CASFA Information

CASFA Information

The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) creates opportunity and access to higher education for undocumented students who do not have lawful immigration status. The CASFA allows Colorado ASSET students to receive state-funded financial aid at post-secondary institutions. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria below are still encouraged to apply for institutional aid using the CASFA.
To qualify for Colorado ASSET in-state tuition per House Bill 22-1155 passed in 2022, an undocumented student must:

• Have attended a public or private high school in Colorado for at least one year immediately before graduation or completed a general equivalency diploma (GED) in Colorado. One year is defined as two academic terms immediately preceding graduation or completing the Colorado GED.
• Have continuous physical presence in Colorado for 12 months preceding the start of the semester.
  
• Apply for and complete an affidavit with the College Opportunity Fund (COF) indicating that you have applied for legal presence or will apply as soon as you are eligible to do so.
  
• Submit official final Colorado high school transcripts indicating one year of attendance at a Colorado high school immediately preceding graduation.
  
• Submit official Colorado GED transcript, if applicable.

College Opportunity Fund (COF) informational Flyer

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FAQ:

Q: Who can apply for CASFA:
A: CASFA is a safe, easy way to apply for state financial aid if you are a Colorado ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) student. Non-U.S. citizen resident and non-resident students can use the CASFA to apply for institutional aid.

Q: What is the purpose of CASFA:
A: The purpose of the CASFA is to determine need for financial aid awarding purposes to students historically left out of receiving state and federal financial aid. CASFA positively supports families and is a logical next step in efforts to erase equity gaps and put college in reach for the families who benefit most from a postsecondary education. CASFA also supports the department's efforts to make college more affordable by reducing the cost of obtaining a credential and maximizing a student's higher education investment.

Q: When can I submit my CASFA application?
A: Applications may be submitted anytime throughout the school year, the CASFA form is available on Oct. 1st for the next school year. To apply, visit the CASFA Application web page.

Q: What is the benefit of applying for state aid:
A: State aid, including grants and work-study funds, help open the door to higher education for students who have attended high school in Colorado but who are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Q: I have a question about the CASFA application, who do I contact?
A: Please contact the financial aid office at the institution you're applying to if you should have any specific questions about the application. Should you have any technical difficulties with your account contact CASFA@dhe.state.co.us. CDHE will not be able to answer detailed questions about the application at this time.

Complete a CASFA Application 

For More Information Visit HigherEd Colorado Website