The information on this website听is considered to be general guidance and is not legal advice. Refer to the听 to view the actual law.

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Eligibility Criteria

Students who do not qualify to submit an听adult or parent petition should read the requirements carefully before attempting to petition as an "emancipated minor" (see definition below).

Proving emancipation is extremely rare, and is virtually impossible for most undergraduate students.

What Is Emancipation?

According to Colorado tuition classification statutes, a student who is not yet 23 years of age may qualify as an "emancipated minor" if the student demonstrates complete financial and residential independence, as well as听Colorado domicile, for at least one year prior to the first day of classes in the semester for which they are petitioning.

A student who is emancipated receives no financial support from their听parents, family, friends or other such sources, including from funds that their parents or others previously established for them.

Petition Process

Step 1: Complete the TC 101 Course (Required)

Students attempting to prove emancipation must听complete our Tuition Classification 101 online Skillsoft course. If you don't have access to Buff Portal, please email tuitclass@colorado.edu for your next steps.

To access the course:

  1. Log in to 听(note: the course doesn't work well on mobile devices).
  2. On the , click "Start Skillsoft."
  3. On the Skillsoft home page, search for "CU: Emancipation TC 101."
  4. Click "Launch"听and complete the course.
  5. On the final course page,听click the link听to download the paper emancipation petition.

Step 2: Submit an Emancipation Petition

Complete the petition and submit it听with all required supporting documentation听to the Office of the Registrar during the听posted submisson period for that semester.

    听 听View Sample Paper Petition

    The online petition听can't be saved听and accessed later, so you'll need to听gather your supporting documentation ahead of time. All required documents must be saved听electronically as PDF, JPEG, TIFF or听PNG files, including your:

    • Colorado employment verification
    • Driver's license, state ID card or driver's history

    • Lease or deed to verify physical presence

    • Most recent income tax returns (state and federal)
    • Vehicle registration

    • Voter registration

    Step 3: Respond Promptly to Any Requests

    Monitor your email and to-do items听for important communications and听decisions. If you don't reply to a request听for additional information by the听stated deadline, your petition may be closed with no option for appeal.

    Step 4: Maintain Your Financial Independence

    If you're granted in-state tuition status as an emancipated minor, you must maintain financial independence. If you don't, you'll be subject to听reclassification as a nonresident.