Students who wish to take CU Boulder courses but are not currently admitted to a degree program at the university are classified as “nondegree students.” Nondegree students are only eligible for financial aid if they are taking courses for one of the following:

  • Additional preparation necessary for consideration for acceptance into a graduate program or second undergraduate program (requiring a departmental, graduate or pre-health advisor approval)
  • Teacher Certification or Recertification (requiring an education advisor approval)

Requirements to qualify for federal loans and private loans:

  • Must not be concurrently admitted to a degree program at another institution
  • Enroll in a minimum of 6 hours each semester
  • Each semester and cumulative GPA must be a minimum of 2.0
  • Complete 100% of all courses attemped each semester. You will not be eligible for future aid as a nondegree student if you receive an I, F or W for any course during the semester
  • Eligibility is limited to a maximum of 3 consecutive terms (i.e. fall, spring, summer)

Enrolling in independent learning or flexible courses while using financial aid as a nondegree student is not recommended. Learn more about Continuing Education (CE) & financial aid.

How to Apply

Step 1 Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Step 2 Meet with a graduate advisor at the school in which you intend to be admitted (Teacher Certification students will meet with an education academic advisor) to have them complete the Nondegree Course Certification Form which certifies that you are indeed taking preparatory courses for a graduate or teacher certification program.
Step 3 You will need to complete the Contract for Nondegree Aid and submit all forms to the Continuing Education (CE) counselor within the Office of Financial Aid.
Step 4 The CE financial aid counselor will determine if you are eligible for federal loans.

Step 1 Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Step 2 Meet with a departmental, or pre-health advisor and complete the Nondegree Course Certification to certify that you are indeed taking preparatory courses for a second undergraduate program.
Step 3 You will need to complete the Contract for Nondegree Aid and submit all forms to the Continuing Education (CE) counselor within the Office of Financial Aid.
Step 4 The CE financial aid counselor will determine if you are eligible for federal loans.

Important Notes for Borrowing Federal Loans

  • If you borrowed loans for a previous degree, you may have limited or no remaining financial aid eligibility.
  • Offered and accepted financial aid for your first term as a nondegree student will be posted to your account after you are enrolled in at least six credit hours. For your second and/or third terms, aid will be posted to your account after the previous term grades are released and you are enrolled in six credit hours.
  • Offered and accepted loans will apply directly toward your tuition and fee bill.
  • If the loans you are eligible for and accept exceed the amount of your bill, any remaining funds after your bill is paid will be refunded to you (via direct deposit).
  • Nondegree students interested in obtaining financial aid for summer courses will need to complete the FAFSA for the aid year before and the aid year after the summer.

Not interested in a federal loan or need funding in addition to a federal loan? You may have the option to borrow a private student loan.