The FAFSA asks some hard questions and each school handles their financial aid differently - it can be confusing. We've listed some FAQs here to help.

Can I use 2023 income and tax information when I do the 2024-25 FAFSA?

No, you will use 2022 income and tax information on the 2024-25 FAFSA. 2023 information will be used when you apply for the 2025-26 academic year; however, if you have special circumstances such as loss of income or high medical expenses you may submit an appeal to our office.

What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?

The most important thing to know: the earlier you apply, the better! Schools usually provide a "priority date" which is a date they recommend you complete the FAFSA by so you don't miss out on funding you could have been eligible for.

If that timeline isn't possible for you - it's ok! You can still apply for financial aid well into the semester. We recommend you speak to a financial aid counselor about your specific timeline.

Do I have to apply for admission before I list CU Boulder on my FAFSA?

Nope. Our FAFSA school code is 001370. List us and we'll get your FAFSA when the time is right!

Will my 2022-23 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2023–24 FAFSA?

If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application, some basic information from your 2022–23 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2023–24 FAFSA. However, you should review all information and be prepared to answer tax questions based on two years prior (i.e. 2022 for 2024-25).

What if my parents’ (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2022 taxes? How do we handle tax and income information on the FAFSA?

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it’s filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but wasn’t in 2022 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA. The help text in the FAFSA will provide more information for these situations.