Colorado veteran education benefits
Stars rate how much each state offers veterans themselves for college, training and exam fees (family-only programs don't count): 5 = free public-college tuition for most resident veterans, no disability rating needed; 3 = partial grants or narrower eligibility; 1 = little or nothing beyond federal benefits. How we rate
Only in-state tuition rates for veterans; the dependents' program is narrow (POW/MIA/state Guard/first responders).
Checked Oct 7, 2026. State benefits change often. Confirm the details with the state agency before you apply.
Verify on the official page means we could not fully confirm that detail on the agency's own page.
For veterans
Colorado Residency for Tuition Purposes for Veterans and Families
Verify on the official page
- What it covers
- In-state tuition rate for qualifying nonresident veterans (incl. those using VA VR&E), service members and dependents. Rate only.
- Who qualifies and limits
- See school residency rules.
Colorado National Guard State Tuition Waiver
Verify on the official page
- What it covers
- Up to 100% of tuition (not fees/books) at designated public institutions; up to 65 credits at 2-year schools, 130 at 4-year schools, or one certificate program.
- Who qualifies and limits
- Current Colorado National Guard members only.
For spouses and children
Dependent Tuition Assistance Program (DTAP), C.R.S. 23-3.3-204/205
- What it covers
- Tuition plus room and board at Colorado public institutions (capped equivalents at private/out-of-state schools); first bachelor's degree or certificate; up to 8 semesters / 6 years (per CDHE).
- Who qualifies and limits
- Dependents of POWs, MIAs, Colorado National Guard members killed/disabled on state duty, and fallen/disabled law enforcement and firefighters. Must enroll before age 24, keep a 2.5 GPA, file FAFSA. Not for dependents of regular disabled veterans.
If you left the service 15 to 20 years ago
No state tuition waiver or grant for veterans themselves found on official sources.
Who to contact
- State veterans agency
- Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs – Division of Veterans Affairs
- State Approving Agency (approves schools and programs for the GI Bill)
- Colorado State Approving Agency – Veterans Education & Training (Colorado Community College System)
Sources we checked
- cdhe.colorado.gov/dependent-tuition-assistance-program
- cccs.edu/about/governance/veterans-education-and-training/
- myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Colorado
Federal benefits such as the GI Bill and VR&E are separate. See the FAQ and the GI Bill programs.