Metropolitan State University of Denver Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 25, 2026
What This Page Covers:- 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: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20
- Middle 50% SAT: 1000
- Average GPA: 3.23
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Metropolitan State University of Denver at a Glance
Average Net Price
$13,727/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$500–$4,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
15 opportunities
5 automatic · 10 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 1 • FAFSA: Jan 1
Honors College
Honors Program Available
MSU Denver is built for access and affordability—but you have to approach scholarships differently here. There’s no big automatic merit grid or guaranteed full-tuition path. Instead, most of the real money comes through the general scholarship application, departmental awards, and stacking smaller funding sources.
This is a “be proactive and apply” school. Students who take the time to complete the scholarship application early and thoroughly tend to come out ahead, while those waiting for automatic offers may leave money on the table. If your goal is a flexible, lower-cost path in Colorado, this can absolutely work—but it rewards effort more than stats alone.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Metropolitan State University of Denver is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20; SAT: 1000.
Average net price? About $13,727/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in WUE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Metropolitan State University of Denver 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) |
$9,403 |
$25,602 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$17,658 |
$17,658 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$27,061 |
$43,260 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,727 — 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.
Regional Tuition Discounts:
MSU Denver participates in the
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and its own
Roadrunner Interstate Tuition (RIT) program.
• WUE/RIT students pay about $17,366 in tuition instead of $25,602.
• That’s roughly $8,200 in annual savings compared to the standard non-resident rate.
• Discounts apply automatically once eligibility is confirmed by MSU Denver.
Who qualifies for WUE or RIT?
Students from participating Western states (WUE) or approved neighboring states (RIT), depending on residency and major eligibility.
How much can families save?
Around $8,000 per year on average compared to standard non-resident tuition rates.
Do you have to apply separately?
No — the WUE and RIT discounts are applied automatically once your residency status and program qualify.
Sources:
University COA page (Undergraduate Budgets): https://www.msudenver.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance/
Tuition & Fees (Resident and Non-Resident): https://www.msudenver.edu/bursar/tuition/
Housing & Dining (Estimated Costs): https://www.msudenver.edu/housing/
WUE and Roadrunner Interstate Tuition Programs: https://www.msudenver.edu/admissions/scholarships/wue-rit/
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?127565-Metropolitan-State-University-of-Denver=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Presidents Academic Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (3.6 GPA)
🏫 3.6+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Layers on top of other MSU Denver scholarships, federal aid, and the College Opportunity Fund (COF). Total institutional aid still has to fit within MSU Denver's overall award limits, so if you're bringing other large gift aid to the table, expect the Financial Aid office to coordinate the package.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is up to $2,000 per academic year ($1,000 per term) for full-time enrollment, and prorates down for three-quarter time (9–11 credits) and half-time (6–8 credits). Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis — meeting the GPA floor does not guarantee the scholarship. Get the FAFSA/CASFA in as soon as it opens to put yourself near the front of the line.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming freshmen with a 3.6+ unweighted high school GPA, transfer students who bring in 12+ credits at a 3.6+ cumulative transfer GPA, and continuing MSU Denver students holding a 3.6 MSU Denver GPA — all of whom file their FAFSA or CASFA early. Because it's first-come, first-served, getting your aid file complete in the fall of senior year (or as soon as the FAFSA opens) is the difference between getting paid and watching the funds disappear.
App Required⚠ Transfer Only
MSU Denver Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA)
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other MSU Denver scholarships, federal aid, and COF, as long as your total aid package stays within institutional limits. If you're also pursuing the President's Academic Achievement Scholarship, both can apply together because they tap different criteria — academic merit and PTK pipeline.
📄
How to Apply
Transfer to MSU Denver from a community college with 12+ credits and an active PTK membership, file the FAFSA or CASFA, complete your financial aid file, and submit the MSU Denver scholarship application through AcademicWorks. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress once enrolled.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award is up to $1,000 per year ($500 per term). Awarded first-come, first-served and subject to funding — meeting eligibility does not guarantee an offer. This is in addition to the PTK Honor Society's national transfer scholarships, which you apply for separately through PTK Connect.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Community college students who joined Phi Theta Kappa, kept their GPA at 3.5 or higher, finished 12+ transferable credits, and timed their MSU Denver scholarship application to the Foundation's March 1 priority deadline. Funds run out, so don't wait — submit the scholarship application as soon as the cycle opens in early spring.
