New Colorado Tax Credit Offers Two Years Free College: What to Know

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently signed a landmark bill to make higher education more accessible in the Centennial State. Proponents say the new law, the Colorado Promise: Two Free Years of College Expanded, will help reduce financial barriers for many students and families.

In a release, Polis pointed out that under Colorado Promise, any public four-year college, community college, or trade school will be free for more Coloradans.

“This will strengthen Colorado’s workforce, provide new pathways for students to gain in-demand skills, and save Coloradans thousands of dollars — helping ensure that higher education is affordable for everyone,” Polis stated.

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The initiative, which starts this fall, is designed to help more students from families with lower and middle incomes pursue higher education without the burden of significant debt.

Here’s more of what you need to know.

Is college tuition free in Colorado?

The Colorado Promise program will offer two years of tuition and fees at any public four-year college, community college, or trade school in Colorado for students whose families earn less than $90,000 annually. 

According to the Colorado Department of Education website, “the tax credit covers up to the first 65 credits a student takes, not counting any concurrent enrollment, AP/IB, military credit, or credit for prior learning.”

• To be eligible for this program, students must qualify for in-state tuition and complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). 
• Additionally, they must enroll in college within two years of graduating high school to pursue a degree and have a semester minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA).

Qualifying students initially pay tuition out-of-pocket and the reimbursement is for tuition and fees after accounting for any scholarships or grants. However, eligible students can claim reimbursement during tax season through a refundable income tax credit.

• For example, students starting their education in the fall of 2024 will claim their tax credit on their 2025 returns, filed in early 2026. 
• That means families cover tuition upfront, with reimbursement following the subsequent tax year. 

The lag between paying tuition and receiving the tax credit could be challenging for some. Still, long-term benefits of reducing student debt and enhancing access to education are potentially substantial.

Note: According to state officials, the program specifics may vary depending on the requirements of each educational institution. 

TABOR Colorado

Funding for the free tuition initiative involves reallocating state tax revenues to fund the educational costs for eligible students. The program leverages funds collected above the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) cap. (TABOR requires that excess revenue be returned to Colorado taxpayers.)

TABOR payments/refunds are based on whether the state exceeds a surplus revenue threshold. For example, as Kiplinger has reported, 2024 TABOR payments will be flat or equal across the board. Current estimates are that single filers could receive about $847 and joint filers, $1,694.

Other Colorado tax relief

In addition to the Colorado Promise initiative, Gov. Polis recently signed other tax bills designed to support families and improve economic conditions. Meanwhile, Coloradans will also have the opportunity to vote on property tax proposals in November. 

Two proposed property tax measures on the state ballot would provide tax relief to homeowners facing soaring property values.

Related

• Colorado State Tax Guide
• Colorado EV Tax Credit Rises to $5,000
• Are Scholarships Taxable or Tax Free?