15 Military Friendly Colleges in Colorado

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Military Friendly Colleges in Colorado

Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in Colorado

There are many military friendly colleges in Colorado. According to the VA, in 2022, 191 Colorado schools received Post 9/11 GI bill funds for over 24,000 students totaling over $191 million dollars.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB – AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB – SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

The most used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At Colorado colleges, 80% of the beneficiaries used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund their education.

Military Program# of 2023 veterans eaRNING aid at Colorado colleges
Post 9 / 1115,449
MGIB – AD362
MIGB – SR302
REAP0
DEA4,222
VEAP0
TOTAL20,335

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA

 

 

15 Military Friendly Colleges in Colorado in 2024

These 15 military friendly colleges in Colorado are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2023 / 2024 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many of these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the colleges and the VA pay the tuition and mandatory fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

1 Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
4435 N Chestnut Street | Colorado Springs, CO 80907

CTU has supported active duty military, veterans and their spouses since 1965. In 2008, CTU created the Patriot Scholarship to give back to those whose lives have been altered due to injury while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This scholarship is awarded to 50 people per year. The CTU MOS Commitment helps transfer military experience and training into CTU credits. The school has tuition policies just for Veterans and Service members.

CTU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering unlimited awards for an unlimited number of students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $13,725
Grad: $13,145

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,075
Grad: 187

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 82%

2 Colorado State University-Fort Collins
102 Administration Building | Fort Collins, CO 80523

Colorado State University has served many veterans, active duty personnel and reservists since 1870. We have listed it as number one on our, “Military Friendly Colleges in Colorado” list. SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society was formed and is headquartered out of Colorado State. SALUTE is the only national honor society in the nation honoring the service and scholastic achievements of our veterans. CSU offers a variety of scholarships and services for veterans and families. The college also offers credit for military training.

This school is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers an unlimited number of students per year an unlimited max contribution each year, per student.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $12,292
Grad: $11,663

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 861
Grad: 160

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 73%

3 University of Colorado Boulder
Regent Drive at Bdwy | Boulder, CO 80309

Some of the many services and organizations include the Veteran Ambassador Program (VAP), the Colorado Boulder Student Veterans Association (SVA), a Student Veteran Lounge, Academic Counseling, Math Tutoring, Counseling and Psychiatric Services, and the Boulder Veteran Center.

The school offers credit for military training and several tuition policies for veterans and service members. UC Boulder offers an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon scholarships up to $5,000 per year, per student.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $14,520
Grad: $15,973

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 963
Grad: 128

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 82%
Part Time: 82%

4 University of Colorado Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy | Colorado Springs, CO 80918

UCCS strives to provide transition help in the form of financial, social, and academic support for all veteran and military service members and their families. UCCS has a chapter of SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society on campus.

The Books for Battle Buddies program accepts donations and lets military members and veterans check out a textbook for free. The Boots to Suits program provides student veterans a way to gain a better understanding work environments.

UCCS offers tuition policies for veterans and service members. The college also offers credit for military training. UCCS participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering unlimited awards for an unlimited number of students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,087
Grad: $9,295

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,018
Grad: 206

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: 67%

 

5 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical
Campus
1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400, Denver, Colorado 80217

University of Colorado Denver offers several online programs that may interest military students. One is the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Veteran and Military Healthcare (VMHC) degree. It is about providing patient care to veteran and military service members within health care delivery systems.

U of Colorado Online also offers personalized support. Whether with admissions, advising, career, veteran and military student services, and financial aid practices in higher education. They may also serve to connect you with resources and services on campus to help take the stress away.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,303
Grad: $12,061

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 476
Grad: 224

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 85%
Part Time: 80%

 

 

6 Metropolitan State University of Denver
Speer Blvd and Colfax Ave | Denver, CO 80217

MSU Denver provides a community for student veterans as they transition into college life, graduate successfully, and begin their civilian careers. The college has a chapter of SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society on campus as well as a Student Veterans Organization. MSU offers tuition policies for veterans and service members. The school also offers credit for military training.

MSU Denver is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon scholarships up to an unlimited amount per year, per student.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,930
Grad: $12,807

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 320
Grad: 14

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: 78%

7University of Denver
2199 S. University Blvd | Denver, CO 80208

The DU family includes about 300 military and veteran students and an additional 100 military spouses and dependents. DU facilitates the Veterans’ Peer to Peer Network program which pairs incoming veteran students with experienced veteran students. Right Foot Forward is another available transition program for veteran students. This program matches veterans with mentors based on career goals. DU offers credit for military training and has tuition policies specifically for veterans and service members.

University of Denver offers an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon scholarships for both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with award amounts varying by division or school.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $22,119
Grad: $16,296

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 140
Grad: 395

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 50%
Part Time: N/A

8 Colorado Christian University
8787 West Alameda Ave | Lakewood, CO 80226

CCU is dedicated to supporting military students and their dependents, prioritizing their success as they balance military service or post-military life with their educational aspirations. Financial aid counselors and military benefits advisers are accessible to assist students with various aspects, including financial aid, tuition, and navigating military and VA benefits. CCU provides tailored tuition policies for veterans and service members, acknowledging their military training with appropriate credit.

