Scholarship and Financial Aid
Financial Aid Guidelines
The first step in qualifying for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
After application files are complete and after applicants have been interviewed, each prospective student will be carefully considered for need-based and merit-based funds. The Institute for Public Policy Studies awards the scholarships and grants listed below.
Scholarships and Grants
Gov. Richard D. Lamm Scholarships -- $40,000
Gov. Richard D. Lamm Scholarships are awarded on a merit-basis to applicants who demonstrate a passionate interest in current public policy problems and offer unique solutions. Students may be awarded Lamm Scholarships of up to $10,000. The Lamm Scholarship Fund was created by the Institute for Public Policy Studies’ co-director and the former three-term Colorado governor, Richard D. Lamm. No additional application is required.
Kuehl Family Scholarships -- $25,000
The Kuehl Family Scholarships were created in 2001 by Jan Nurnberger to honor the University of Denver’s role in the undergraduate public policy education of her granddaughter, Sarah Kuehl. Today, Ms. Kuehl (BA in public policy, University of Denver; MPP, Harvard) is a senior policy analyst for the U.S. Senate Budget Committee specializing in Social Security, community and regional development, and transportation. In Spring 2003, Ms. Kuehl taught a Great Issues Forum on Social Security and entitlements with Gov. Lamm. Kuehl Scholarships generally range from $2,500–$5,000 and no additional application essay is required. Scholarships are awarded on a merit-basis and all applicants who meet the February 15 deadline are considered.
Dean's Scholarships -- $45,000
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences dean, Anne McCall, has made the Dean’s Scholarships possible. Dean’s Scholarships are merit-based and generally awarded for $2,500 - $7,500. All applicants who meet the February 15 deadline are considered.
Graduate Research Assistantship Tuition Waivers & Stipends --$30,000
The Institute for Public Policy Studies employs 2-4 MPP students to work with faculty on research projects. Assistantship awards include tuition waivers credited directly to a student’s tuition bill and stipends in the form of a salary. Assistantship awards range from $7,500 to $15,000. All applicants who meet the February 15 deadline and make note in their application packet (e.g., cover letter and resume) that they wish to be interviewed for this type of award will be considered.
Graduate Work Study Awards -- $5,000
Graduate Work Study Awards are granted to students who demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA, meet the February 15 deadline, and indicate interest in this type of aid. Awards range from $2,500 to $5,000.
Colorado Graduate Grants -- $20,000
Colorado Graduate Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded to Colorado residents with high need. All applicants who meet the February 15 deadline, have Colorado residency status, and file the FAFSA will be considered.