App Required
RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
🏫 2.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Program has been discontinued for new applicants. Historical RaiseMe earnings that were already converted to MSU Denver awards may still stack with other aid subject to institutional aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Historical only — students previously created a RaiseMe account, followed MSU Denver, built a micro-scholarship portfolio across high school achievements, and completed it by July 1 of senior year. MSU Denver no longer offers RaiseMe micro-scholarships for new incoming students.
Selection criteria: Historical: guaranteed minimum award based on documented achievements logged in RaiseMe; no longer active for new applicants.
💡
Strategic Detail
The MSU Denver RaiseMe institutional page is no longer active for new micro-scholarship earnings. Treat this program as discontinued for incoming freshmen — direct families to the Presidents Academic Achievement Scholarship and the MSU Denver Foundation general scholarship application instead.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Not available for new students. Historically, incoming freshmen who built a robust RaiseMe portfolio through high school and enrolled at MSU Denver received the guaranteed minimum based on their documented achievements.
App Required⚠ Transfer Only
RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships Transfer
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Program has been discontinued for new transfer applicants. Historical RaiseMe earnings already converted to MSU Denver awards may still stack with other aid subject to institutional aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Historical only — transfer students previously created a RaiseMe account, followed MSU Denver as a prospective transfer, built a portfolio of community college achievements, and enrolled at least half-time. MSU Denver no longer offers RaiseMe micro-scholarships for new transfer students.
Selection criteria: Historical: guaranteed minimum based on documented achievements logged in RaiseMe for transfer students; no longer active for new applicants.
💡
Strategic Detail
MSU Denver's RaiseMe page is no longer active for new micro-scholarship earnings. Transfer families should focus instead on the MSU Denver PTK Transfer Scholarship and the Foundation general scholarship application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Not available for new students. Historically, community college transfers who logged achievements on RaiseMe and enrolled at MSU Denver at least half-time received their guaranteed minimum.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Online Learning Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies · 📢 Results: Awarded after the 50% add/drop census date each eligible fall and spring term.
✓ Renews (2 GPA)
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks freely with other MSU Denver scholarships and federal/state financial aid, capped by overall aid limits and available scholarship funding. If you also qualify for the Presidents Academic Achievement Scholarship, you can layer both.
💡
Strategic Detail
Per-semester award scales with online credit load in fall and spring: 6–8 credits = $500, 9–11 credits = $750, 12+ credits = $1,000. There is no summer award and funding is subject to availability. Not need-based — eligibility is tied entirely to being in a fully online program and registering for enough qualifying online credits.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
New, continuing, and transfer students who commit to a fully online major or for-credit online certificate, file FAFSA or CASFA, register for at least 6 online credits each fall and spring, hold a 2.0 GPA with Satisfactory Academic Progress, and stay engaged with the Online Success Coach or virtual workshops. Awards scale with your credit load — 12+ online credits unlocks the full $1,000 per term.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Most other MSU Denver scholarships require the General Scholarship Application and are not automatic. There is no published automatic merit grid for GPA/SAT/ACT. National Merit/STAMPS is not offered.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need a separate application?
Online Student Scholarship: No, it is automatic for fully online enrollees each term.
RaiseMe: Yes, you must complete the RaiseMe profile and follow MSU Denver by the stated deadlines.
Are test scores required or superscored for these?
No. MSU Denver is test-optional and these scholarships do not use test scores or superscoring.
Can these stack with other scholarships?
Tuition-rate programs like WUE do not stack with other tuition-changing waivers. However, scholarships such as RaiseMe or department awards may stack with others. Always verify stacking policies for each award.
Are there priority dates I could miss?
Yes. The RaiseMe profile must be completed by July 1 for incoming freshmen. Most other scholarships require the General Scholarship Application, which typically opens December 1 and has a priority deadline of March 1.
