Colorado State University Scholarships | Merit Aid & Honors at CSU

← Back to College Scholarship Guides

Colorado State University Scholarships

Colorado State University (CSU) offers a wide range of scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students—including automatic merit aid, competitive honors awards, and special programs for high-need or first-generation families. But figuring out which scholarships you actually qualify for? That’s where this page comes in. We’ll break it all down in plain English—no vague “top student” language or hidden requirements.

And if you’re a Colorado resident, don’t forget to check out your Colorado state aid options too.

💰 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

Here’s what families can expect to pay before scholarships or aid are applied:

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees $13,774 $36,113
Room & Board $17,360 $17,360
Books, Supplies, Misc. $4,588 $4,588
📊 Estimated Total $35,722 $58,061
🌐 Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): If your student lives in a qualifying western state, they may be eligible for significantly reduced tuition through the WUE program—roughly $11,000–$15,000/year in savings compared to CSU’s full out-of-state rate.

Not all majors are included, and spots are limited—CSU awards WUE discounts competitively, not automatically. To qualify, your student typically needs a strong GPA and early application.

➤ Learn more at CSU’s WUE page
💡 Net Price (What Families Actually Pay):
The average net price for CSU students receiving aid is around $16,900/year. Your cost may be lower or higher depending on merit aid and financial need. Out-of-state students with WUE or strong merit may see significant savings.

🎓 WUE Questions at CSU

Does CSU participate in the WUE program?
Yes — Colorado State University is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which offers lower tuition to eligible students from certain western states. But CSU awards WUE savings competitively, not automatically. It’s typically based on GPA and when you apply.
How much can WUE save at CSU?
WUE students at CSU usually pay $11,000–$15,000 less per year than full out-of-state students. That’s a potential savings of $44,000–$60,000 over four years, depending on your major and academic profile.
Is WUE guaranteed if I’m from a WUE state?
No — CSU does not guarantee WUE for all eligible students. Admission to the program depends on your academic qualifications and the availability of WUE spots for your major. Some majors aren’t included at all.
Where can I check if my student qualifies?
Visit CSU’s official WUE page for up-to-date eligibility info, a list of participating states, and instructions on how to apply.

🎯 Automatic Scholarships at Colorado State University

CSU offers automatic scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students, awarded at the time of admission based on GPA. No separate scholarship application is required.

🎯 Superscore Accepted: CSU is test-optional, but if your student submits ACT or SAT scores, they will superscore. Scholarships can be awarded based on GPA alone or a combination of GPA + superscored test results.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Gets It?
Green & Gold Scholarship (Colorado Resident) $2,500–$4,000/year Colorado resident, GPA 3.80+ ❌ ✅ (4 years) Awarded automatically to top Colorado students
Green & Gold Scholarship (Non-Resident) $10,000/year 3.3+ GPA (weighted, unweighted, or CSU recalculated) ❌ ✅ (4 years) Most admitted non-resident students with a 3.3+ GPA
Merit Scholarship (In-State) Up to $4,000/year 3.3+ GPA ❌ ✅ Many in-state students with a 3.3+ GPA
WUE Discount ~$11,000–$15,000/year tuition reduction From WUE state + strong GPA (competitive) ❌ ✅ Top students from WUE states; limited availability
CSU Land Grant Award Full cost of attendance Colorado resident, Pell-eligible, admitted by Feb 1 ❌ ✅ Low-income, first-generation students who qualify for federal Pell Grants

🤔 Automatic Scholarship Questions

Does CSU use weighted or unweighted GPA?
CSU will consider weighted, unweighted, or recalculated GPA — whichever benefits your student most. You don’t have to pick or choose; they’ll use the highest version when awarding scholarships.
Should we still send test scores?
If your student has strong ACT or SAT scores, it’s worth sending them — CSU will superscore and use them to increase your scholarship eligibility. But you can still qualify for merit aid based on GPA alone.
Can these scholarships be combined with financial aid?
Yes — CSU’s automatic scholarships stack with need-based aid, Pell Grants, and outside scholarships. The total award can’t exceed the cost of attendance, but most families benefit from both.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at Colorado State University

In addition to automatic scholarships, CSU offers a wide range of competitive awards based on your student’s academic department, background, or leadership experience. These scholarships require a separate application through the CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA), which opens in November and is due March 1.

