New Colorado Tax Credit Offers Two Years Free College: What to Know
Thanks to a new state tax credit, some Coloradans will soon have access to two years of free college tuition.


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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

As the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, Kelley R. Taylor simplifies federal and state tax information, news, and developments to help empower readers. Kelley has over two decades of experience advising on and covering education, law, finance, and tax as a corporate attorney and business journalist.
-
New Tax Rules: Income the IRS Won’t Touch in 2025
Income Taxes From financial gifts to Roth withdrawal rules, here’s what income stays tax-free under the new Trump 2025 tax bill, and some information on what’s changed.
-
Three Popular Tax Breaks Are Gone for Good in 2026
Tax Breaks Here's a list of federal tax deductions and credits that you can't claim in the 2026 tax year. Plus, high-income earners could get hit by a 'surprise' tax bill.
-
Tax Brackets 2025 Quiz: How Much Do You Know?
Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules that impact how much money you keep in your wallet.
-
Retirees Face a Growing Capital Gains Tax Trap: What's Next?
Home Sales A changing housing market and unchanged IRS exclusion amounts can add up to a headache for many homeowners. Will Congress offer a fix?
-
New York Inflation Refund Checks Are Coming Soon: What to Know Now
Tax Relief Inflation relief checks are on the way for over 8 million New York taxpayers. Here's a full breakdown of who gets a payment and when you may expect yours.
-
IRS Phasing Out Paper Checks: What Happens After September 30?
Tax Changes Avoid delays when IRS tax refunds and Social Security paper checks are cut off. Here’s what to know.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly States for Investing in 2025 (Hint: There Are Two)
State Taxes Living in one of these places could lower your 2025 investment taxes — especially if you invest in real estate.
-
The Final Countdown for Retirees with Investment Income
Retirement Tax Don’t assume Social Security withholding is enough. Some retirement income may require a quarterly estimated tax payment by the September 15 deadline.