University of Colorado Colorado Springs Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~97%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1130
- Average GPA: 3.46
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Colorado Colorado Springs at a Glance
UCCS is a classic “stack the value” school. The automatic awards (like the Chancellor’s and Peak Awards) aren’t full rides—but they’re predictable, renewable, and can take a real chunk out of the cost, especially when combined with WUE or departmental scholarships.
This is a strong option for families who want flexibility without chasing long-shot competitive scholarships. If your student has a solid GPA and applies on time, you can map out a clear cost strategy here—and that’s something a lot of schools don’t offer.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Colorado Colorado Springs is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24; SAT: 1130.
Average net price? About $14,689/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in WUE.
UCCS Peak Award page: https://www.uccs.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/peak-award
UCCS Chancellor’s Award page: https://www.uccs.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/chancellors-award
UCCS Chancellor’s Leadership Class site: https://studentlife.uccs.edu/clc/
UCCS Education Abroad scholarships: https://abroad.uccs.edu/
UCCS Honors Program Scholarship listing: https://uccs.academicworks.com/opportunities/13439
Kane Family Foundation scholarship information: https://kanefamilyfoundation.com/
UCCS Scholarship Application – First2Go/Strub-Heer listing: https://uccs.academicworks.com/
UCCS student leadership programs: https://studentlife.uccs.edu/leadership/
Reisher Scholars Program – The Denver Foundation: https://www.denverfoundation.org/Scholarships/Reisher-Scholars-Program
UCCS Undergraduate Research Academy: https://ura.uccs.edu/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Colorado Colorado Springs 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $13,774 | $36,113 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $17,508 | $17,508 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $31,282 | $53,621 |
Average Federal Net Price: $14,689 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
UCCS participates in WUE for eligible students from partnering western states. UCCS lists a WUE total estimated cost of $47,720 with WUE tuition & fees of $24,614 (vs. non-WUE total $59,099 and tuition & fees $36,113). See our overview: Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
Who qualifies for WUE?
Residents of participating western states and territories; some majors may have exceptions. Check the UCCS admissions page for eligibility details.
How much can WUE save?
UCCS’ estimates show a lower total cost under WUE compared to the standard nonresident price. Exact savings depend on housing/meal plan and other expenses.
Is WUE automatic?
Generally applied based on residency once admitted. Always verify any program/major restrictions.
University COA page (Undergraduate Budgets): https://www.uccs.edu/bursar/cost-of-attendance
Housing & Dining (Rates): https://www.uccs.edu/living-on-campus/rates-and-dining
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): https://www.uccs.edu/admissions-aid/scholarships/wue
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?126580-University-of-Colorado-Colorado-Springs=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Award | $2,500/yr (up to $10,000 over 4 years) | CO residents & WUE students; 3.5+ weighted HS GPA (no test required); auto for transfers with 3.0+ GPA and 24+ credits | No | Yes — 3.0 UCCS GPA, 30 credits/yr | First-time frosh and transfers from CO/WUE with high GPA (official cutoff may change year to year) | Feb 1 (priority); June 1 (final) |
| Peak Award | $6,250/yr (up to $25,000 over 4 years) | Non-WUE out-of-state students; 3.5+ weighted HS GPA (no test required); auto for transfers with 3.0+ GPA and 24+ credits | No | Yes — 3.0 UCCS GPA, 30 credits/yr | First-time nonresident frosh and transfers with high GPA (CO/WUE exempt, intent to graduate at UCCS) | Feb 1 (priority); June 1 (final) |
*Estimated GPA/test score ranges based on latest award patterns. Auto-merit cutoff may shift year to year depending on applicant pool and funding. Final deadline for all new students is June 1, but priority for maximum consideration is Feb 1.
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. Both the Chancellor’s and Peak Awards are automatic upon admission—no extra application needed if you qualify.
Does UCCS superscore?
Yes. Your best ACT/SAT subscores are used if you submit them, but GPA alone suffices for most awards.
Can these stack with WUE?
No. Chancellor’s is CO/WUE only, Peak is non-WUE/nonresident only. You can’t stack both or combine with WUE rates.
What about test-optional?
Merit awards are available for test-optional students. GPA and curriculum rigor are the primary factors.
