Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 74.27
Liaison Konrad Schlarbaum
Submission Date Feb. 15, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of Colorado Colorado Springs
PA-7: Affordability and Access

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.52 / 4.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have policies and programs to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
Yes

A brief description of any policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students:

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is here to serve a diverse, low income (over 30% Pell eligible), often first-generation, excellent student body. We have always been-and will continue to be-a university focused first and foremost on our students, and on the delivery to them of educational quality, excellence and opportunity. We are absolutely committed to keeping the public in public education, and to providing access to an excellent regional, comprehensive research university for all of southern Colorado-and beyond. UCCS actively recruits students from low-income populations and offers some of the least expensive tuition rates in the state of Colorado.

Currently, UCCS works with with Lamar Community College, Trinidad State Junior College, and Otero Junior College using distance technologies and CISCO systems. Concurrent engineering enrollment is available at Pikes Peak Community College. The programs utilize a UCCS partnership with computer networking company CISCO to deliver courses via CISCO telepresence. The courses are delivered in high-definition television and allow for real-time student and faculty interaction. Traditional on-line courses also are available.

For several years, UCCS has worked closely with Colorado community colleges to ensure that credits earned at the community college level transfer to UCCS. Community college students who enroll in a UCCS University Connection program receive application fee waivers, are eligible for as much as $1,600 in tuition reimbursements, and receive specialized advising to ensure smooth transition.

The UCCS Promise helps eligible low income families who are Colorado residents meet the cost of tuition, books and fees. Students must meet priority date and enroll full-time to be eligible for the UCCS Promise. http://scribe.uccs.edu/?p=6340

The Southern Colorado Higher Education Consortium is a framework to increase higher education access, persistence and completion. The consortium is focused on opportunities for nontraditional, underrepresented and first-generation students to promote long-term economic development. Ten two- and four-year colleges have joined together to improve access to higher education and to create partnerships between each other, with private businesses, and regional economic development proponents.
Consortium members include UCCS, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Adams State College, Western State Colorado University, Fort Lewis College, Pikes Peak Community College, Pueblo Community College, Trinidad State Junior College, Lamar Community College and Otero Junior College. https://www.uccs.edu/about/facts.html

The College Opportunity Fund (COF), created by the Colorado Legislature, provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students paying in-state tuition. The stipend pays a portion of total in-state tuition for eligible undergraduate students who attend a Colorado public institution or a participating private institution.

The Financial Aid website also has many resources to assist with financial issues.


A brief description of any programs to equip the institution’s faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:

First Year Experience and Transfer Student Connections
Our goal is to assist both freshmen and transfer students through their first year at UCCS in their academic and personal goals. We know that students who feel more connected on campus and supported by faculty/staff perform better academically and are more satisfied with their overall experience. We are here to help make sure students are working effectively toward their goals and experience success and progress in their degree plans.
Our hope is to:
-help students clarify their educational, career, and life goals
-teach and assist with academic skill development
-provide students with the resources and ways to get connected to their campus community
-support faculty and staff in retention initiatives for first year students
-promote the positive growth and development of UCCS students
https://www.uccs.edu/fye/

First2Go is a program for first-generation students to see and meet peers, faculty, and staff who are/were also first-generation students. First2Go buttons are used to highlight those at UCCS who are the first in their families to seek or earn a four-year college degree. https://www.uccs.edu/fye/first2go

Humans of Mountain Lion360
Humans of ML360° is here for others to see and hear about the accomplishments, challenges, goals, and proud moments from their fellow UCCS community; students, faculty, and staff alike. We are all here as part of the Mountain Lion family to grow in our educational knowledge, to explore and experience our career path, and to foster our own personal growth to become the best that we can be.

The BIG Idea Program - This 2.5-hour interactive workshop aims to provide awareness, knowledge and skills to participants about personal and institutional dynamics of social inequality. Providing hands-on strategies, the goal of the workshop is to better equip members of the organization to engage diverse social identities, to explore how oppression and privilege operate in our daily lives, and to create a more inclusive organizational culture.


A brief description of the institution’s programs to guide and prepare students and families from low-income backgrounds for higher education:

The Pre-Collegiate Development Program (PCDP) at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a system-wide, institutionally funded academic program for college-bound high school and middle school students. It is designed to motivate and prepare first generation students in pursuit of their higher educational goals. PCDP is structured to ensure that students are academically prepared to enroll in, and be successful at UCCS, the University of Colorado system or any other postsecondary institution of the students' choice.
https://www.uccs.edu/~pcdp/


A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:

There are numerous scholarships based at UCCS or in the local community for low-income students. Below is a sample. More can be found at: https://www.uccs.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships.html Seach Need Based.

