Tuition Assistance For Certificate Programs

Under the existing tuition assistance program for students enrolled in career and technical education certificate programs (certificate programs), students enrolled in certificate programs may qualify for tuition assistance if they meet the income eligibility requirements for the federal Pell grant program but the certificate program does not meet the Pell grant minimum credit hour requirements. Under the bill, the tuition assistance program is available to students who are enrolled in certificate programs that do not meet the minimum credit hour requirements for the federal Pell grant program and who meet an income eligibility standard set by the Colorado commission on higher education. The bill clarifies that tuition assistance means money a student may use to pay for tuition, fees, and course materials. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)