Applying for Aid FAQ
1. How do I apply for financial aid at Colorado State University?
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Apply to and be accepted by Colorado State University as a regularly enrolled student.
2. What is Colorado State University's school code?
Colorado State's Title IV Institutional Code is 001350. This goes on your application for financial aid.
3. When is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
Our priority deadline is March 1. Complete your federal income tax return as soon as possible and submit an application (FAFSA) by March 1. Colorado State University accepts applications for financial aid throughout the course of the school year.
4. I know I will not qualify for financial aid; should I apply?
Yes, you will not know for sure until you apply. You can receive non-need, unsubsidized loans regardless of your financial need.
5. If my parents are divorced or separated, whose financial data should be used when we complete the FAFSA?
Use the information of the parent with whom you lived the most in the last 12 months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, answer in terms of the parent who provided the most financial support during the last 12 months, or during the most recent calendar year that you actually were supported by a parent.
6. I applied for financial aid, but did not list Colorado State University as a school choice. How does Colorado State get my FAFSA information?
Electronic Student Aid Report (SAR):
Paper Student Aid Report (SAR):
7. I received my Student Aid Report; what do I do now?
- Read and review all of the information.
- Use this report to make corrections if necessary; follow the instructions.
- If all the information is correct, keep this report for your records.
- Colorado State University will receive this same information electronically directly from the Central Processor.
8. I have not heard from CSU about my financial aid; should I be concerned?
It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks for Colorado State University to receive the results of your application from the Central Processor. We will begin processing your request as soon as we receive your data. The process consists of determining if your file is complete, verifying your admission status, determining your need and eligibility for financial aid, and making an award, which typically takes another two weeks. The time to process is contingent upon the readiness of your file; incomplete or missing data or a request for additional information will cause further delays. A complete and accurate application is your best defense against delays.
9. Will my request for financial aid have an impact on my admission to the University?
No.
10. Will scholarships reduce the amount of financial aid I can receive?
Yes, scholarships are treated as an outside resource that may reduce a student's need for other financial aid.
11. Will Colorado State University meet my full financial need?
Yes; however, much of your financial aid may be self-help assistance in the form of a student and/or a parent loan. It is all contingent upon your demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds when aid is awarded.
12. Why am I only receiving loans?
Most likely you are a student with less financial need than others. Or you are a student with financial need who applied later than others with need.
13. I am a student who has just been readmitted to Colorado State University. How should I apply for aid and what kind of aid would I be eligible to receive?
The best way to apply for financial aid is to follow the directions described under “How to Apply.” By following this process, Student Financial Services will be able to notify you about your aid opportunities as soon as possible. As a re-admitted student, you may be eligible for institutional, state (Colorado residents only), and federal aid opportunities. To learn more about institutional scholarship programs, click here Scholarships.
14. Can a student working on their second bachelor’s degree or on teacher certification still get financial aid?
Yes, students in these categories can be awarded student loans, parent loans, and work-study employment. Follow the directions under the “How to Apply.” section so that Student Financial Services can determine your eligibility for these different programs.