The College Opportunity Fund provides state financial support to eligible students for higher education. It was created by an Act of the Colorado State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Owens in May 2004.
What does it mean? In the past, the state gave money directly to the colleges. Now, if you authorize use of the stipend for any given term, the college you are attending will receive the funding, and you will see it appear as a credit on your tuition bill.
Who is eligible? Undergraduate students who are eligible for in-state tuition, and who apply, are admitted, and enrolled at a state or participating private institution of higher education beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year.*
How much is the stipend? It will vary. The amount is determined each year by the Colorado Legislature. For academic year 2007-2008, it is $89 per semester credit hour, so a student who takes 30 credit hours during the year at a public institution would receive a $2,670 stipend credited against their total tuition.
Steps to Receive COF Monies
1. Apply for COF. Press the Apply for COF Now button to open the College Access Network website to learn more about the College Opportunity Fund. Once there, choose the Stipend Process link to begin the application process.
2. Authorize the Colorado School of Mines to receive COF monies on your behalf.You must affirmatively authorize the Colorado School of Mines to receive COF monies on your behalf. Since this is a "Lifetime Authorization", you only have to authorize COF once. This can be done through the Self Service Menu via the new portal Trailhead.
For more information:
- January 12, 2005 E-Mail from Vice President Cheuvront to Undergraduate Resident Students
- January 12, 2005 Denver Post article about the College Opportunity Fund
- COF Frequently Asked Questions from the College Access Network
- First Year Students COF Questions and Answers from CSM
- Send email to cofquestions@mines.edu
- Call (303) 384-COFS (2637)
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Send comments & questions about this content to: cofquestions@mines.edu
This Page Last Modified: August 10, 2007