Colorado College Cost Contribution Estimator

No. Colorado courts have no authority to order divorced parents to pay college expenses. Under C.R.S. § 14-10-115, child support terminates when a child turns 19, and courts cannot mandate postsecondary education contributions. This rule applies to all child support orders entered on or after July 1, 1997. Parents can only be obligated to pay college costs if they voluntarily agree in their divorce settlement.

Since Colorado courts cannot order college contribution, there are no statutory factors. When parents negotiate voluntary agreements, common considerations include each parent's income and assets, the child's academic performance, in-state versus private school costs, and existing 529 plan balances. Agreements typically reference Colorado public university costs—approximately $15,214 annual tuition at CU Boulder—as a contribution cap.

There is no statutory cap because courts cannot order college costs. For voluntary agreements, parents typically negotiate their own limits. Common caps include: contributions limited to in-state public university tuition (around $15,200 annually), four-year maximum duration, tuition only versus full cost of attendance, and GPA requirements. These self-imposed limits provide predictability for both parents.

Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the parent who provides the most financial support must complete the application—not necessarily the custodial parent. If support is split 50/50, the higher-income parent files. Colorado recognizes common law marriage, so a custodial parent's long-term partner may need to be included. Child support received must be reported as untaxed income.

529 plans funded during marriage are marital property subject to equitable distribution under C.R.S. § 14-10-113. However, only one parent can be the legal account owner. Divorce settlements should specify who controls the account, restrictions on withdrawals, beneficiary change limitations, and what happens to unused funds. Without clear language, the account owner has full discretion over plan assets.

Yes. While courts cannot order college contribution, voluntary written agreements are fully enforceable when incorporated into your divorce decree. You can specify contribution percentages, school type limits (public versus private), duration caps, GPA requirements, and which expenses are covered. These agreements function as contracts and Colorado courts will enforce the terms.

No. Colorado does not require any college contribution—public or private. Courts have no authority to order postsecondary education support under C.R.S. § 14-10-115. For voluntary agreements, parents commonly cap contributions at Colorado public university costs (approximately $15,214 for CU Boulder 2024-2025 tuition). Private school costs are only covered if parents specifically agree to that provision.

Child support terminates at age 19 under Colorado law, and courts cannot extend support for college. For voluntary college contribution agreements, parents set their own end dates—typically the earlier of: graduation, age 22-24, four years of contributions, or failure to maintain academic standards. There is no statutory age limit because courts cannot order college support in the first place.