Overview of Scholarships and Grants
At Colorado Christian University, we understand how challenging it can be to afford college while pursuing your dreams. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and grants designed to lighten your financial burden. These opportunities are designed to reward your hard work, recognize your achievements, and support your dreams.
Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a transfer student, CCU provides clear pathways to access these funds, so you can focus on what matters most: growing academically and spiritually.
CCU Scholarships and Grants
You have access to a variety of scholarships designed to recognize your achievements and support your educational journey in the College of Undergraduate Studies. From renewable merit scholarships that reward academic excellence to opportunities in athletics, music, and scripture memory, we offer multiple ways to help make your education more affordable. If you’re joining us as a first-time freshman or transfer student, you may qualify for one or more of these awards as part of your financial aid package.
Note: These scholarships do NOT apply to programs in CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies.
Academic Merit Scholarships
If you’re a new, first-time freshman, you may qualify for one or more of CCU’s academic scholarships. A first-time freshman is any student who is starting his or her first year of college, or any student who has taken 14 or fewer credits after graduating from high school. These awards are designed to recognize your hard work in high school and support you throughout your college journey. These scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters or until you complete your undergraduate degree, whichever comes first, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and remain continuously enrolled in CCU’s College of Undergraduate Studies.
Academic scholarships apply only to tuition for on-campus enrollment, and you’ll need to be taking courses that count toward your degree requirements in an eligible program of study. For incoming freshmen, including those with AP or dual credit, eligibility is based on your cumulative GPA from your last high school attended, and in some cases, a standardized test score (ACT, SAT, or CLT). The higher your GPA or test score, the higher the academic merit scholarship you may earn.
Submit test scores by August 1st of your enrollment year for scholarship eligibility.
These scholarships apply to new freshmen enrolling in the College of Undergraduate Studies for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year. These scholarships do NOT apply to programs in CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies.
World Changers Scholarship – Full Tuition
Three full-tuition scholarships will be annually awarded on a competitive basis to new students who qualify as Trustees or Distinguished Achievement Scholars (see parameters below). Competition is by invitation only and occurs on campus early during the spring semester prior to intended enrollment. Students invited to attend and who participate in the two day event will receive an additional Impact Scholarship (amount varies each year). Standardized test scores are required for participation and special academic program terms and conditions apply.
To maintain eligibility, students must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA at CCU and meet all student aid eligibility requirements. The scholarship will cover full tuition, which includes the block rate for 12-18 credits, and any amount for additional credits above 18. Recipients are responsible for all fees and other costs associated with attending CCU. Recipients forfeit any eligibility for other CCU based grants and scholarships.
Distinguished Achievement Scholarship – $24,000 per year
($96,000 maximum)
Recipients are required to have a 4.0 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 30, SAT composite score of 1370, or CLT score of 97. A test score is required. Recipients of the Distinguished Achievement or Trustee’s Scholarship are required to submit ACT test scores that include the optional Science portion.
Trustees' Scholarship – $21,000 per year
($84,000 maximum)
Recipients typically have a 3.8 GPA and an ACT score of 28, SAT composite score of 1310, or CLT score of 92. A test score is required. Recipients of the Distinguished Achievement or Trustee’s Scholarship are required to submit ACT test scores that include the optional Science portion.
President's Scholarship – $18,000 per year
($72,000 maximum)
Recipients typically have a 3.6 GPA and an ACT score of 24, SAT composite score of 1180, or CLT score of 79. If test scores are not submitted, the required GPA range is 3.6 - 3.79. If students choose not to submit their test scores, a President’s Scholarship is the highest merit scholarship they are eligible to receive. A test score is optional.
Deans' Scholarship – $16,000 per year
($64,000 maximum)
Recipients typically have a 3.4 GPA and an ACT score of 23, SAT composite score of 1140, or CLT score of 75. If test scores are not submitted, the required GPA range is 3.4 - 3.59. A test score is optional.
Honors Scholarship – $14,000 per year
($56,000 maximum)
Recipients typically have a 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 22, SAT composite score of 1110, or CLT score of 72. If test scores are not submitted, the required GPA range is 3.0 - 3.39. A test score is optional.
* A higher GPA or higher ACT score may still qualify you for this scholarship.
Transfer Student Scholarships
For transfer students with 15 or more post-high school college credits, the academic scholarships are based on the student's cumulative GPA from all colleges attended. For transfer students with less than 15 post-high-school college credits, the scholarships are based on the student's GPA from the last high school attended and ACT or SAT composite test score.
These scholarships apply to new transfer students enrolling in the College of Undergraduate Studies for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year. These scholarships do NOT apply to programs in CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies.
Institutional Scholarships
CCU also offers a variety of institutional scholarships for first-time freshmen. These awards recognize your initiative and engagement, whether that’s visiting campus, applying early, or selecting one of CCU’s core programs. Each scholarship is designed to make CCU more affordable while rewarding the steps you take toward your future and preparing for your college experience.
These scholarships apply to new freshmen and transfer students enrolling in the College of Undergraduate Studies for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year. The scholarships do NOT apply to programs in CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies.