Chancellor’s Award – https://www.uccs.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/chancellors-award
Peak Award – https://www.uccs.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/peak-award
UCCS Scholarships Office – https://uccs.academicworks.com/
UCCS Scholarship Deadlines – https://finaid.uccs.edu/scholarships/faq
🏆 Competitive Scholarships (University-Level)
Selective awards with extra steps (application, essays/interview). Campus-level only — no Honors-only or departmental funds listed here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Leadership Class (CLC) | ~$4,000/yr | Incoming first-year; leadership, service, strong academics; selective cohort with essay & interview | Yes — UCCS Scholarship portal | Yes — GPA & participation | Leaders with strong roles, service, and GPA ~3.5+ | Feb 1 |
| Kane Family Foundation Scholarship | Full tuition & fees + required books | Primarily Colorado residents; very high academics, community involvement, leadership; foundation selection, interview possible | Yes — UCCS Scholarship portal | Yes — per award terms | Very top academic/leadership profiles; GPA ~3.7+ | Feb 1 |
| Reisher Scholars Program | ~$4,000–$22,000/yr (need-based) | Colorado residents; 3.0+ GPA; Pell/unmet-need; rising sophomores or CC transfers; full-time | Yes — UCCS Scholarship portal | Yes — GPA, progress, participation | Students with financial need, strong grades, and clear degree-completion plan | Mar 1 (continuing), May 15 (transfer) |
*GPA/testing bands are estimates based on typical profiles and may vary each cycle. For all programs, apply via the UCCS Scholarship portal (opens Dec 1); most selective awards use Feb 1 deadlines, with need-based/transfer funds accepting applications through Mar 1 or May 15.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Who should apply? High-achieving students with clear records of leadership, service, and—where needed—financial need. Early applicants have a major advantage for all awards.
Are interviews required? Yes, for some (CLC, Kane, Reisher). Finalists will be contacted after initial screening.
Can I stack these with merit or WUE? In most cases, yes, up to tuition/need/unmet cost limits. Full-tuition awards (such as Kane) may restrict stacking with other tuition-based awards.
What if I miss the deadline? Most competitive programs have strict deadlines—late or incomplete applications will not be considered for the current cycle.
Chancellor’s Leadership Class – https://studentlife.uccs.edu/clc/
Kane Family Foundation – https://kanefamilyfoundation.com/
Reisher Scholars Program – https://www.denverfoundation.org/Scholarships/Reisher-Scholars-Program
UCCS Scholarships Office – https://uccs.academicworks.com/
UCCS Scholarship Deadlines – https://finaid.uccs.edu/scholarships/faq
🎖️ Honors College
The UCCS Honors Program is small, selective, and designed for students who want more than just strong grades — it’s for those ready to dive into small seminars, take on big questions, and connect closely with faculty mentors. Admission is by application and interview, with about 25–30 students admitted each fall.
High school GPA around 3.6+, advanced coursework (AP/IB or dual enrollment), strong writing skills, and a record of leadership or service. A successful interview is also part of the process.
- Priority course registration
- Small honors-only seminars and interdisciplinary courses
- Dedicated Honors Lounge and enhanced library privileges
- Transcript and graduation recognition
- Capstone opportunities for research and creative projects
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCCS Honors Program Scholarship | $1,000/yr for freshmen; increases in sophomore–senior years; extra funding possible for accelerated master’s | Incoming freshmen admitted to Honors; min. 3.5 GPA; essay and interview required | Yes — Scholarship Portal application | Yes — up to 4 years with 3.5 GPA & participation | Students with strong GPAs, great essays, and active in leadership/service | Feb 1 |
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply via the UCCS Scholarship portal and interview.
Does Honors add time to degree?
No. Honors classes count toward core/electives, so most students graduate on time.
When should I apply?
Application opens Dec 1; priority deadline is Feb 1.
Does Honors come with extra scholarships?
Program scholarships are available, but amounts may vary; all applicants must complete the portal application.
UCCS Honors Program Scholarship – https://uccs.academicworks.com/opportunities/13439
Honors Program Application – https://honors.uccs.edu/hp-app
UCCS Scholarships Office – https://uccs.academicworks.com/
Scholarship Deadlines – https://finaid.uccs.edu/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
UCCS has carved out a reputation in areas that matter to Colorado Springs and beyond — cybersecurity, space, health sciences, and sport management. Families looking for degrees that plug directly into strong local industries will find UCCS programs tied closely to career pipelines. While it’s not an R1 research university, UCCS has built nationally recognized centers and partnerships that help its students stand out.
- Space Operations Engineering — Graduate-level space operations program feeding into Colorado’s fast-growing space industry (ties to U.S. Space Command and local contractors).
- Beth-El College of Nursing — Consistently high NCLEX pass rates; among Colorado’s top-performing nursing programs with strong hospital partnerships.
- Sport Management (AACSB-accredited) — Leverages Colorado Springs’ role as “Olympic City USA,” giving students internships with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and national sports organizations.