Scholarship Resources for Donors

Scholarships Make Dreams a Reality

When you invest in students, you expand opportunities for the next generation of thinkers, problem solvers, artists, and leaders. You set the stage for current and future Rams to follow their dreams and positively change our world. Thank you for your belief in the transformative power of higher education!

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Establish a Scholarship | Support Scholarships | Scholarship Philosophy | FAQ

CSU graduate with CAM the Ram

Establishing a Scholarship at CSU

Establishing a Scholarship infographic. See Accessibility Transcript #2 below.

Want to learn more about establishing a scholarship? Email donorrelations@colostate.edu.

How You Can Help

Check out examples of our scholarships below, and contact donorrelations@colostate.edu to learn more and see how you can make an impact.

Our Scholarship Philosophy

Students are our partners in scholarship stewardship. University Advancement regularly invites and encourages scholarship recipients to share what scholarships mean to them in a variety of engaging ways. Many scholarship recipients are eager to participate, but we cannot require their participation. This practice aligns with our Principles of Community.

What to Expect: In addition to being notified of the scholarship’s recipient(s) on an annual basis, donors who establish named scholarships receive ongoing communications about the impact of the scholarships, such as impact reports and videos. At CSU, it is our honor and privilege to update donors about the incredible difference scholarships make in the lives of our students. Please see the frequently asked questions below for additional information.

CSU Provost Rick Miranda
Rick Miranda, Chief Academic Officer of the CSU System, Interim Executive Vice President of CSU, and Professor of Mathematics

“Having a vibrant, diverse, and robust scholarship program at CSU aligns with our land-grant mission and our Principles of Community. Through scholarships, we affirm and reaffirm that students of all backgrounds and abilities belong here at CSU.”

– Rick Miranda

Frequently Asked Questions

Scholarship Timeline

Donor scholarship deadline inforgraphic. See accessibility transcript #3 below.

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Accessibility Transcript 1: Scholarship Infographic

Thirty-four percent of scholarship recipients are first-generation students. 5,500-plus community members support scholarships each year. $21.2 million was given to support scholarships at CSU during academic year 2022-2023. Eighty-nine percent is the graduation rate of scholarship recipients.

Accessibility Transcript 2: Establishing a Scholarship

Criteria for a University scholarship is a $25,000 minimum for an endowed scholarship and $1,000 for an annual scholarship. Criteria for a presidential scholarship is a $50,000 minimum for an endowed scholarship and $2,500 for an annual scholarship. The CSU Foundation receives, manages, and prudently invests the funds for the benefit of CSU. There is a 1.7% CSU Foundation administrative fee – 1% which goes to enhance student support, and .7% to cover administrative expenses. For all gifts, there is a 5% advancement investment fee. Colorado State University spends private support in accordance with donor intent, and CSU students benefit from scholarship support, unlocking their potential to become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.

Accessibility Transcript 3: Scholarship Timeline

March 1 is the gift deadline for annual scholarships by which gifts must be received to be utilized during the following academic year. March 1 is also the scholarship application deadline. 50 percent of the total scholarship package is disbursed to the recipient by the time fall semester begins.

December 31 is the gift deadline for endowed scholarships by which gifts must be received to be utilized during the following academic year. 50 percent of the total scholarship package is disbursed to the recipient by the time spring semester begins.