Tuition rate change takes effect Jan. 1 2021

Attending college in Colorado will become more affordable for many military servicemembers, veterans and their families under a new state law.

Through House Bill 1275, which Gov. Jared Polis signed into law on March 27, servicemembers, veterans, their spouses and their children under 22 will receive in-state tuition even if they come from outside of Colorado. It also covers survivors of deceased servicemembers.

The law applies to the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), which spans 13 colleges and 40 campus locations statewide. More than 8,000 military-related students attend a CCCS program.

“We’re grateful to the legislature and the governor for supporting servicemembers and veterans with this meaningful change to make our programs more accessible,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of CCCS.

Military families move frequently, making in-state tuition residency requirements hard to meet.

The legislation was sponsored by state Representative Bri Buentello and Senators Dennis Hisey and Pete Lee.

“I believe that it’s our duty to support and thank our troops and their families for their sacrifice to this country, said Representative Buentello. “HB 1275 will allow our military and their families to go to college at the in-state tuition rate, regardless of how long they’ve been physically living in the state, saving our troops thousands of dollars in tuition.”