McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (UHY, 2015) allows homeless youth under the age of 23 the eligibility to obtain in-state tuition based on their own information. The Act defines an unaccompanied homeless youth as a youth whose living situation is not “fixed, regular, and adequate,” (homeless) and who is “not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian” (unaccompanied).

Qualifications:

Student must be an unaccompanied homeless youth living in Colorado for the 12 months preceding the first day of classes and be able to prove that Colorado is their home of permanent residence.

• Evidence of 12 months physical presence in Colorado met (physical presence)
• Evidence of intent to remain in Colorado met (ties to Colorado)

Steps:

• Submit completed residency change request (see forms and deadlines) using student’s information.

The Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET, 2013) bill was signed into law at MSU Denver in 2013. Under this bill, U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents and students without lawful immigration status who meet MSU Denver’s admission requirements and the necessary qualifications outlined below are eligible for in-state tuition.

Qualifications:

• Have been physically present for the 12 months immediately prior to the start of the semester.
• Have attended a public or private high school in Colorado for at least three years immediately before graduating high school or obtaining a GED.
• Be admitted to a Colorado college or university within 12 months of graduation from a Colorado high school or completion of a Colorado GED.

Steps:

• Submit completed residency change request (see forms and deadlines) using parent/legal guardian's information.
• Submit your official high school transcript to the Office of Admissions.
• Students without lawful immigration status may apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) and complete the affidavit indicating that you have applied for legal presence or will apply as soon as you are eligible to do so.

Additional information can be found at College in Colorado: Colorado ASSET.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA, 2012) is a federal program that is not directly tied to education but allows students without lawful status to gain in-state tuition as long as they meet the necessary qualifications as outlined below.

Qualifications:

Parent/legal guardian’s must have lived in Colorado for 12 months preceding the first day of classes and be able to prove that Colorado is their home of permanent residence

• Student has a valid approved DACA status that was issued at least 12-months prior to the first day of classes.
• Evidence of 12 months physical presence in Colorado met (physical presence).
• Evidence of intent to remain in Colorado met (ties to Colorado).

Steps:

• Submit completed residency change request (see forms and deadlines) using parent/legal guardian's information.
• Provide proof of valid status.

Qualifications:

Student must have been married,  lived in Colorado for 12 months preceding the first day of classes and be able to prove that Colorado is their home of permanent residence.

• Evidence of 12 months physical presence in Colorado met (physical presence)
• Evidence of intent to remain in Colorado met (ties to Colorado)

Steps:

• Submit completed residency change request (see forms and deadlines) using student’s information.
• Submit marriage license.
• Submit supportive documentation which may include but is not limited to a Lease Contract, Mortgage Contract, Property Deed, Utility Bill, Identification or Driver’s License, Motor Vehicle Record, Employment Letter, Income Tax Returns and/or Bank Statements.

Qualifications:

Student must have been financially independent from their parent/legal guardian, lived in Colorado for 12 months preceding the first day of classes and be able to prove that Colorado is their home of permanent residence.

• Evidence of 12 months physical presence in Colorado met (physical presence)
• Evidence of intent to remain in Colorado met (ties to Colorado)

Steps:

• Complete the Petition for In-State Tuition using student’s information.
• Submit the Emancipation Determination Form that includes either the parent/legal guardian notarized Statement for Minor Claiming Emancipation OR sign the Student’s Declaration of Emancipation.
• Submit student’s and parent/legal guardian’s State and Federal income tax returns for the last year filed.
• Submit 12 months of financial statements that document all financial obligations are met without any financial assistance from any other individual.
• Provide additional supportive documentation as specified on the forms.

The tuition law was updated to reflect economic benefits (2007 & 2009) for the state when companies and employees move to Colorado. Students affected by a job relocation to Colorado within 12 months preceding classes may be eligible for in-state tuition.

Qualifications and Steps:

• Student, parent/legal guardian (employer) moved entire business operations to Colorado as a result of receiving an incentive from the Colorado Office of Economic Development or an incentive from a local government economic incentive program.
  • Complete the Local Economic Development Incentive Form‌ using the employee’s information.
  • Submit letter verifying that the business’s move to Colorado was based on an economic incentive from the Colorado Office of Economic Development or a local government economic incentive program AND that the student or the student’s parent/legal guardian was employed by the company prior to the relocation.
• Student’s parent/legal guardian moved the family to Colorado to accept a job during the student’s senior year in high school.
  • Complete the In-State Correction Form using student’s information.
  • Submit letter verifying parent/legal guardian job relocation to Colorado.
  • Submit unofficial high school transcript or enrollment verification with high school start date.
• Student’s parent/legal guardian moved to Colorado to take a faculty position at a state-supported institution of higher education.
  • Complete the In-State Correction Form using parent/legal guardian’s information.
  • Submit parent/legal guardian’s job offer letter on school’s letterhead.