Colorado Christian University: Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education that equips students to impact the world. Understanding the financial challenges of pursuing higher education, CCU offers various scholarships and grants to ease the financial burden for both undergraduate and graduate students. These opportunities are designed to reward hard work, recognize achievements, and support students' dreams.

Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students

CCU is committed to guiding students through the financial aid process, offering a Christ-centered education that develops them academically, professionally, and spiritually. Most CCU students qualify for financial aid, scholarships, or grants, significantly lowering the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Academic Merit Scholarships for Freshmen

For new, first-time freshmen enrolling in the College of Undergraduate Studies for the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year, CCU offers academic scholarships that recognize hard work in high school. A first-time freshman is defined as a student starting their first year of college or with 14 or fewer credits after high school graduation. These scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters or until the completion of an undergraduate degree, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and continuous enrollment in the College of Undergraduate Studies.

These scholarships apply only to tuition for on-campus enrollment, and students must take courses that count toward their degree requirements in an eligible program of study. Eligibility is based on the cumulative GPA from the last high school attended and, in some cases, a standardized test score (ACT, SAT, or CLT).

Submitting test scores by August 1st of the enrollment year is crucial for scholarship eligibility. The higher the GPA or test score, the higher the academic merit scholarship that can be earned.

The academic merit scholarships include:

World Changers Scholarship: A full-tuition scholarship awarded annually on a competitive basis to new students who qualify as Trustees or Distinguished Achievement Scholars. Recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA at CCU and meet all student aid eligibility requirements. Standardized test scores are required for participation, and special academic program terms and conditions apply.
Distinguished Achievement Scholarship: \$24,000 per year (\$96,000 maximum). Requires a 4.0 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 30, SAT composite score of 1370, or CLT score of 97.
Trustees' Scholarship: \$21,000 per year (\$84,000 maximum). Typically requires a 3.8 GPA and an ACT score of 28, SAT composite score of 1310, or CLT score of 92.
President's Scholarship: \$18,000 per year (\$72,000 maximum). Typically requires a 3.6 GPA and an ACT score of 24, SAT composite score of 1180, or CLT score of 79. If test scores are not submitted, the required GPA range is 3.6 - 3.79.
Deans' Scholarship: \$16,000 per year (\$64,000 maximum). Typically requires a 3.4 GPA and an ACT score of 23, SAT composite score of 1140, or CLT score of 75. If test scores are not submitted, the required GPA range is 3.4 - 3.59.
Honors Scholarship: \$14,000 per year (\$56,000 maximum). Typically requires a 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 22, SAT composite score of 1110, or CLT score of 72. If test scores are not submitted, the required GPA range is 3.0 - 3.39.

Transfer Student Scholarships

For transfer students enrolling in the College of Undergraduate Studies for the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year, CCU offers scholarships based on their academic performance. Transfer students with 15 or more post-high school college credits will have their scholarships based on their cumulative GPA from all colleges attended. Those with less than 15 post-high-school college credits will have their scholarships based on their GPA from the last high school attended and ACT or SAT composite test score.

These scholarships include:

Distinction Scholarship: \$14,000 per year (\$7,000 per semester). Requires a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Commendation Scholarship: \$12,000 per year (\$6,000 per semester). Requires a minimum GPA of 3.25.
Recognition Scholarship: \$10,000 per year (\$5,000 per semester). Requires a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Institutional Scholarships for Freshmen and Transfer Students

CCU also offers institutional scholarships for first-time freshmen and transfer students enrolling in the College of Undergraduate Studies for the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year. These awards recognize initiative and engagement, such as visiting campus or applying early.

Rocky Mountain Region Preferred Admission Scholarship: \$2,000 per year for residents of Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming who apply and deposit by the Preferred Admission deadline.
General Preferred Admission Scholarship: \$1,000 per year.
Core Program Scholarship (New Freshmen Only): \$1,000 per year (\$4,000 maximum) for students admitted to CCU by March 1, 2026, and enrolled in specific core programs like Education, Kinesiology, Music, or Nursing.
Travel Scholarship: A one-time \$500 scholarship for visiting CCU’s campus.

Additional CCU Grants and Scholarships

CCU provides additional scholarship and grant opportunities to students enrolled in the College of Undergraduate Studies, which do not need to be repaid.

Athletics Scholarship: Available to student-athletes recommended by the CCU Athletics Department. Scholarship amounts vary, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Beckman Scholarship: Given to students with financial need, as determined by federal methodology. Students must apply for federal aid to be considered.
Legacy Scholarship: Assists children and/or siblings of CCU alumni and current students.
Music Performance Scholarship: Available to students who exhibit exceptional musical ability, requiring an audition and participation in a choir or band ensemble.
Partner Initiative Scholarships: Offered in partnership with Christian high schools to provide financial opportunities for prospective students associated with these organizations.

