It’s time to apply for financial aid for the 2017-18 academic year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open now for next year and instead of requiring tax information for 2016, it asks for 2015 tax information. That means you have no reason to wait to apply.
You need to complete the FAFSA every year if you want financial aid. We’ve gathered resources to help guide you through the process:
- Find the help you need in a step-by-step video guide to the 2017-18 FAFSA.
- Learn more about the FAFSA changes which enable you to apply earlier and use tax information from two years ago.
- Read through FAQs about how we’re handling these changes.
It is important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible as certain types of financial aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here is our best advice to get through this process:
- Complete the FAFSA before Feb. 15 to be considered for the most financial aid.
- Both you and your parent (if you are a dependent) each need to create your own FSA ID. Your FSA ID serves as your electronic signature and your FAFSA is not complete without it.
- Use the built-in IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA if you’re eligible. It will speed up your application by automatically pulling your tax info into the FAFSA for you.
- There’s no need to go back and update the FAFSA with 2016 info later. You’re required to use 2015 tax information on the 2017-18 FAFSA.
- If your family’s income has changed substantially since 2015, or if your parent’s marital status changed, submit the FAFSA with 2015 info and contact the Office of Financial Aid. They will ask you to complete a form to review the changes.
Our financial aid staff is ready to assist with any questions you have. Call 303-492-5091, email financialaid@colorado.edu or visit us at Regent 175. We are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MT).
