Distinguished Scholar Award
The Distinguished Scholar Award is CMU's most prestigious renewable merit scholarship valued at full tuition for Colorado residents. It has a highly competitive selection process with a secondary application.
Application Process
Students must meet all criteria to be eligible to apply.-
Colorado resident
Out-of-state students are not eligible.
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First-time student
Transfer and current students are not eligible.
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4.0+ high school GPA
Weighted or unweighted calculation. If a student's GPA increases to a 4.0 or above at the end of the first semester of their senior year, please send updated transcripts to CMU Admissions to be eligible to complete the application.
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Distinguished Scholar Application
The application launches on October 1, 2025 and is due on February 9, 2026 for the incoming class of Fall 2026. Extensions will not be granted.
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You will upload your resume detailing the following areas: leadership experience, community involvement, work experience, athletics, arts, unique experiences, personal accomplishments and/or any credentials obtained such as certificates, digital badges, etc.
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Apply For Distinguished
The Fall 2026 Distinguished application will launch in October 2025.
This award is renewable for up to 120 credit hours. Distinguished Scholars must maintain a 3.75+ GPA in their college coursework at CMU.
This is a highly competitive scholarship with a secondary application reviewed by a scholarship committee. Roughly one third of applicants are selected to become a Distinguished Scholar.