Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT

TITLE:            CONCERNING EXTENSION OF FINANCIAL AID TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN PRIVATE OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOLS.

Summary of Assessment

            For purposes of the Colorado Student Incentive Grant Program and the Tuition Assistance Grant Program, the current law definition of “institution of higher education” does not include branch programs of an institution of higher education whose principal campus and facilities is located outside of Colorado. This bill removes that exclusion. The bill further amends the definition of “nonpublic institution of higher education” to allow students enrolled in proprietary institutions and institutions operated for profit to participate in the Tuition Assistance Grant Program.

            Under current Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) policy, an institution applying for Colorado State Student Financial Assistance must have participated in Federal campus-based student assistance programs for at least two years, have utilized at least 90 percent of federal student aid dollars, and be able to demonstrate capability to administer the funds properly. CCHE has identified up to 19 institutions that may be affected by the change in definitions if they meet the other criteria established by CCHE. It is assumed that the total amount of money available for state financial aid programs will remain unaffected by the bill. Therefore, the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact. However, increasing the number of students that are eligible for state financial aid by including students from these institutions will decrease the amount of funding that is available to students attending other Colorado two-year and four-year public colleges and universities. The bill will become effective upon signature of the Governor.

Departments Contacted

            Colorado Commission on Higher Education