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

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Eligibility Criteria

Students who do not qualify to submit an 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 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 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 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 Buff Portal (note: the course doesn't work well on mobile devices).
  2. On the Skillsoft training card, click "Start Skillsoft."
  3. On the Skillsoft home page, search for "CU: Emancipation TC 101."
  4. Click "Launch" and complete the course.
  5. On the final course page, click the link to download the paper emancipation petition.

Step 2: Submit an Emancipation Petition

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

    Complete the Online Petition   View Sample Paper Petition

    The online petition can't be saved and accessed later, so you'll need to gather your supporting documentation ahead of time. All required documents must be saved electronically as PDF, JPEG, TIFF or 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 for important communications and decisions. If you don't reply to a request for additional information by the 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 reclassification as a nonresident.