Endowed and Recurring Scholarships

CCU offers a variety of endowed and recurring scholarships for Undergraduate Studies students, funded by generous donors. These scholarships celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and commitment, with opportunities tailored to specific strengths and goals in fields like Business, Education, Humanities, Music, Science, Theology, and Athletics.

CCU Legacy and Partner Christian Scholarships

CCU invests in students' futures through Legacy and Partner Scholarships. Children or siblings of CCU alumni or current students may receive the Legacy Scholarship: \$1,250 per year, up to \$5,000 over eight semesters. Partner Organizations scholarships are available for students connected to partner schools or ministries, offering the same amount.

Federal and State Grants

Students have access to federal and state grants that do not need to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need, while SEOG grants provide extra help for Pell recipients. Colorado residents may also qualify for the Colorado State Opportunity Grant.

Financial Aid for Adult and Graduate Students

CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS) offers financial aid options designed to make earning a degree affordable and accessible for adult learners in challenging financial situations.

Scholarships for New Students

Alumni Scholarship: For CCU students, or students of our heritage institutions, who have graduated with a bachelor's degree. Qualified applicants may receive up to \$5,000 towards their continued studies through CCU Online.
Transfer Student Scholarship: For transfer students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree, scholarships range from \$500 to \$2,000 toward tuition based on GPA and the number of credits transferred.

Scholarships for Current Students

Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship: Recognizes non-traditional adult undergraduate students for their academic excellence and superior leadership.
CAGS Recurring Scholarships: The Colonel Russell Lee Craig Jr. Recurring Scholarships supports veterans, and the James 1:27 Recurring Scholarship is offered to students who have lost a spouse.
The Hope Fund: Provides vital scholarship dollars for hard-working adult students who otherwise would be unable to continue their education.

Grants

Federal Pell Grants: Awarded to undergraduate students based on financial need and do not have to be paid back.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to undergraduate students with the most need, with limited funds available.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH Grant): Provides \$4,000 per year in grant funding for qualified students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas.
Educator Recruitment and Retention Program: Provides up to \$10,000 in one-time financial assistance toward educator preparation program costs for qualified program applicants who commit to teaching in a rural or small rural district for three years.
College Opportunity Fund: Undergraduate students may be eligible to receive Colorado's College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipends to offset their cost of attendance.
Colorado State Opportunity Grant: Eligible undergraduate students may receive a Colorado State Opportunity Grant, subject to annual state funding availability.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Estimate Your Cost: Use the net price calculator for the College of Undergraduate Studies to estimate financial aid and scholarships available.
Complete the FAFSA: The first step in being considered for any type of financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). New students in CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies must complete CCU's Application for Admission and the FAFSA prior to receiving a financial aid award.
Explore Scholarship Search Engines: Research scholarship opportunities through scholarship search engines.
Visit the University's Financial Aid Office: Contact the university's financial aid office for more information.

Additional Ways to Stretch Your College Investment Dollars

Transfer Credit: CCU honors previous accredited college coursework toward the completion of an undergraduate degree.
Prior Learning Assessment: Adult undergraduate students may be able to earn college credit for life experience.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST: Earn credit for general education and elective credit hours toward a bachelor's degree.
Military Benefits: CCU provides educational benefits for military service members and veterans, including reduced tuition and education credit for military experience.
Convenient Class Locations and Online Programs: CCU offers courses at various locations throughout Colorado and many online degree programs to defray travel costs.
StraighterLine Partnership: CCU has teamed up with StraighterLine to provide an affordable and convenient pathway to a CCU degree through transferable online college courses.
Payment Options: Explore CCU's Payment Options to make higher education more affordable.

Resources for Christian Students

For students of the Christian faith, a range of organizations and resources are available to support their spiritual growth and community engagement during their college years.

Read also: The history of Colorado Mesa

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI): A global organization promoting Christian education and providing support services to Christian schools and educators.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: A vibrant community for Christian students on over 700 college campuses nationwide.
Chi Alpha Campus Ministries: Committed to empowering Christian students.
Global Medical Missions Alliance (GMMA): Caters to current and aspiring Christian healthcare professionals, providing an international platform for mentorship, networking, and mission opportunities.
Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation: Supports missionary children in obtaining a high-quality Christian college education.

Student Loan Debt

At Colorado Christian University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is \$28,312. Additionally, 12% of graduating students at Colorado Christian University took out private loans, with an average of \$34,599 in private loan debt at graduation.

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