How Colorado college aid works
If you live in Colorado, the state runs its own college aid on top of federal aid. The one to know is the Colorado Student Grant and Colorado Promise, run by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Here is what it is, who qualifies, when to apply, and how it fits with the FAFSA.
Colorado's state aid programs
Colorado's flagship state aid is the Colorado Student Grant. It also offers the Colorado Promise, administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Colorado Promise reimburses tuition and fees for up to 65 credits at Colorado public colleges for families with an AGI of $90,000 or less. No separate application; file the FAFSA or CASFA each year.
How and when to apply
FAFSA early. Campus-administered and first-come at many schools.
The FAFSA is the master form. Filing it early puts a student in line for federal Pell grants and work-study, and it starts most state and college aid too. Some state funds are first come, first served, so it is safer to file the week the FAFSA opens than to wait.
Lowering out-of-state tuition
As a Colorado resident, you may also qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Western residents pay at most ~150% of in-state tuition at participating public colleges in other WUE states. Participation varies by campus and major, so check the official program list.
See the money you qualify for, free
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Start a free planCommon questions about Colorado college aid
What is Colorado's main state financial aid program?
Colorado's flagship state aid is the Colorado Student Grant and Colorado Promise, administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Colorado Promise reimburses tuition and fees for up to 65 credits at Colorado public colleges for families with an AGI of $90,000 or less. No separate application; file the FAFSA or CASFA each year.
When do you apply for Colorado college aid?
FAFSA early. Campus-administered and first-come at many schools. Exact dates shift every year, so confirm the current cycle on the Colorado Department of Higher Education site before you file.
Do you need the FAFSA for Colorado state aid?
Yes. Filing the FAFSA (or your state's alternative application) is what starts your Colorado state grant, and it also unlocks federal Pell grants and work-study. File it as early as you can.
State aid details verified as of July 5, 2026. Dates shift each cycle, so always confirm the current deadline on the official Colorado Department of Higher Education site.