Why the range?
CSU’s First Gen and Diversity scholarships pull from dozens of different donor-funded awards, which vary from year to year. Some students may receive $1,000 while others receive $4,000 or more — it depends on your application, financial need, and how much funding is available through the CSUSA system.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
CSU First Generation Award $1,000–$4,000/year First-generation college student; FAFSA required ✅ (via CSUSA) ✅ Students who complete both FAFSA and CSUSA with solid essays and need
College of Engineering Scholarships Up to $10,000/year Declared Engineering major, GPA 3.5+; test scores optional ✅ (via CSUSA) ✅ STEM students with academic strength and roles like Robotics Captain or Science Olympiad
CSU Diversity Awards $1,000–$6,000/year Students from underrepresented backgrounds + CSUSA essay ✅ (via CSUSA) Some Applicants with strong personal stories, DEI leadership, or community advocacy

🤔 Competitive Scholarship Questions

What is the CSUSA and how do we fill it out?
The CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA) is a single form students fill out to apply for hundreds of CSU scholarships. It opens in November and is due by March 1. Students log in through their CSU portal and can use one set of essays to apply for multiple awards.
Should we apply even if we don’t have a 4.0?
Yes! Many scholarships consider more than just GPA — including leadership, first-gen status, financial need, and community involvement. If your student has a solid story or impact, it’s absolutely worth applying.
Do these stack with automatic or Pell aid?
In most cases, yes — competitive awards can stack with CSU’s automatic scholarships and need-based aid like Pell Grants. The total just can’t go over the cost of attendance.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at Colorado State

These scholarships don’t always show up on big lists, but they’re worth knowing — especially if your student is involved in marching band, clubs, or is a first-generation student. Many require a separate application, but they’re often less competitive than CSU’s major scholarships.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
First Generation Award + Partnership Stack Up to $7,500–$9,000/year CO resident, first-gen, FAFSA, CSUSA ✅ (CSUSA) ✅ (up to 5 yrs) One of the largest freshman awards — true game-changer
Education Abroad Scholarships $250–$2,500 (one-time) Participate in CSU-led abroad programs ✅ (via OIP application) No Makes study abroad accessible for students who might not afford it
Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Scholarship $500–$2,500/year (estimated) Ag-related majors; donor funded ✅ (CSUSA) Depends on fund Field-specific, meaningful award for ag-focused freshmen
Alliance High School Partnership Award $4,000/year (up to 5 years) CO resident, top 5% class rank, admitted by Feb 1 ❌ ✅ Top-ranked public or partnership HS graduates
Reisher Scholarship $4,000–$11,000/year (2 yrs) Colorado resident sophomore, 24–45 credits, 3.0+ GPA, FAFSA ✅ (separate app) ✅ High-achieving, need-based Colorado sophomores
Robert Noyce STEM Scholarship $10,000/year (2 yrs) STEM major, 60+ credits, 3.0+ GPA, commit to teaching in high-need area ✅ (separate app) ✅ STEM students planning public school teaching careers
Global Access Award (Education Abroad) $4,000–$6,000 total First-gen/low-income, approved education abroad through OIP ✅ (via abroad app) No First-gen/low-income students traveling abroad
CSU Marching Band Awards $500–$1,000/year Membership in CSU’s marching or pep band ✅ ✅ Students active in campus band ensembles
Community Engagement Scholarships $500–$2,000 Active involvement in service, clubs, or leadership ✅ (via CSUSA) Some Students who lead student orgs, mentor others, or volunteer regularly
First-Gen Ram Scholarship $1,000–$2,000/year First-generation student; short essay required ✅ (via CSUSA) No Applicants who share compelling personal stories and goals

