CU Boulder Receives $4.2M in New Scholarships to Boost Student Success

The University of Colorado Boulder is set to distribute a massive $4.2 million in new financial aid after forging a landmark partnership with two of Colorado's most prominent philanthropic organizations.

This significant funding comes from a new collaboration with The Denver Foundation and the Reisher Family Foundation, establishing the prestigious Reisher Scholars Program on the Boulder campus.

The move is being hailed as a critical investment in student retention and degree completion.

Unlike many scholarships that focus on first-year students, the Reisher program is specifically designed to support students who are further along in their academic journey.

It’s a crucial distinction, as many students face financial hurdles that can derail their education after the first year.

The program will provide substantial aid to rising sophomores and community college transfer students, ensuring they have the resources needed to graduate.

“This investment directly addresses students' real challenges to help them stay on track, graduate and thrive,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

The scholarship is intended for highly motivated Colorado residents who demonstrate both financial need and a track record of community service or leadership.

This new alliance makes CU Boulder the tenth institution in the state to offer the Reisher Scholars Program, a testament to the program's success across Colorado.

The impact is expected to be immediate and profound.

The first cohort this fall will include 40 students, with plans to expand to 80 scholars in the second year and 100 in the third.

Selected students could receive up to $22,000 per year, a figure that can dramatically reduce the need for student loans and part-time work.

For many Boulder-area families, this support can mean the difference between earning a degree and dropping out.

The scholarship is a direct response to the rising costs of higher education and the financial pressures facing today's students.

Reisher Scholars Program: A Focus on Finishing

The core mission of the Reisher Family Foundation, started by Roger and Margaret Reisher in 2001, is to fill a critical gap in student financial aid.

They recognized that getting into college was only half the battle; having the support to finish is just as important.

This partnership ensures that more Buffs will not only start their education at CU Boulder but will also proudly walk across the graduation stage.

Applications for rising sophomores are due by March 15, while transfer students have a deadline of June 15.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the CU Boulder Reisher Scholarship?

The scholarship targets rising sophomores and incoming community college transfer students who are Colorado residents. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have a strong academic record (typically a 3.0 GPA), and show a history of community service or leadership.

How does this scholarship help with Boulder student retention?

By providing significant, ongoing financial support after the first year, the program helps eliminate financial barriers that often cause students to leave college. This allows them to focus on their studies and complete their degrees on time.