Apply for Financial Aid
FAFSA School Code 004508
(University of Colorado Denver)
Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend that you submit your application early. Getting financial aid at CU Anschutz may seem like a daunting process, but it's actually quite simple - and fear not, we're here to help:
Verify Your Eligibility
The general eligibility requirements are that you must:
- demonstrate financial need (for most programs);
- be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen;
- have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);
- be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program;
- be enrolled at least half-time;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress;
- Sign the certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) stating that:
- not be in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant; and
- use federal student aid only for educational purposes; and
- show you’re qualified to obtain a college education by
- having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate;
- completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law (or—if state law does not require a homeschooled student to obtain a completion credential—completing a high school education in a homeschool setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law); or
- enroll in an eligible career pathway program and meet one of the "ability-to-benefit" alternatives.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Congratulations on meeting the eligibility requirements to receive financial aid! Applying for aid is easy:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)*:
- You must have an FSA ID.
- A parent of a dependent student (as determined by the FAFSA) must have an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA electronically.
- Your FSA ID will be good for the number of years that you are applying for financial aid from your undergraduate to your graduate degrees.
- Store your FSA ID in a secure location and do not share it with anyone.
Your and your contributor's federal tax information will be transferred from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) into your FAFSA Form. (All contributors must provide consent and approval for the U.S. Department of Education.)
REMINDER: Apply for financial aid every year, as well as, submit additional documentation if requested.
Undergraduate student: Use the "Who's Your Parent" infographic to help you determine who's your parent when filling out the FAFSA.
Graduate/professional students are not required to report parent income and information on the FAFSA.
Allow up to 30 minutes to complete the FAFSA.
Check out FAFSA Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid.
Need help filling out your FAFSA? Contact the Denver Educational Opportunity Center or the Fort Collins Educational Opportunity Center.
Complete the Appropriate FAFSA
- The 2025-2026 FAFSA is for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters.
- The 2026-2027 FAFSA is for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 semesters.