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 2022 income and tax information when I do the 2023-24 FAFSA?

No, you will use 2021 income and tax information on the 2023-24 FAFSA. 2022 information will be used when you apply for the 2024-25 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! For most schools, some types of funding (like grants) are first-come, first-served. 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. 2021 for 2023-24).

What if my parents’ (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2021 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?

Here are some tips for this type of situation:

  • 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 2021 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
  • Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2021 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
  • And if the student or parent was married when filing 2021 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there’s a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.
  • The help text in the FAFSA will provide more information for these situations.