5 Best Colorado Scholarships

Updated October 29, 2021 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff

Search Programs

Scholarships for Colorado

Reeling in scholarships for Colorado Colleges and Universities online or in person can help college-bound graduates afford the cost of studying "Where the Columbines Grow." Positioned in the Southern Rockies, Colorado is the country's eighth most extensive state and home to 5.4 million. Outdoor adventurists adore spending 4+ years surrounded by Colorado's natural beauty, such as Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Mesa Verde. Since General Palmer founded Colorado College in 1874, the state's higher education system has grown to 30 public and 17 private schools. Whether you prefer a large research institute like the University of Northern Colorado or quaint liberal arts school like Fort Lewis College, you'll find a first-rate fit here. In fact, the University of Colorado Boulder was named America's 38th top public college by the U.S. News. Capitalize on available scholarships in Colorado to reduce your degree's financial burden.

Featured Online Schools

1. Celebrate the West Art Competition

The Western Governors’ Association (WGA) started the Celebrate the West Art Competition to support visual artists living in 19 states, including Colorado. One Grand Prize winner receives $1,000, one Second Place winner earns $500, and other finalists claim $200 each. To enter, students must submit an original two-dimensional art piece inspired by their state’s landmarks or culture. Judges will accept submissions in Denver until April 30th.

Eligibility

  • Be high school students in grades 9-12
  • Legally reside in any WGA member state
  • Show artistic inspiration from the Western U.S.
  • Intend to pursue post-secondary education

Scholarship Website

2. CSF Fiesta Queen Scholarship and Pageant

The Colorado State Fair established the Fiesta Pageant in 1966 to celebrate the state’s Hispanic culture. Annually, young unmarried Latina women between 18 and 22 years old compete for the coveted Fiesta Queen Scholarship, which is worth $2,500. First attendants receive $1,250 and second attendants win $1,000 too. The Pageant will take place in July at Colorado State University-Pueblo.

Eligibility

  • Have resided in Colorado for at least six months
  • Be United States citizens or eligible non-citizens
  • Attend any Colorado higher learning institution
  • Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0

Scholarship Website

3. MCA Failure Fair Scholarships

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver grants its Failure Fair Scholarships to young Coloradoans who submit an innovative, risk-taking creative project. High schoolers are asked to present a drawing, painting, sculpture, dance, theatrical production, or musical composition with a 500-word essay description of the fantastical idea. Proposals are received from February 17th through March 20th. Finalists will receive scholarships from $500 to $10,000.

Eligibility

  • Be seniors at Colorado high schools
  • Plan to attend accredited four-year colleges
  • Exhibit artistic creativity and willingness to risk failure
  • Have academic merit with a 2.5 GPA or higher

Scholarship Website

4. MGMA Western Section Scholarship

Coloradoans interested in the medical practice management field could benefit from the MGMA Western Section Scholarship, one of 10 funds coordinated by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). Undergraduate and graduate students stepping outside traditional clinical-related professions for administration could win up to $5,000. Before May 1st, entrants need to submit a brief narrative, resume, transcript, and three recommendations.

Eligibility

  • Attend accredited colleges in 13 Western states
  • Have current, dues-paying MGMA membership
  • Major in health administration, business, management, or public health
  • Present a sound academic record with a 3.0 GPA or better

Scholarship Website

5. Burg Simpson College Scholarship Program

As a premier law firm in Denver, Burg Simpson initiated a College Scholarship Program that awards one $2,500 and nine $1,000 awards yearly. College-bound high schoolers are encouraged to submit an original 1,500-word essay for the competition. Essay topics must center on how the civil jury system protects American rights and liberties. Properly formatting a bibliography with at least four trusted sources is required.

Eligibility

  • Be seniors at accredited Colorado high schools
  • Intend to pursue a two- or four-year college degree
  • Exhibit a commitment to community service
  • Not infringe upon copyright laws

Scholarship Website

Attending college in the "Centennial State" can be a costly endeavor. For the 2015-16 academic year, the average tuition bill cost $5,995 for Colorado residents and $16,077 for non-residents. It's not uncommon for the dollar signs to rise higher at Colorado's private schools though. For example, the University of Denver requires a yearly investment of $45,288 for tuition alone. Keep in mind that learners don't usually pay these hefty sticker prices. Financial aid resources like the above 5 best scholarships for Colorado can lower out-of-pocket costs.

Know of a scholarship available specifically for Colorado students that we missed? Contact us.

Recommended Reading

See all posts