Colorado State University Global and Denver Public Schools Partner on Guaranteed Admission

The partnership provides guaranteed admission and reduced tuition for DPS high school students at CSU Global.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:31pm

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Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) and Denver Public Schools (DPS) have announced a new partnership that will provide guaranteed admission to CSU Global's online bachelor's degree programs for any DPS student with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 by the end of their junior year. DPS students will also receive special reduced tuition rates on all of CSU Global's undergraduate programs.

Why it matters

This partnership aims to expand access to higher education for Colorado students by removing barriers like college application fees and the anxiety of the unknown admissions process. It demonstrates a shared commitment between CSU Global and DPS to create seamless pathways for more students to earn their degrees and advance their career prospects.

The details

Through the partnership, DPS students who graduate on or after February 1, 2026 and have a 2.3 GPA by the end of their junior year will be granted guaranteed admission to CSU Global's online bachelor's degree programs. DPS students will also receive special reduced tuition rates on all of CSU Global's undergraduate programs, which cover areas like business, healthcare, project management, and more.

  • The guaranteed admission applies to DPS students who graduated on or after February 1, 2026.
  • The offer of guaranteed admission is valid for up to two years following high school graduation.

The players

Colorado State University Global (CSU Global)

A fully online public university focused on providing career-relevant bachelor's and master's degree programs for working adults and post-traditional learners.

Denver Public Schools (DPS)

The largest public K-12 school district in Colorado, serving a diverse student population of more than 85,000 students across 198 schools with a mission to provide all students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college and career.

Dr. Audra Spicer

Interim President and CEO of CSU Global.

Dr. Alex Marrero

Superintendent of Denver Public Schools.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission has always been to facilitate professional success for learners in our home state of Colorado and beyond. We are proud to partner with DPS to provide a guaranteed seat at the table for their dedicated students and to help them continue their education journeys. Our collective efforts will help create seamless pathways for more students to earn their degree and brighten their career prospects.”

— Dr. Audra Spicer, Interim President and CEO of CSU Global

“At Denver Public Schools, our mission is to ensure that every student is ready for college or career. This amazing partnership with CSU Global represents a significant leap forward in making that promise a reality for our graduates. By providing guaranteed admission to students based on their junior-year performance, we are removing the two biggest hurdles to higher education: the financial burden of application fees and the anxiety of the unknown. This pathway empowers our students to walk into their senior year with the confidence of knowing their next step is already secured.”

— Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools

What’s next

The guaranteed admission program will begin with DPS students who graduate on or after February 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This partnership between CSU Global and Denver Public Schools demonstrates a commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating clear pathways for more Colorado students to earn their degrees and advance their careers, removing barriers like application fees and the uncertainty of the admissions process.