💡 Hidden Scholarships – FAQ

What makes these scholarships “hidden”?
These aren’t advertised as clearly as automatic merit scholarships—and many are tied to first-gen status, specific majors, or study abroad. They often require digging around CSU websites or applying through the CSUSA system.
Can these stack with automatic and Pell aid?
In most cases, yes. As long as your student doesn’t go over the full cost of attendance, CSU will let scholarships stack—so it’s smart to apply for everything you qualify for.
Do we need to apply separately for these?
Some do require the CSUSA scholarship application (usually due March 1), while others—like study abroad or ag-specific awards—may have their own separate forms. Check the individual award details in the table above.

🎓 Honors College at Colorado State University

CSU’s Honors Program offers motivated students a smaller community within a large public university. Honors students take specialized courses that are capped at 15–20 students, with a focus on discussion, critical thinking, and personal development. It’s designed for students who want to push themselves beyond the basics—and who don’t mind a few extra assignments to do it.

Admission is not automatic. You must submit a separate application—usually right after you’re admitted to CSU. That application includes:

  • ✅ A 500–750 word essay
  • ✅ A short résumé or activity list
  • ✅ Optional ACT or SAT scores

The admissions team looks for strong writers, curious thinkers, and students with a track record of leadership or initiative. Most accepted students have around a 3.8+ unweighted GPA, though they do consider the full application holistically.

Honors students are eligible to live in Academic Village Honors, which features suite-style rooms, in-building classrooms, and dedicated honors staff. This housing option is highly rated—but it’s not required.

One of the biggest perks is the priority course registration, which can be a lifesaver at a larger school. Students can also pursue research earlier and are often the first to hear about internship or leadership openings on campus.

While CSU mentions that Honors students may be eligible for “additional scholarships,” these aren’t listed publicly and details are hard to come by. The university keeps things vague, and these awards—if offered—are usually routed through the CSUSA application or tied to a specific major. Bottom line: don’t count on a guaranteed Honors scholarship, but keep an eye out once your student is accepted.

💡 Should your student apply?
If they enjoy writing, have a 3.7+ GPA, and want access to research or tight-knit mentorship from day one, it’s worth a shot. The app is short, and there’s no fee.

Learn more or apply here: CSU Honors College Admissions

💡 CSU Honors College – FAQ

Is the Honors College automatic if my student has a high GPA?
No. Your student needs to submit a separate Honors College application after being admitted to CSU. The process is quick, but it includes an essay and short résumé or activity list.
Are there guaranteed scholarships for Honors students?
No. CSU is vague about scholarship opportunities tied to Honors. Some students may receive departmental or research-based awards through the CSUSA system, but there’s no automatic scholarship just for getting in.
Is Honors housing required?
It’s optional. Honors students can choose to live in Academic Village Honors (a dedicated hall with in-building classes and study spaces), but they’re not required to.
Is the Honors College actually worth it?
If your student likes small classes, research opportunities, and extra mentorship, it’s a great value—especially at a large public university. But it’s not for everyone. There’s no extra cost, so applying is low-risk even if they decide later not to enroll.

✅ What to Do Next

Colorado State offers a surprising number of automatic and competitive scholarships—plus solid perks for first-gen and honors students. But most families miss out because they don’t know what’s required or when to apply.

  • 📌 Mark your calendar: The CSUSA application usually opens in October and is due by March 1.
  • 📌 Apply early for admission to be considered for automatic awards.
  • 📌 Check your eligibility for Green & Gold, WUE savings, and other regional tuition discounts.
  • 📌 Don’t forget the Honors College app if your student is curious and motivated—there’s no harm in trying.

Still comparing offers? Our free tool can help:

👉 Download the College Offer Comparison Sheet (PDF)

Scroll to Top