The most important step in applying for financial aid at CU-Boulder is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. When you submit this form, federal processors determine how much money you and your family can contribute to the cost of your education according to a standard formula. This amount is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). When CU-Boulder's financial aid office receives the results of your FAFSA and any other required documents, a determination will be made as to whether you qualify for grants, loans, work-study and some scholarships. The FAFSA is available from high schools, college financial aid offices, and on the web around December 15. List CU-Boulder on the FAFSA with federal school code 001370.

After submitting the FAFSA, mail or fax (303-492-0838) copies of the first two pages of your federal tax return and your parent's return (if you are a dependent student) to the Office of Financial Aid, 556 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0556. Be sure to write the student's name and ID or social security number on each page, and make sure all documents are signed.

Why is there a financial stop on my account?

Financial stops on your records indicate you owe an outstanding debt to the university. The past due debt must be paid in order for the stop to be removed. Current students can check their outstanding balance online at CU PLUS www.colorado.edu/plus/.

Former students should contact Student Debt Management at (303) 492-5571 or by e-mail at sdm@colorado.edu.

Career Services offers an Internship Program, available to full-fees paying students. To read about CU-Boulder’s internship program, go to www.colorado.edu/CareerServices/students/. Some academic departments on campus also provide their students with assistance in finding internships within their major. Contact your departmental advisor for more information.

You can find available job postings and work-study information for students at www.Colorado.EDU/studentemployment.

Refer to the Office of Financial Aid's scholarship guide for information on scholarships available through CU-Boulder:

• Financial Aid and Scholarship Guide for Freshman and Transfer Students*

The best way to apply for CU-Boulder Scholarships is through our online scholarship application. To read more about scholarships go to the Office of Financial Aid web site.

(* This file is in a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format. If you do not have the reader installed you may obtain the Adobe Acrobat Reader on the Adobe Acrobat web site.)

Work-study is a need-based financial aid award. Work-study employment operates much the same as any other job, with some important differences. In order to be eligible for work study, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and be determined to have financial need. You can read more about work study on the Office of Financial Aid’s web site at www.colorado.edu/finaid.