Colorado Christian University extends an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate levels. This comprises $10,000 per undergraduate student and $5,000 per graduate student annually.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,566
Grad: $9,603

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 314
Grad: 78

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 73%

 

 

9 Colorado State University-Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Blvd | Pueblo, CO 81001

CSU Pueblo has over 400 veteran, dependent, and active duty students on the campus each semester. The Military and Veteran Success Center offers transition help for currently enrolled students. It provides computers with free printing, free coffee, use of a kitchen, a big screen TV, a lounge area, and a textbook library.

CSU Pueblo also offers credit for military training and experience. The school does offer tuition policies for veterans and service members.

CSU Pueblo participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program by offering up to 100 students a max contribution of $5,000 per year, per student.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,736
Grad: $11,013

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 153
Grad: 10

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 70%
Part Time: 38%

 

10 Colorado School of Mines
1500 Illinois St | Golden, CO 80401

This college enrolls about 130 students who use the various veterans’ and tuition assistance programs.

There are also tuition policies for military members. The school also offers service members credit for military experience.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,282
Grad: $13,136

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 127
Grad: 8

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

 

11University of Northern Colorado
Carter Hall – Rm 4000 | Greeley, CO 80639

UNC aids veterans in transitioning by providing dedicated support. They offer a separate space that fosters a strong and inclusive community. UNC hosts a chapter of the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society on campus and has initiated a Battle Buddy program to connect service members.

The university provides tailored tuition policies and scholarships for veterans and service members, along with granting credit for military training and experience.

As part of its commitment, the University of Northern Colorado participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering an unlimited number of students an unrestricted yearly contribution.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,322
Grad: $7,795

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 135
Grad: 50

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 67%

12 Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
1600 Pierce St | Lakewood, CO 80214

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design warmly welcomes active duty service members, National Guards, Reservists, veterans, spouses, and their dependents.

They provide tailored tuition policies for Veterans and Service members, along with granting academic credit for military-acquired learning. The school maintains an 80% retention rate for students benefiting from military education, specifically for full-time students.

RMCAD operates as an Unlimited Yellow Ribbon school, ensuring all eligible students can fully cover their tuition through this program.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $15,739
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 145
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: N/A

 

 

13 Colorado Mesa University
110 North Ave | Grand Junction, CO 81501

CMU adheres to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Principles of Excellence, affirming their dedication to assisting those who have served in the military. Alongside the Veterans Tutoring Veterans initiative, CMU hosts PAVE (Peer Advisers for Veteran Education), providing complimentary tutoring to veterans and dependents.

The university extends tuition policies and scholarships tailored to veterans and service members. Furthermore, CMU grants credits for military training and experience.

Colorado Mesa actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering an unrestricted number of students an unlimited annual maximum contribution.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,784
Grad: $N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 208
Grad: 0

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 73%
Part Time: 50%

 

14Community College of Aurora
16000 E CentreTech Pky, Aurora, Colorado 80011

The Community College of Aurora assists new and current students with military and veterans services, aiding in resource location, enrollment at CCA, and accessing military tuition assistance and VA education benefits.

Additionally, the school evaluates eligible credits for expertise acquired in the U.S. Military, following ACE guidelines and utilizing the Joint Service Transcript (JST) for current or former Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy personnel.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,688
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 114
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 79%
Part Time: 62%

 

15Aims Community College
5401 W. 20th St., Greeley, Colorado 80634

Veterans from the U.S. Army, Marines, Coast Guard, or Navy can request an evaluation of their military transcripts for potential college credits. Similarly, members of the Air Force can arrange for their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts to be forwarded to the college for assessment.

For veteran and military-affiliated students seeking resources, the school offers the AIMS Veterans Handbook for download. Additionally, there’s a dedicated space known as the Veterans Engagement Hub, a lounge designed for interaction among peers, studying, or connecting with the Aims Veterans Engagement Coordinator.

Students can also engage with the campus through the Warriors to Scholars: Student Veterans Organization and the SALUTE National Honor Society.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,202
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 114
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 68%
Part Time: 31%

 

What are Chapter 35 benefits in Colorado?

Chapter 35 benefits, also known as the DEA program, assist the children or spouses of Veterans or service members dealing with death, capture, disability, or being missing. This aid helps cover the costs of school or job training.

Is joining the military worthwhile for college?

Yes, Military service provides access to valuable education benefits, such as the post 9-11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, making education accessible and affordable.

What GPA is required for Army tuition assistance?

For Army tuition assistance, the GPA requirements are 2.0 for undergraduates after 15 semester hours and 3.0 for graduates after 6 semester hours. Soldiers on GPA hold can update their counselor with improved grades from classes funded outside Army TA to raise their GPA and remove the hold when applicable.

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

Sources for school statistics is the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

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