Financial aid can seem overwhelming and confusing. The information below will help you navigate through the financial aid world. See your counselor if you have questions or need help with financial aid.
Information On Paying for College
Yes you can afford College
Si se puede pagar por la universidad
Federal student aid application process
Financial aid glossary
Ayuda financiera
Financial aid overview for parents
Financial aid checklist for students and parents
10 questions for the financial aid office
10 preguntas acerca de la oficina de ayuda financiera
Yes you can afford College
Si se puede pagar por la universidad
Federal student aid application process
Financial aid glossary
Ayuda financiera
Financial aid overview for parents
Financial aid checklist for students and parents
10 questions for the financial aid office
10 preguntas acerca de la oficina de ayuda financiera
College Opportunity Fund
College Opportunity Fund (COF) provides a stipend for Colorado residents who are attending Colorado colleges.
The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a participating college. This is money that DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAID BACK!
The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a participating college. This is money that DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAID BACK!
- Pays a part of in-state tuition
- $75 per credit hour (for 2016-17)
- Must apply for stipend
- Must be admitted to participating institution
- Paid directly to the school
- DOES NOT need to be paid back
- All Colorado residents should apply for COF at https://cof.college-assist.org
Bright Futures Scholarship
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- All colleges and universities require their students to fill out the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. Filling out the FAFSA online is recommended, because the processing time is so much faster than with a paper application. You can complete the application at your own pace and easily check the status of it later. Follow these instructions to get started:
- Before completing the FAFSA online, you must obtain a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov
- With your PIN number, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA website also has useful information about other financial aid programs offered by the government.
- Financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Fill out the application as soon as possible in January. You can change and/or update the information later if necessary.
- Men 18 or older must register for the selective service to receive financial aid. Register online at: www.sss.gov
- Many priority financial aid deadlines fall in Febraury. To get the most out of your financial aid package, do not miss the college's priority date.
- WARNING!!!! Do not get confused and apply for Federal student aid at www.FAFSA.com. The correct place to apply for financial aid is www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is a free application. If a website asks you to pay money, then you are at the wrong website.
FAFSA Questions?
Check out these links to find answers to your financial aid questions.
Financial Aid Award Packages
Grants
Work Study
Loans
- Awarded based on financial need.
- Financial assistance that does not require repayment.
- Many colleges/universities have their own grant programs.
Work Study
- Provides students with jobs on campus.
- Funded by federal and state governments.
Loans
- Federal loans (like Stafford loans) and private loans available.
- Some schools offer loans as part of the financial aid package. If your school doesn’t include loans and you have unmet need, ask your financial aid office.
- You do not have to accept loans.
- You ARE responsible for paying back this type of aid.
Financial Aid Websites
FAFSA
www.fafsa.ed.gov
FAFSA 4Caster
www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
College Opportunity Fund
https://cof.college-assist.org
College In Colorado
www.collegeincolorado.org
CollegeInvest
For information on college planning, the FAFSA, scholarships, student loans and 529 college savings
www.collegeinvest.org
Additional sites that will help with financial aid and scholarship information:
www.fafsa.ed.gov
FAFSA 4Caster
www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov
College Opportunity Fund
https://cof.college-assist.org
College In Colorado
www.collegeincolorado.org
CollegeInvest
For information on college planning, the FAFSA, scholarships, student loans and 529 college savings
www.collegeinvest.org
Additional sites that will help with financial aid and scholarship information:
- www.finaid.org: You can estimate your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) now to plan ahead financially. Includes links to the scholarship searches listed above, links to colleges' financial aid pages, student loan information and much more.
- www.nasfaa.org: The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators website gives general information on aid. Look under the tab “Parents & Students.” The site also includes links to other information pages, including NCAA regulations.
- www.studentaid.ed.gov: The US Department of Education site supplies information on Federal Student Aid programs, including maximum awards and eligibility.
- www.salliemae.com: Sallie Mae presents good general information, a general, step-by-step financial aid application process explanation and good information on student loans.