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.
Program Status
Recruitment has been temporarily paused. This decision is due to changes in the FAFSA and pending grant changes, which are still in the process of being finalized. Updates will be posted here as soon as they become available, with anticipated updates starting in June. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition period.
Why join Finish What You Started?
- Financial support
- Up to $3,000 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
Additional Criteria
- Earned at least 1 credit before not attending a Colorado college/university for at least 2 consecutive semesters
- 2 consecutive semesters can include fall, spring, or summer
- Not attending includes not enrolling in any courses, taking planned leave, or a semester withdrawal before the semester’s census date
- Undergraduate students pursuing their first degree
- Did not previously complete a credit or degree (of 30+ credits) from a Colorado college/university
- Colorado residents including students who qualify for ASSET or NALA-C
- 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 encouraged to apply.
Application Process
- Students can apply online.
- Students need to be admitted to CSU and complete the FAFSA or CASFA.
- Students may be asked to submit a graduation plan that shows a graduation of no later than Spring 2026.
- Mel Lafferty will reach out to schedule an appointment.
- The Office of Financial Aid will review the student’s account for financial eligibility.
- Students are connected with their Scholar Contact for ongoing support.
Program Requirements
Visit our current student page for more information!