Rocky Mountain Region Preferred Admission Scholarship - $2,000 per year
Apply and deposit by the Preferred Admission deadline to qualify for an additional $2,000 per year scholarship, exclusively for residents of Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.
General Preferred Admission Scholarship - $1,000 per year
Apply and deposit by the Preferred Admission deadline to qualify for an additional $1,000 per year scholarship.
Core Program Scholarship (New Freshmen Only) – $1,000 per year
($4,000 maximum)
Core Programs for the 2026-27 academic year include:
To qualify for a Core Program Scholarship, you must apply and be admitted to CCU by May 1, 2026.
To maintain eligibility, students must remain enrolled in the Core Program for which they applied and meet all student aid eligibility requirements.
Travel Scholarship - $500 one time
Earn a $500 scholarship when you come to visit CCU’s campus. Talk to your enrollment counselor for more information about this offer.Scripture Memory Scholarship
Colorado Christian University's Scripture Memory Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to memorize portions of scripture. Students can choose whichever translation they wish, or multiple translations. While memorizing a book of the Bible is no easy task, it is achievable. Eligible books of Scripture and scholarship amounts vary.
CCU Test-Optional Policy
Colorado Christian University currently has a test-optional policy. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can evaluate applicants for admission without the use of a test score by reviewing academic merit and written essays. However, to qualify for a Distinguished Achievement or Trustees' scholarship, an official SAT, ACT, or CLT score is required. Without the submission of a test score, a President's scholarship is the highest-level merit scholarship a student can receive.
Other aid, such as federal, state, or other institutional aid, not academically related, will not be impacted if a student chooses not to submit a test score. NCAA regulations require that potential student-athletes must still take the ACT/SAT at an approved location to become eligible to participate in NCAA sports — CLT scores are not accepted for student-athletes.
Additional CCU Grants and Scholarships
Colorado Christian University provides additional scholarship and grant opportunities to students enrolled in the College of Undergraduate Studies. As with academic scholarships, these awards do not need to be repaid. These grants and scholarships do NOT apply to programs in CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies.
Athletics Scholarship
The Athletics Scholarship is available to student-athletes in CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies who are recommended for scholarship consideration by the CCU Athletics Department. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress unless otherwise noted by the Athletics Department. Scholarship amounts vary. Prospective student-athletes should contact their specific coach for further information. Note: The criteria for determining eligibility and award amounts are subject to change.
Beckman Scholarship
The Beckman Scholarship is given to students with financial need. Eligibility and amount vary annually based on need as determined by federal methodology. A student must apply for federal aid to be considered for this award. The Beckman Scholarship is available for students enrolled in the College of Undergraduate Studies.
Legacy Scholarship
The Legacy Scholarship is designed to assist children and/or siblings of CCU alumni and current students to continue the CCU tradition. The parent or sibling of the applicant must be a graduate of or currently enrolled student in CCU or a CCU heritage institution. Learn more about our Partner and Legacy Scholarships.
Music Performance Scholarship
The Music Performance Scholarship is available to students in CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies who exhibit exceptional musical ability. Recipients must audition to qualify, and are required to participate in a choir or band ensemble. To maintain scholarship eligibility, they must also maintain satisfactory academic progress unless otherwise noted by the School of Music. More information regarding this scholarship is available on the Music Scholarships web page. Scholarship amounts vary.
Partner Initiative Scholarships
Colorado Christian University has partnered with dozens of Christian high schools to provide financial opportunities for prospective students associated with these organizations to pursue their education at CCU. Learn more about our Partner School and Ministry Scholarships.
Endowed And Recurring Scholarships
CCU offers a variety of endowed and recurring scholarships for Undergraduate Studies students. These awards celebrate your academic excellence, leadership, and commitment, with opportunities tailored to your strengths and goals.
Funded by generous donors, each scholarship has unique criteria that reflect their values, creating targeted awards in fields like Business, Education, Humanities, Music, Science, Theology, Athletics, and more.
CCU Legacy and Partner Christian Scholarships
At Colorado Christian University, we’re honored to invest in your future through our Legacy and Partner Scholarships. If you’re the child or sibling of a CCU alum or current student, you could receive the Legacy Scholarship: $1,250 per year, up to $5,000 over eight semesters.
We also partner with select Christian high schools and organizations, offering the Partners in Christian Education (PICE) and Partner Organizations scholarships. Suppose you’re connected to a partner school or ministry like Dare2Share, Summit Ministries, Discovery Preview, or Young Life. In that case, you may qualify for the same $1,250 annual award with the exact maximum total of $5,000 available over eight semesters.
These scholarships are awarded evenly by semester and are renewable as long as you stay continuously enrolled and meet academic standards. Best of all, you can combine them with academic, merit, or other aid to maximize your funding.
Federal and State Grants
You have access to federal and state grants that can make your CCU education more affordable. These are funds you don’t have to repay. Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need, while SEOG grants provide extra help for Pell recipients. To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA.
If you’re preparing to teach in high-need subjects, the TEACH Grant can provide up to $4,000 a year when you commit to four years of teaching in a low-income school.
As a Colorado resident, you may also qualify for state aid like the College Opportunity Fund or the Colorado State Opportunity Grant, which offer per-credit stipends or direct grants to reduce tuition costs.