Welcome to Colorado GEAR UP!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q:  I am not enrolling in college right after high school graduation because I am taking a gap year, participating in the ASCENT program, an apprenticeship or a mission program. Will I lose my Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship if I don’t enroll right in college right away?
   
   A:  No, students may still be eligible for the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship if they enroll prior to 22 years of age at the time of the first disbursement and meet other Scholarship eligibility requirements. Students must contact Colorado GEAR UP to notify them of the enrollment.
2. Q:  After high school graduation, I am going to enlist in the military. Can I access the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship later?
   
   A:  The student may still be eligible for the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship if the student is under 22 years of age at the time of the first disbursement and meets other Scholarship eligibility requirements. Students must contact Colorado GEAR UP at the time of enrollment.
3. Q:  I did not graduate high school or earn a GED but I was in GEAR UP during high school and plan on enrolling in a vocational program. Am I eligible for the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship?
   
   A:  No. A Colorado GEAR UP student must have a high school diploma or a GED to be eligible for the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship.
4. Q:  I received enough financial aid from other sources for the first year of college. Can I save the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship for the second year?
   
   A:  Yes. Students must contact the Colorado GEAR UP to make these types of requests.
5. Q:  If I was awarded a full ride Scholarship from another source or will receive full military benefits, will I receive the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship too?
   
   A:  The financial aid offices will always make the final determination. If a student is fully funded, the student may not be eligible to receive additional Scholarships.
6. Q:  If I have a high Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and I’m not Pell-eligible, will I be eligible for the Scholarship?
   
   A:  Yes, as long as the student has completed the FAFSA, there is not a need component to the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship.
7. Q:  I did not complete a FAFSA because I am not Pell eligible. Can I receive the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship without completing the FAFSA?
   
   A:  No, all Colorado GEAR UP students must complete a FAFSA to receive the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship.
8. Q:  I want to go out of state college, am I eligible for the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship?
   
   A:  Yes, out of state Title IV, Pell-eligible colleges are allowable.
9. Q:  I want to go to college part time, can I use the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship for part time enrollment?
   
   A:  Yes, while full time (15 or more credits) is highly recommended, part time is allowable.
10. Q:  I am enrolled in less than 15 credits, will I receive the full Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship award for that term?
    
    A:  No. The Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship award will be prorated based on the number of credits enrolled.
11. Q:  What if it’s been three weeks since my college semester started and I still don’t see my Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship on my account?
    
    A:  The Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship typically disburses after census date. Students who are expecting a refund should have a financial plan in place for book purchases and other related expenses since the refund may come after classes start. Students should always contact Colorado GEAR UP with any questions or concerns regarding the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship award.
12. Q:  I attended one year of college but I am going to take some time off. Will I lose the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship?
    
    A:  No, students have 6 years to complete a 4 year degree. When a student re-enrolls, it is the student’s responsibility to notify Colorado GEAR UP.
13. Q:  I did not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by my college. Am I still eligible for the Colorado GEAR UP Scholarship?
    
    A:  Yes. However, it is highly recommended that students meet SAP to avoid jeopardizing other sources of financial aid.
14. Q:  What happens if I drop my college classes?
    
    A:  This varies by the college or university. Colorado GEAR UP does not require funds to be sent back. However, if a college or university returns funds to Colorado GEAR UP, students may be left with an owed balance to the college. Students should talk to the financial aid office to learn about their policies.

This is a Vimeo video player for the video titled 'Become a GEAR UP Scholar'. For a text transcript of this video, click here.