Colorado State University Pueblo Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem awards worth exploring
- Honors, leadership, and how to stack CSU Pueblo aid smartly
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~98%
- Middle 50% SAT: 870 – 1100
- Middle 50% ACT: 19 – 25
- Average HS GPA: 3.4 (approx.)
Source: CSU Pueblo Admissions & College Scorecard (latest available). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
CSU Pueblo at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
CSU Pueblo is a high-access public university where strong grades and leadership can translate into substantial automatic aid — up to $8,000 per year for Presidential Scholars — plus programs like the Pack Promise that cover remaining tuition for eligible Colorado families. Add WUE discounts, Honors scholarships, and Foundation awards, and it’s possible for both in-state and non-resident students to bring costs down significantly.
Use this guide to see which merit tiers fit your student and how to combine institutional, state, and federal aid for the best value at CSU Pueblo.
FAQ
Is CSU Pueblo test-optional? Yes. Students are admitted without SAT/ACT scores, though scores can raise merit levels.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? SAT 870–1100 | ACT 19–25 (College Board / CSU Pueblo data).
What’s the average net price? $12,948 per College Scorecard (2022-23 aid year, most current federal release).
Does CSU Pueblo offer reciprocity or nonresident discounts? Yes — WUE for western states and the Living Learning Incentive for eligible nonresidents who live on campus.
CSU Pueblo Admissions & Scholarships Overview: https://www.csupueblo.edu/admissions/
CSU Pueblo Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: https://www.csupueblo.edu/financial-aid/
Automatic Merit Scholarships (2025–26 criteria): https://www.csupueblo.edu/scholarships/automatic-merit.html
Pack Promise Program: https://www.csupueblo.edu/pack-promise/
WUE & Living Learning Incentive details: https://www.csupueblo.edu/admissions/wue.html
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?127556-Colorado-State-University-Pueblo=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Colorado State University Pueblo
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (15 credits/semester) | $12,566 | $23,186 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,548 | $12,548 |
| Total (before aid) | $25,114 | $35,734 |
*Other educational expenses (books & supplies, transportation, personal/miscellaneous, average loan fees) are not shown in this table because they aren’t billed directly by CSU Pueblo and vary by student.
• WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange): tuition set at 150% of in-state tuition for residents of participating western states (per CSU Pueblo catalog).
• RISE: starting Fall 2025, many bordering/nearby states receive an in-state–equivalent tuition rate for new students (no separate application).
• Living Learning Incentive: additional $1,000/year for eligible WUE, TWOLF, and New Mexico Reciprocal students who live on campus.
Who qualifies for WUE?
Residents of participating western states and U.S. Pacific territories; see CSU Pueblo’s WUE policy for the full list.
How much can families save?
WUE is set at 150% of in-state tuition; actual savings versus standard nonresident rates depend on the year’s approved tuition and fees.
Is it automatic?
WUE and RISE are listed tuition categories at CSU Pueblo; eligibility is applied upon admission and residency/program verification (no separate scholarship form).
University COA page (2025–26 on-campus budgets): https://www.csupueblo.edu/student-financial-services/cost-of-attendance.html
Tuition & Fees (resident/nonresident 2025–26): https://www.csupueblo.edu/office-of-financial-management/tuition-and-fees.html
WUE policy (150% of in-state tuition) & residency categories: https://catalog.csupueblo.edu/residency/other-tuition-classification-categories/
RISE program (launch Fall 2025; automatic): https://www.csupueblo.edu/admissions/regional-in-state-equivalent/index.html
$1,000 Living Learning Incentive: https://www.csupueblo.edu/student-financial-services/scholarships/index.html
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?128106-Colorado-State-University-Pueblo=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholar | $8,000/year | 4.0 GPA or ACT 30 / SAT 1370 or Top 2% of class |
No | Yes — 3.5 GPA | Students at the very top of their class or high test scorers | May 1 (admission + transcript/test) |
| Distinguished Scholar | $5,000/year | 3.75 GPA or ACT 27 / SAT 1280 or Top 5% of class |
No | Yes — 3.0 GPA | Strong students just below the very top tier | May 1 (admission + transcript/test) |
| Promising Scholar | $3,000/year | 3.50 GPA or ACT 24 / SAT 1180 or Top 15% of class |
No | Yes — 3.0 GPA | Solid academic performers in the top 15% range | May 1 (admission + transcript/test) |
Note: Awards are based on the highest GPA, ACT/SAT, or class rank. Students cannot stack these with other institutional scholarships (except the $1,000 First Generation Scholarship).
Do I need to apply separately for these awards? No. Students are automatically considered once they apply for admission and submit transcripts (and test scores if applicable) by May 1.
Does CSU Pueblo superscore the ACT or SAT? No. Automatic merit awards are based on your single highest ACT or SAT score reported, not a superscore.
Can these scholarships be stacked with others? These automatic merit awards cannot be stacked with other institutional scholarships, with the exception of the $1,000 First Generation Scholarship.
