Paying for College
Colorado State promises a high quality education for a reasonable cost of attendance.
Need-based Financial Aid
The only form required to be considered for need-based aid (i.e., grants, work-study,
and subsidized loans) is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All
families are encouraged to complete and submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1
as possible. Even some types of merit-based aid (scholarships) require the FAFSA.
Our FAFSA Federal School Code is 001350.
March 1 is the priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA.
Detailed instructions and links to key financial aid sites are available on the
Student Financial Services website.
Merit-based Scholarships
To be considered for merit-based scholarships, freshman applicants must apply for
admission by February 1 and must be admitted and meet all eligibility criteria by
March 1. Consideration for most University-, College-, and Department-level scholarships
requires completion of the Colorado State
University Scholarship Application (CSUSA) available only online starting
December 1 and DUE March 1.
Review the Scholarship section of the
Student Financial Services for details about Colorado State University scholarships
and for links to other free or low-cost scholarship searches and tips for avoiding
scholarship scams.
Tuition Classification (Residency)
Until a student is 23 or legally emancipated, tuition classification
is based on the parent/legal guardian’s state of residence. Obtaining Colorado residency
requires at least 12 months continuous presence in the state prior to the first
day of classes as well as the establishment of ties demonstrating the intent to
make Colorado your long-term permanent home (e.g., driver’s license, vehicle registration,
payment of Colorado state income tax, and more).
College Opportunity Fund (COF)
The
COF tuition stipend provides state tax dollars on behalf of Colorado resident
undergraduate students to offset the cost of tuition.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
First-time freshman undergraduate students from participating states may be eligible
to receive a reduced tuition rate through the Western
Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.
Student Financial Services
Student Financial Services is responsible for a wide range of services,
including Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Billing, Student Employment, and
Tuition Classification
