Colorado Senate Bill SB21-029, section 23-7-112 IV (b) (effective June 28, 2021), "American Indian students who are registered members of a federally recognized American Indian tribe with historical ties to Colorado" (listed below) will be eligible for in-state tuition at Colorado public universities and colleges, beginning fall semester 2021-22.

• Documentation

  Documentation

  In order for UNC to revise tuition classification for out-of-state residents, you must provide proof of tribal enrollment in one of the 48 federally recognized indigenous tribes to Colorado. These documents may include a copy of your tribal enrollment/identification card, or enrollment certificate.

  For more information on how to become an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe, please visit: https://www.doi.gov/tribes/enrollment

• Apply

  Apply

  To apply, please click on the link below. Please have appropriate documentation ready to upload.

  Colorado Affiliated Tribe In-State Classification Form

• Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) Stipend

  Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) Stipend

  Students who qualify for the Native American tuition classification legislation (23-7-112), are also eligible to apply for the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend, and other state-funded financial aid and private financial aid programs.

  The Colorado Opportunity Fund stipend was established by the Colorado legislature to reduce the cost of tuition for Colorado undergraduate students attending certain colleges in Colorado.

  You can register for the stipend online at COF.COLLEGE-ASSIST.ORG. If you do not apply for the stipend, you will pay a higher in-state tuition rate. 

  Once you’ve applied, you must authorize COF on your Ursa account under the “Financial” tab. Selecting “lifetime authorization” allows the authorization to be done once for the entire time you are at UNC. "Term authorization" requires you to authorize COF every semester.

  Once you’ve applied for COF, check your student bill to view your stipend. It will be applied to your bill.

  For more information about the Colorado Opportunity Fund, please visit UNC’s COF FAQ page. If you have specific questions regarding COF, please contact the Bursar’s Office at 970-351-4862 (Option 3) or bursar@unco.edu. All other questions may be directed to the Financial Aid Office at 970-351-4862 (Option 1) or ofa@unco.edu. 

• Questions

  For more information about in-state tuition classification for Native American students, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 970-351-4862 or registrar@unco.edu.