Sources:
MSU Denver Scholarships – [https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/](https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/)
MSU Denver Financial Aid – [https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/financialaid/](https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/financialaid/)
MSU Denver General Scholarship Application – [https://msudenver.academicworks.com/](https://msudenver.academicworks.com/)
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships – [https://msudenver.edu/financialaid/](https://msudenver.edu/financialaid/)
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
MSU Denver routes all competitive, university-level scholarships through the General Scholarship Application. Unlike some large flagship universities, it does not publicly offer named full-ride or full-tuition merit packages. Most awards are donor-funded and updated annually; students are matched to eligible scholarships after submitting the General Application, but those awards are not pre-announced or big enough for flagship charting.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Does MSU Denver offer full-ride or full-tuition merit scholarships?
No. The university does not list any flagship competitive merit scholarships; all major awards are donor-based and routed through the General Scholarship Application.
How do students compete for scholarships?
Students are matched to awards by completing the General Scholarship Application (open December 1, priority deadline March 1). Selection is based on essays, GPA, or leadership criteria listed for each donor award.
Are separate applications required?
No for most awards — only one General Scholarship Application is needed. Some specialty programs (e.g., specific departmental or state grants) may require additional steps outside of this process.
Are departmental or Honors scholarships included here?
No. Departmental and Honors awards are covered separately in “Hidden Gems” and Honors sections. Flagship competitive awards refer only to university-wide, high-value merit scholarships.
Sources:
MSU Denver Scholarships – [https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/](https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/)
MSU Denver General Scholarship Application – [https://msudenver.academicworks.com/](https://msudenver.academicworks.com/)
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships – [https://msudenver.edu/financialaid/](https://msudenver.edu/financialaid/)
Scholarships for MSU Denver Students – [https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/current-students/](https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/current-students/)
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Not every scholarship at MSU Denver is tied to admission. Unique programs—including departmental, service, and leadership scholarships—can quietly reduce costs and often stack with other major awards or aid packages.
App Required
First-Generation Leadership Program
📅 Deadline: Rolling/early
✓ Renews
$500–$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Program scholarship for first-generation students that can usually stack with other institutional awards while the student remains in the cohort.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a separate application to the First-Generation Leadership or similar cohort program and commit to required leadership and support activities.
Selection criteria: Emphasis on first-generation status and demonstrated or potential leadership.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists $500–$1,500 plus support, with rolling or early deadline for first-generation students; specific program name and criteria are grouped under leadership and support initiatives for first-gen students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming first-generation students who demonstrate leadership potential and are accepted into the cohort-style leadership/support program.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Mariachi Performance Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with other music and institutional scholarships within overall aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application via AcademicWorks and participate in the university’s Mariachi program.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of musical talent and engagement in the Mariachi program.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists $500–$2,000 per year; music scholarship page notes a dedicated Mariachi scholarship supporting students in the Mariachi program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students active in MSU Denver mariachi ensembles who show commitment to mariachi performance and meet departmental expectations.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Paul Farkas Memorial English Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$500–$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
English departmental scholarship that can typically be combined with other institutional awards subject to aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application and select or indicate the English major; additional departmental questions or recommendations may be required.
Selection criteria: Departmental review focused on academic performance and faculty support.
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists $500–$1,500 and notes a 3.0+ GPA and faculty recommendation; current-student scholarship listings group this with other English awards but may not show specific dollar ranges.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: English majors with at least a 3.0 GPA and strong academic or faculty support.
App Required⚠ Senior Only
Stephen & Ruth Jordan Leadership
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 Senior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended for high-achieving seniors and generally may be combined with other institutional scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application and document leadership and academic achievement as a senior.
Selection criteria: Emphasis on leadership and overall academic performance in the senior year.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists $1,000–$2,000 and notes senior status, high GPA, and leadership record; detailed criteria are summarized from current-student scholarship listings.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: MSU Denver seniors with strong leadership records and high academic performance.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Suzor Family Club Ice Hockey Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Club-sport-focused endowed scholarship that can typically be combined with other institutional awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application or through club sports contacts as directed; must participate in club ice hockey.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP HTML mentions this as a hidden-gem scholarship for club hockey participants, but public listings do not specify award amounts.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
MSU Denver students actively participating in club ice hockey who meet any donor or departmental criteria.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Taekwondo Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Athletics- or club-based endowed scholarship that usually can stack with other awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application or athletics/club contacts; must be a Taekwondo competitor.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP HTML lists this as a hidden gem for Taekwondo competitors; no public numeric award range is provided, so amounts are left as varying and unknown.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who compete in Taekwondo and meet donor or program criteria.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Affordable Housing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental or topical scholarship typically allowed to stack with other institutional awards within aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application and demonstrate interest or involvement in housing policy or urban planning.