Reisher Family Scholarship - In state, needs based sophomores and community college transfer students. https://www.uccs.edu/~finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/scholarship-search.html?940450001008/

Need Based: The James C. Berger Family Second Chance Scholarship is for incoming students who were conditionally admitted to UCCS. These student's academic credentials didn't meet the minimum admission standard, however, they had other positive attributes or extenuating circumstances which led the admissions team to believe in their academic potential. This scholarship is renewable for up to six years and is awarded to students who are enrolled at least half-time. https://www.uccs.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/scholarship-search.html

Need Based:The Colorado Springs Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the oldest women’s organization in the United States, whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research, will award six $1200 scholarships for the fall semester.

Beth El Schol Endowment

Need based: The Beth-El Scholarship is a $2,000 award for full-time nursing students with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. The scholarship is need-based and students must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 1st.

Need Based: The Bruce and Anne Shepard Reach Your Peak Scholarship provides awards for high-achieving, high-potential students funded by community donors. To qualify, you must be a Colorado resident, working towards a first undergraduate degree, enroll full-time, have and maintain at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA, show financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and work at least part-time during the academic year.

Need Based: The Clyde and Eva Monnett Scholarship was established for students to understand and benefit from higher education. Typically, three $2,500 awards are made per year. Awards will be made to first-time freshman with a demonstrated desire to succeed. Students must enroll full-time, have a 3.0 GPA, be under the age of twenty-two at the time of selection, be residents of El Paso County, Colorado, and have financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA.

The UCCS Promise helps eligible low income families who are Colorado residents meet the cost of tuition, books and fees.

Colorado Student Grant - based on student need.
UCCS Tuition Grant - based on student need

The average percentage of students who were awarded any need-based aid is 58.1%. This excludes any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans)
All students are encouraged to complete FAFSA paperwork to determine eligibility for Full list:https://www.uccs.edu/finaid/types-of-aid/scholarships/scholarship-search.html

Highlights of UCCS specific and income dependent:
The Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship helps highly-motivated students achieve their goals by providing the means for a better education as well as a better life for themselves and their families. At UCCS, this scholarship provides funding for non-traditional students such as adults pursuing education later in life, GED recipients, military personnel (Active Duty, Veteran, Reservist), individuals pursuing Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, and young people from the foster care system.

The Ediger Scholarship is an award for students from Ouray High School attending full-time at UCCS with high financial need. Students must demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to incoming freshmen.
The Malcom Erickson Scholarship is designed to encourage Trinidad High School graduates to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by a college education at the University of Colorado. Applicants must be graduates of Trinidad High School, demonstrate superior scholastic achievement.
The Graduate Opportunity Scholarship is for students within their first year in a graduate program who bring diverse perspectives to UCCS. To qualify, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.
The H. A. Arnold Scholarship is a four year, $8,000 renewable scholarship ($2,000 per year) for first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need according to the FAFSA. To qualify, you must be a Colorado resident with a minimum 2.5 high school GPA, and graduate in the upper 50% of your class.
The Jeniel Harris Visual Art Scholarship is a need-based award for students pursuing a degree in Visual Art in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Awards are granted based on artistic merit and given to Visual Art concentrations with financial need. Women over the age of 30 are especially encouraged to apply for this award.
The Helen Geneva Smith Scholarship is an award for full-time graduate and continuing undergraduate students in both the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship is open to any major within the college. The scholarship is need-based.
The Dona and Floyd Hildebrand Scholarship is awarded to non-traditional undergraduate students who are returning to college later in life.
The Owen E. “Juice” Jensen Scholarship is for undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

The John Suthers Scholarship was established to provide meritorious scholarships to junior and senior level undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Public Affairs.
The Morgan and Dorothy Johnson Scholarship is a need-based scholarship for first-year freshmen students enrolled in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The scholarship benefits first-generation college students.
The Julie Welsh Memorial Scholarship is a need-based award for continuing students at UCCS who have completed at least 12 credits of English and have a 3.0 Cumulative GPA. The award seeks to benefit single parents with a strong scholarly record and a primary focus in English.
The Leo Gomez Scholarship Fund is a need-based scholarship for students enrolled in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The scholarship benefits students from underrepresented groups who are majoring in Communication.

Colorado Educational Services & Development Association (CESDA)
CESDA's mission is to promote, facilitate, and coordinate the access to post-secondary education for all historically underserved students in Colorado while educating and supporting the community on the college process.


