What is a Financial Aid Form? 

In the state of Colorado, eligible students have two forms they are able to complete depending on eligibility. They are called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). These forms allow students to be eligible for more financial aid in order to pay for college.  Please read the following to see what financial aid form you qualify for. 

FAFSA vs. CASFA: Which one should I fill out?

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): 

• FAFSA is one of the financial aid forms eligible students are able to apply for.
• The FAFSA is set to open in December 2023; more details surrounding the release date will be posted closer to December. 

 Students should apply for the FAFSA if they fall under any of the following criteria: 

• Student is a U.S. Citizen
• Student is an Eligible Non-Citizen 
• Student is a U.S permanent resident and has a Permanent Resident Card (I-151, I-551, or an I-1551c)
• Students identifying as any of the following are also eligible: 
  • Refugee
  • Asylum Granted
  • Cuban-Haitian Entrant (Status Pending) 
  • Victims of human trafficking 
  • Parolee (provide evidence from USCIS) 

Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA): 

• CASFA is one of the financial aid forms eligible students are able to apply for.
• The CASFA is set to open in December 2023; more details surrounding the release date will be posted closer to December.

 Students should apply for the CASFA if they fall under any of the following criteria: 

• Student is a non-U.S Citizen 
• Student qualifies as a Colorado ASSET Student
  • ASSET Eligibility is determined by the following: 
    • Students who attended a Colorado high school for at least one year before graduation or were physically present in Colorado for at least one year immediately preceding the date they completed a high school equivalency examination in Colorado AND have been physically present in Colorado for at least 12 consecutive months before enrolling in an institution of higher education will qualify for ASSET status.
• Student has attended a Colorado High school for at least one year before graduation or completed a GED in Colorado. 
• Student has had a continuous and physical presence in Colorado for 12 months before the start of the semester.