Selection criteria: Selection based on interest and involvement in affordable housing or related urban issues.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table cites $1,000–$2,500 and links eligibility to housing policy or urban planning; official listing groups it among current-student and departmental awards without additional numeric detail.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students engaged in affordable housing issues, policy, or urban planning-related work or studies.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Urban Leadership Program (ULP)
📅 Deadline: Spring cohort application deadline (varies by year)
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
ULP scholars receive a program scholarship that can stack with many other MSU Denver awards, though participation requires significant time commitments.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the Urban Leadership Program application, participate in an interview with the ULP committee, and enroll in required coursework and program activities.
Selection criteria: Holistic review of leadership potential, academic standing, and fit with the Urban Leadership Program.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists $1,000–$3,000 plus training; ULP application page specifies $500 per semester ($1,000 per year) with access to additional donor scholarships, so a range is recorded.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with at least a 2.75 GPA who demonstrate strong interest and potential in urban leadership and are selected through the ULP application and interview process.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Air Force ROTC (CU Boulder Det. 105)
📅 Deadline: Varies (annual national Air Force ROTC scholarship deadlines)
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
tuition, fees, books, and stipend
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Air Force ROTC scholarships may cover full or partial tuition; other MSU Denver scholarships and aid can usually be used toward housing and other expenses.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the U.S. Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program or in-college AFROTC scholarship competitions and enroll as a crosstown MSU Denver cadet with Detachment 105.
Selection criteria: Selection based on Air Force ROTC scholarship criteria including academics, physical fitness, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table describes full or partial tuition, book stipend, and a $250–$400 monthly allowance; MSU Denver Air Force ROTC catalog page confirms scholarships paying tuition, book allowances, educational fees, and a tax-free monthly subsistence.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: MSU Denver crosstown cadets who excel academically, meet Air Force ROTC fitness and service standards, and are selected in national scholarship competitions.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC (CU Boulder Host)
📅 Deadline: Varies (national Army ROTC scholarship deadlines; typically senior year of high school or early college years)
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
tuition and fees, books, and stipend
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Army ROTC scholarships cover full tuition and mandatory fees; other scholarships and aid at MSU Denver can typically be applied to housing and living costs.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the national Army ROTC scholarship application and coordinate participation as an MSU Denver student through the CU Boulder host battalion.
Selection criteria: Selection based on national Army ROTC criteria including academics, physical fitness, leadership, and commitment to commission as an Army officer.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table cites full tuition and fees, $1,200 per year for books, and a $420 monthly stipend; official MSU Denver Army ROTC pages confirm full tuition and fee coverage plus a book allowance and monthly subsistence, though exact book and stipend amounts vary by year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: MSU Denver cadets who meet Army ROTC academic, fitness, and service standards and are selected through the national scholarship process.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Band Excellence Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental music scholarships can typically stack with other institutional awards, subject to overall aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application through AcademicWorks and indicate participation in MSU Denver bands; additional music materials may be requested.
Selection criteria: Selection by music faculty committee based on performance and participation.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists $500–$2,000 per year; AcademicWorks entry lists the award as varying, with a March 1 deadline and music department scope.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active MSU Denver band members who demonstrate strong musical contribution and meet departmental criteria.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Beverly J. Fourcade Nursing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed for Nursing students and generally stackable with other aid subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the MSU Denver General Scholarship Application and indicate Nursing as the major; some departmental screening applies.
Selection criteria: Departmental review emphasizing academic performance in Nursing coursework.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table lists $1,000–$3,000 and specifies Nursing majors; renewal is listed as varies, so renewable status is set to null.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Upper-level Nursing majors with around a 3.0 GPA who show strong progress in the program.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award values are based on published sources. Departmental and cohort funds may change annually and are competitive.
- Suzor Family Club Ice Hockey Endowed Scholarship — for club hockey participants
- Taekwondo Endowed Scholarship — for students competing in Taekwondo
Hidden Gems FAQs
Can ROTC scholarships stack with other aid?
Yes. ROTC covers tuition/fees and other scholarships or financial aid can be used toward housing and living costs.
Are GITA awards only for gender studies majors?