How long are these awards renewable? They can be renewed for up to 3 additional years as long as you maintain the GPA and full-time enrollment requirements.
CSU Pueblo Automatic Merit Scholarships: https://csupueblo.edu/scholarships
CSU Pueblo Merit Scholarship Grid: https://csupueblo.edu/scholarships/scholarship-grid
First Generation Scholarship Policy: https://csupueblo.edu/scholarships/current-students
CSU Pueblo 2025–2026 Catalog: https://catalog.csupueblo.edu
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike automatic merit awards guaranteed by GPA or test score, competitive scholarships at CSU Pueblo require an extra step—such as a separate application, interview, or demonstration of leadership/service. These are limited in number and recognize students who stand out beyond academics alone. Most are routed through the Foundation or are departmental.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-level competitive/flagship scholarships currently published outside of Honors or departmental/Foundation programs. | ||||||
What’s the difference between automatic and competitive scholarships? Automatic scholarships are awarded by GPA/test scores and require only application for admission. Competitive scholarships require extra steps such as essays, interviews, or demonstrated service—and are limited in number.
Does CSU Pueblo offer full-ride or large flagship competitive scholarships? Not at this time. Major awards are automatic merit, Honors, or Foundation/departmental.
Should I still apply for outside scholarships? Yes. Competitive opportunities from private donors or state/national organizations can stack with CSU Pueblo merit offers (subject to stacking limits).
CSU Pueblo Scholarships: https://csupueblo.edu/scholarships
CSU Pueblo Foundation Scholarships: https://csupueblofoundation.com/scholarships
2025–2026 Catalog: https://catalog.csupueblo.edu
🎖️ Honors College
The University Honors Program at CSU Pueblo is designed for highly motivated students who want a deeper academic experience. It’s not automatic—you’ll need to apply—but accepted students gain access to small seminars, faculty mentoring, research opportunities, priority registration, and a close-knit community that can make a big campus feel more personal.
High school GPA around 3.8+ or ACT 26+ / SAT 1200+, or a 3.5 college GPA if transferring.
Strong academic rigor, leadership experiences, and faculty recommendations.
- Priority registration and smaller class sizes
- Dedicated Honors seminars and research opportunities
- Faculty mentoring and thesis/project guidance
- Special housing and community-building events
💡 Honors Program-Specific Aid
- Honors Scholarship: All accepted Honors students are automatically considered for a merit-based award—typically $2,000 plus up to $1,000 for room and board (cannot stack with Presidential, Distinguished, or Promising Scholar—students receive the highest).
- Access to Competitive Scholarships: Honors students are often given priority for departmental, donor-funded, and external awards because of their academic standing.
- Stackability: The Honors Scholarship can be combined with the Living Learning Incentive and First Generation Scholarship, but not with automatic merit awards.
- Academic Requirements: Honors scholarships require maintaining a high GPA (≥3.5) and active participation for renewal each year.
Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply online and meet the GPA/test or transfer GPA thresholds, plus submit recommendations.
Does it add time to my degree? No. The Honors Minor (21 credits) is designed to integrate with your major so you can graduate on time.
When should I apply? Incoming freshmen are encouraged to apply before their first semester. Transfers and continuing students may apply with a 3.5+ GPA and two faculty recommendations.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes. Honors students are automatically considered for the Honors Scholarship and often get priority for other competitive and donor-funded awards.
CSU Pueblo Honors Program: https://csupueblo.edu/honors-program
CSU Pueblo Honors Program Admission: https://csupueblo.edu/honors-program/admission
University Catalog – Honors Minor: https://catalog.csupueblo.edu
CSU Pueblo Scholarships: https://csupueblo.edu/scholarships
CSU Pueblo Foundation Scholarships: https://csupueblofoundation.com/scholarships
⭐ College Specialty
CSU Pueblo has built a reputation as a regional teaching university that blends professional preparation with community connections. While it isn’t an R1 research school, it carves out strong niches where students can step directly into high-demand careers. Families looking for hands-on, career-ready majors will find some standout options here.
Cybersecurity & Computer Information Systems — CSU Pueblo’s CyberWolves team consistently ranks among the top performers in the National Cyber League, and the university has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense by the NSA. This makes Pueblo one of Colorado’s leaders in applied cybersecurity training.
- Hasan School of Business (AACSB Accredited) — only ~5% of business schools worldwide hold this status, giving CSU Pueblo’s graduates an edge with employers and grad schools.
- Engineering (ABET Accredited) — programs in Industrial, Mechatronics, and Civil Engineering Technology are accredited, ensuring pathways to licensure and recognized rigor.
- Nursing — consistently reports NCLEX first-time pass rates in the 90%+ range, a strong statewide indicator of program quality and student preparation.
- Teacher Preparation (Noyce Scholars Program) — NSF-funded program supports future math and STEM teachers serving high-need districts, reinforcing Pueblo’s role in statewide teacher pipelines.