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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the DSF Scholarship Application due?

The DSF Scholarship Application is due April 1st each year, but submitting the application is just the first of several steps in the application process. Follow each of the steps and requirements in the Checklist for New Applicants or Checklist for Renewal Applicants to be sure you are on track to become a DSF Scholar.

Students can apply to DSF for the first time during their senior year of high school or the year immediately following high school graduation.

Should I submit a New or Renewal DSF Scholarship Application?

Complete the New DSF Scholarship Application if you:

Are applying to DSF for the first time or
Have applied to DSF before, but were ineligible

Complete the Renewal DSF Scholarship Application if you:

Have applied to DSF before and were eligible and
Would like to renew your scholarship application

Am I eligible for the DSF Scholarship?

To be eligible for a DSF Scholarship for the 2010-2011 school year, students must:

Be enrolled in a participating Denver Public High School on or before October 1st of their junior year
Graduate from a participating Denver Public High School
Be eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid
Apply to DSF by April 1, 2009 and meet all application deadlines and requirements described in the Checklist for New Applicants or Checklist for Renewal Applicants.
Enroll at least half-time at a DSF-eligible college within one year of high school graduation
Complete all financial aid requirements for their college by July 15, 2009 for the fall term or Nov. 1, 2009 for the spring term.

To receive a DSF Scholarship payment, students must also demonstrate financial need. Upon completion of all financial aid requirements for their college, students must have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) equal to twice the Pell Limit or less. The Pell Limit refers to the maximum EFC that qualifies for the need-based federal Pell grant. For the 2010-2011 academic year, the Pell Limit is $5,273. To qualify for the DSF scholarship, students must have an EFC of 0 to $10,546, which is twice the Pell Limit. Each year the Pell Limit may change at the discretion of the federal government.

Can the DSF Scholarship be used for online classes?

Yes, if you register for online classes through a DSF-eligible college and you are meeting all other scholarship requirements.

Can the DSF Scholarship be used for study abroad?

Yes, if your study abroad program is offered through a DSF-eligible college and you are meeting all other scholarship requirements.

Can I keep my DSF Scholarship if I transfer to a different college/PSI?

Yes, if you transfer to a DSF-eligible college, you must submit an updated College Choice Form to DSF by July 15th for the fall semester or by November 1st for the spring semester, and you are meeting all other scholarship requirements.

Can the DSF Scholarship be used for summer classes?

No. The DSF Scholarship pays for classes taken during the traditional academic year (fall and spring semesters or fall, winter and spring quarters).

How long can I keep the scholarship?

DSF scholarships are renewable for up to a total of five years of support, depending on the type of college in which you are enrolled.

Technical College – 2 Years: If you are enrolled in a technical college, you are eligible for scholarship consideration for up to two (2) consecutive years (four (4) semesters or the equivalent), or until you complete the academic requirements for a certificate or diploma, whichever comes first.
Community College – 3 Years: If you enroll in community college or junior college, you are eligible for scholarship consideration for up to three (3) consecutive years (six (6) semesters or the equivalent), or until you earn 70 semester credits (or the equivalent) or are awarded an associate’s degree, whichever comes first.
College/University – 5 Years: If you enroll in a public or private college or university, you are eligible for scholarship consideration for up to five (5) consecutive years (ten (10) semesters or the equivalent), or until you earn 145 semester credits (or the equivalent) or are awarded a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.

How much is the DSF Scholarship?

DSF Scholarship award amounts depend on the type of college the student attends and his or her Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is an indicator of financial need determined by completing the FAFSA. The amounts shown below are for students enrolled full-time during the entire traditional school year (fall and spring semesters). These amounts will be prorated for students enrolled less than full-time.

DSF Scholarship Award Amounts for 2009-2010
Type of Postsecondary Institution	EFC= 0 - Pell Limit*	EFC= Pell Limit - 2x Pell Limit	EFC = Above 2x Pell Limit
Technical College	$1,650	$2,050	Students with an EFC of more than twice the Pell Limit do not qualify for the need-based DSF Scholarship but may still receive retention services
Community College	$2,050	$2,500
State College	$2,900	$3,300
State University	$4,150	$5,000
Private	$4,150	$5,000

* The Pell Limit refers to the maximum EFC that qualifies for the need-based federal Pell grant. For the 2010-2011 academic year, the Pell Limit is $5,273. Each year the Pell Limit may change at the discretion of the federal government.

When will my DSF Scholarship payment be sent to my college?

To ensure timely payment of your DSF Scholarship, please complete all financial aid requirements for your college as soon as possible and no later than July 15th for fall semester and November 1st for spring semester! Before DSF can make a scholarship payment for you, we must work with the financial aid office at your college to verify that you are enrolled at least half-time, have completed all of your financial aid requirements, have an EFC equal to twice the Pell Limit* or less, and you are meeting the GPA and Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. For most colleges, we will send your payment within 10 business days of receiving confirmation of this information at the beginning of the semester. However, some colleges, including the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver, confirm enrollment following the Census Date at the end of the add/drop period. For those colleges, DSF Scholarship payments will be sent about 10 business days after we receive the enrollment confirmation following the Census Date, which means that the payment will not arrive at the college until several weeks into the semester. Please plan accordingly for the later payment.