A brief description of the institution’s targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:

In the 2012 Student Success Strategic Plan, UCCS commits to Increase retention and graduation rates of first generation students, students of color, low-income students, and other student groups at higher risk of attrition at rates comparable to the overall
student population. UCCS actively recruits students from low-income populations in Colorado and offers some of the least expensive tuition rates in the state of Colorado.


A brief description of the institution’s other policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:

Colorado Asset Program
Asset law allows for undocumented Colorado students to acquire in-state tuition rates, COF, and institutionally or privately funded aid. It does not qualify students for federal/state grants and loans.

The Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness and Community (MOSAIC) offers a wide range of services for students of diverse backgrounds, including information on scholarships, job opportunities, mentoring opportunities, and other services.

The Launching Integrity, Values and Excellence (LIVE) Leadership Program is designed to cultivate leadership skill among a dedicated group of emerging student leaders. Open to incoming, first year freshmen, the program combines co-curricular training, mentorship and applied campus leadership experience with an emphasis on civic engagement. Admission to the program is paired with a four year, $1000 per year LIVE Leadership Scholarship.
http://sll.uccs.edu/org/liveleadership/


Does the institution have policies and programs to support non-traditional students?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:

Colorado Student Grant and UCCS Tuition Grant both consider half time students for funding. Must be Colorado residents.

The James C. Berger Family Second Chance Scholarship is for incoming students who were conditionally admitted to UCCS. These student's academic credentials didn't meet the minimum admission standard, however, they had other positive attributes or extenuating circumstances which led the admissions team to believe in their academic potential. This scholarship is renewable for up to six years and is awarded to students who are enrolled at least half-time.

Bruce and Ann Shepard Reach Your Peak Scholarship - In state, Work Part time.


A brief description of the institution’s on-site child care facility, partnership with a local facility, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:

The UCCS Family Development Center, is accredited and provides on-campus child-care, pre-kindergarten, and summer camp programs for children of students, faculty, and staff.
UCCS Student Privileges: If you are a student at UCCS, you receive enrollment priority for available child care spaces, and you are entitled to discounted child care rates. Grants may also be available to qualifying low income UCCS students, to further reduce the cost of child care. In addition, the Family Development Center is able to enroll a limited number of student families through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).


A brief description of the institution’s other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:

Karen Possehl Women Endow Scholarship
The Karen Possehl Women Endowment (KPWE) is for students of non-traditional age, who plan to enroll full-time, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, are Colorado residents, and have the ability to finish an undergraduate degree. To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1st.

Recipients of the KPWE scholarship are encouraged to apply for a limited number of graduate awards if they choose to pursue a UCCS graduate program. Awards are $5,000 per academic year and are renewable based upon meeting renewal requirements.
Women who are returning to college after divorce or other exceptional life circumstances are encouraged to apply. Upon receiving the scholarship, students will meet regularly with a mentor from the community and attend social events throughout the year.

Daniels Fund Boundless Scholar
The Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship Program seeks to provide funding for non-traditional students such as adults pursuing education later in life, GED recipients, returning military personnel (Active Duty, Veteran, Reservist, Spouses), and young people from the foster care system. Since launching its Opportunity Scholarships in 2003, the Daniels Fund has awarded approximately 4,000 students attending two- and four-year institutions across the Rocky Mountain Region through this program.

To qualify for a Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship at UCCS, you must:

- Fit into one or more of the Boundless Opportunity Scholarship categories
- Be pursuing your first undergraduate degree
- Demonstrate financial need according to the FAFSA
Preference is given to students entering their Junior and Senior year of college


Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (tracking accessibility and affordability)? (If data is not available, select 'No'):
Yes

The percentage of entering students that are low-income (0-100):
32

The graduation/success rate for low-income students (0-100):
50

On average, the percentage of need that was met for students who were awarded any need-based aid (e.g. as reported to the U.S. Common Data Set initiative, item H2) (0-100):
20

The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt or for whom no out-of-pocket tuition is required (i.e. the percentage of graduates who have not taken out interest-bearing loans) (0-100):
50

Estimated percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students (0-100):
60

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Additional Resources on Financial Aid at UCCS
https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/ir/finaid/FY2017FinAidSummaryReport.pdf

Mountain Lion Money Matters - support for budgeting and money management
https://www.uccs.edu/~moneymatters/


Additional Resources on Financial Aid at UCCS
https://www.uccs.edu/Documents/ir/finaid/FY2017FinAidSummaryReport.pdf

Mountain Lion Money Matters - support for budgeting and money management
https://www.uccs.edu/~moneymatters/

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.