ASCENT Student Eligibility

A qualified student is eligible for ASCENT if the student:

• Has completed, or is on schedule to complete, at least 9 credit hours (semester hours or equivalent) of transcribed, credit-bearing, college-level postsecondary coursework* prior to completing their 12th grade year.
• Is college ready, and not in need of developmental coursework in accordance with the pathway in which they enroll.
• Applies to and is accepted into a postsecondary degree program at a qualified Colorado institution of higher education.
• Has not been designated an ASCENT program participant in any prior year (can only participate in ASCENT for 1 academic year).
• Completes and submits a FAFSA/CAFSA application.

*Does not include International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Education Program (CLEP), prior learning, or experiential courses, unless these exams/experiences have been converted to transcribed credits on a college transcript.  

• Home study students enrolled in ASCENT are only eligible for part-time funding.
• It is not a state requirement that students meet the LEP’s graduation requirements before the end of their 12th grade year in order to be eligible for ASCENT. LEPs may have their own requirements in determining approval of students to participate in ASCENT.
• Students may only enroll in Guarantee Transfer credit courses, a state approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) postsecondary program, or a specific postsecondary degree program pathway including coursework related to apprenticeship programs and internship programs, unless parent and student sign a form indicating “credits may not transfer.” The ASCENT pathway (AAS, AS, AA, etc.) must be clearly spelled out which would include an explanation of “credits may not transfer.”
• Students enrolled in a state-designated Early College High School are not eligible for the ASCENT program.

Contact 

Erica Ryan
Phone: 720-576-4288
E-mail: Ryan_e@cde.state.co.us