The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an application for federal student aid. You need to complete the FAFSA application form to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to federal student aid—the largest source of aid— to help you pay for college or career/trade school.

In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid. Some private aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. Visit the FAFSA website to learn more!

Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

According to the College Board, most full-time college students receive some kind of financial aid. Talk to your counselor about your documentation status. He or she can help you navigate options to pay for college!

If you have questions or need support please reach out to your school counselor or Denver Scholarship Foundation Future Center Advisor

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Filling out a FAFSA is your first step to funding your education! Most financial aid requires a FAFSA.

FAFSA applications traditionally open on Oct. 1 for the following school year.

Financial aid is often given on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important for students to submit their FAFSA as close to Oct.1 as possible.

In order to complete the FAFSA, students will need:

• Federal tax returns

• Social security numbers for student (and parents if they have them)

• Date of birth 

• Your driver’s license or government ID

Once you begin the FAFSA process, you’ll be given a Federal Student Aid (FSA) identification.

For more information, chat with your school counselor, your college’s financial aid office or visit FAFSA’s site for instructions to filling out the application.

CASFA: The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid is the State Financial Aid application for undocumented, Colorado ASSET students.  The CASFA bridges equity gaps and creates access to postsecondary education for Colorado ASSET students.

Qualifying for ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow):

The General Assembly passed HB22-1155, in-state tuition classification for Colorado high school graduates.

The law requires an institution to classify a student as ASSET for tuition purposes if the student:

• Graduated from a Colorado high school or was physically present in Colorado for at least one year immediately preceding the date the student successfully completed a high school equivalency examination in Colorado; and

• Has been physically present in Colorado for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrolling in an institution.

• There is no longer a requirement for the student to be admitted to college within 12 months of graduation.

Students who do not have lawful immigration status and who do not meet the ASSET qualifications are still encouraged to apply for institutional aid using the CASFA. Students who are eligible for Federal Title IV aid by completing the FAFSA should not complete the CASFA.

Fill out your CASFA application today!