What the program covers
The Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) Tuition Premium Program provides financial support for the tuition premium, defined as the difference between in-state (Colorado resident) and non-resident tuition, for eligible GRAs. The program was created specifically for GRAs to supplement the Tuition Benefit, as CSU’s standard practice is to cover in-state (Colorado resident) base tuition for graduate assistants.
The program applies only during fall and spring semesters. It does not apply to summer terms.
Eligibility depends solely on a student’s residency classification under Colorado law. Visa status, citizenship, and other personal characteristics do not determine eligibility.
Residency classification is governed by Colorado state law and is administered by the Office of Financial Aid; the Graduate School does not make residency tuition classification determinations.
Eligible GRAs
As a GRA, you may qualify for the Tuition Premium Program if you:
- Hold a GRA appointment funded from:
- Restricted funds (53, 64), or
- State-appropriated funds (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19)
- Are classified as a non-resident under Colorado state law for tuition purposes
- Are not currently eligible to establish Colorado residency for in-state tuition classification
- Enroll in at least five resident-instruction credits during the term. Note: While holding a GA requires enrolling in a minimum of one credit, this program requires enrollment in a minimum of five credits.
- CSU Online credits do not count toward this requirement
- Meet all assistantship requirements outlined in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin under Graduate Assistantship – Terms & Conditions of Appointment.
Many first-year graduate students who move to Colorado for their program qualify because they cannot yet meet Colorado residency eligibility requirements under state law.
Coverage by appointment level
The Graduate School covers the tuition premium based on full-time equivalent (FTE) appointment level:
- 0.5 FTE (20 hours per week): 100% of the tuition premium
- 0.25 FTE (10 hours per week): 50% of the tuition premium
The program covers resident-instruction tuition only.
The tuition premium program does not cover:
- CSU Online tuition
- Summer tuition
- Charges for technology
- Special Course fees
- Differential tuition
Second Year and Beyond
After the first academic year, Tuition Premium coverage is determined solely by the student’s residency status for tuition classification under Colorado law. The Tuition Premium applies as follows:
- GRAs who are legally eligible to establish residency: The Tuition Premium will not continue to cover the difference between in-state (Colorado resident) and non-resident tuition. The hiring department or the student is responsible for the difference between in-state (Colorado resident) and non-resident tuition.
- GRAs who remain legally ineligible to establish Colorado residency for tuition classification purposes under Colorado law: They may continue to receive the Tuition Premium while holding an eligible GRA appointment.
Learn more about establishing residency for in-state tuition classification in the section below.
Tuition Premium in Summer Terms
The Tuition Premium Program does not cover summer tuition premiums.
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) permits non-resident tuition charges to be applied to sponsored project funds during the summer when the Tuition Premium Program is not available. This arrangement provides additional financial support for Tuition Premium-eligible GRAs who continue their academic activities during the summer months. Eligible GRAs and their Principal Investigator (PI) should coordinate with OSP to ensure proper processing and documentation for tuition charges on grants. This policy helps to bridge the gap in financial assistance, ensuring continued support for GRAs outside the fall and spring semesters.
Establishing Residency for In-State Tuition Classification
If you are broadly interested in establishing Colorado residency, more information is available on the Office of Financial Aid’s (OFA) website, and we recommend OFA’s residency orientation. It’s important to understand residency requirements before arriving at CSU, as some steps must be taken up to 12 months before submitting a petition for Colorado residency.
Please note that the desire for in-state tuition alone is not an appropriate reason to petition for Colorado residency.
Residency classification is governed by state law and administered by the Office of Financial Aid; the Graduate School does not make residency classification determinations.