No. The Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy (GITA) offers scholarships to students in many majors who are active in advocacy or aligned with gender/social justice work.
How does the Student Travel Program work?
MSU Denver’s travel awards typically reimburse conference registration, lodging, and airfare for students presenting or participating in scholarly or professional travel.
How do I maximize scholarship chances?
Apply early through departmental contacts and the General Scholarship Application. Some programs, like ROTC or leadership cohorts, have strict deadlines or rolling selections.
Sources:
MSU Denver Scholarships: https://msudenver.edu/scholarships
MSU Denver Financial Aid: https://msudenver.edu/financialaid
MSU Denver General Scholarship Application: https://msudenver.academicworks.com
Army ROTC Program Options: https://msudenver.edu/rotc
Air Force ROTC at MSU Denver: https://catalog.msudenver.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=44&poid=13324
Departmental & Program Awards: https://msudenver.edu/scholarships/current-students
GITA Scholarships: https://msudenver.edu/gita/scholarships
MSU Denver Honors Program: https://msudenver.edu/honors
Honors Program Admission Criteria: https://msudenver.edu/honors/admission-criteria
🎖️ Honors College
MSU Denver does not run a traditional “Honors College” with separate tuition and its own set of scholarships. Instead, it offers a selective Honors Program for motivated students interested in small seminars, priority registration, and the opportunity to complete a senior research or creative project alongside faculty mentors. Admission to this program is not automatic—students apply and are evaluated on their essays, academic record, and leadership experience.
What a Typical MSU Denver Honors Student Looks Like:
Around a 3.5+ GPA in high school or college*, strong writing samples, evidence of leadership or community involvement, and a willingness to take on a senior thesis or capstone project.
*Exact GPA cutoffs are not published; this is based on typical profiles.
Why the Honors Program Matters:
- Priority course registration to help you graduate on time
- Access to the Honors House and a tight-knit student community
- Small, discussion-based classes across disciplines
- Funding support for research and travel tied to your senior project
- Special recognition on your transcript and diploma
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Honors Program FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students apply separately and are evaluated primarily on their essay responses and academic record.
Does the Honors Program add time to my degree?
No — projects and seminars are designed to fit within your existing major requirements.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
Not directly. While Honors provides perks and research funding, major scholarships at MSU Denver are handled through the General Scholarship Application and departmental funds.
When should I apply?
Applications typically open in the spring for the following fall cohort. Early submission is encouraged since spaces are limited.
Sources:
MSU Denver Honors Program: https://msudenver.edu/honors
Honors Program Admission Criteria: https://msudenver.edu/honors/admission-criteria
MSU Denver Scholarships: https://msudenver.edu/scholarships
MSU Denver General Scholarship Application: https://msudenver.academicworks.com
⭐ College Specialty
If you ask Denver employers what MSU Denver grads bring to the table, they’ll point to hands-on skills in industries that matter to Colorado’s economy. From aerospace labs to on-campus restaurants and breweries, programs here are built around direct pipelines to jobs. That makes MSU Denver less about prestige labels and more about what you can do the day after graduation.
Standout Program:
🏭 Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing — Home to the Advanced Manufacturing Sciences Institute, with a $1M Lockheed Martin additive manufacturing lab and an Aerospace & Engineering Sciences building that connects directly to Colorado’s growing space industry.
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events — Recognized statewide for its SpringHill Suites® hotel and on-campus restaurant/brewpub, giving students real-world hospitality management experience.
- Brewery Operations — One of the only four-year Brewing Industry programs in the U.S., featuring the Charlie Papazian Brewing Education Lab and partnerships across Colorado’s craft beer sector.
- Teacher Education — MSU Denver is consistently among the top producers of teacher graduates in Colorado, preparing more licensed educators than most universities in the state.
- Criminal Justice & Criminology — Noted in state workforce reports as one of Colorado’s largest pipelines into law enforcement and justice careers.
Final Thoughts
MSU Denver may not hand out flashy full-ride awards, but its mix of affordable tuition, WUE/RIT discounts, and practical hidden-gem scholarships makes it one of Colorado’s most accessible urban universities. Parents will appreciate the clear costs and the pathways — from ROTC to leadership programs — that can chip away at the bill. If your student thrives in a hands-on, career-ready environment, this is a school worth a close look.
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