Finish What You Started

Do you have some college but did not graduate? Are you thinking of finishing your degree at CSU? Join Finish What You Started!

Finish What You Started (FWYS) is designed to support Colorado residents as they finish their first undergraduate degree.

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) launched FWYS through COVID-19 economic relief funds.

“Some College, No Degree” Criteria

  • Earned at least 1 credit from a Colorado college/university
  • Did not enroll at a Colorado college/university for at least 2 consecutive semesters (fall, spring, or summer)
    • Planned leave & university withdrawal semesters count as not enrolling

Program Status

We are pleased to report we have a full cohort of 150 students. As current students graduate, spots will open up for additional students. These spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Students returning Spring 2024: We have 20 spots open.

Why join Finish What You Started?

  • Financial support
    • Up to $2,250 in grant funding per semester
    • Additional funding for educational opportunities such as summer classes or education abroad
  • Automatically become a member of Scholar Success Programs
    • Established relationship with Scholar Contact
    • Graduation and post-graduate support and success
    • Community connection with other FWYS students
  • Individual support from the Office of Financial Aid

Additional Criteria

  • Undergraduate students
  • Colorado residents including students who qualify for ASSET or NALA-C
  • Did not previously complete a credit or degree (of 30+ credits) from a Colorado college/university
  • Plan to graduate by Spring 2026
  • Financial need as determined by the FAFSA or CASFA
    • Students eligible for the Pell grant with an expected family contribution (EFC) of $6656 or less (2023-2024 academic year) automatically qualify for the grant.
    • Students with an EFC of $6657-$17000 can still qualify for the grant if certain criteria have been met
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) or a successful appeal

At this time, we are prioritizing students who plan to be in residential instruction (on-campus programs). Exceptions may be made for online students with 1 semester remaining before graduation, so these students are still encouraged to apply.

Application Process

  1. Students can apply online.
  2. Students need to be admitted to CSU and complete the FAFSA or CASFA.
  3. Students may be asked to submit a graduation plan that shows a graduation of no later than Spring 2026.
  4. Mel Lafferty will reach out to schedule an appointment.
  5. The Office of Financial Aid will review the student’s account for financial eligibility.
  6. Students are connected with their Scholar Contact for ongoing support.

Program Requirements

Visit our current student page for more information!

Campus & Community Partners

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