Financial Aid Timeline Updates
Due to national delays impacting financial aid this year, financial aid offers are now expected to begin in late April. CU Boulder is extending the confirmation date from May 1 to June 1 for first-year students admitted for Fall 2024. Visit the Financial Aid Timeline & Confirmation Extension webpage for details and updates. 

 

Financial aid is complex. Here are the high-level pieces to the puzzle.

Who Receives Aid?

Everyone who completes the FAFSA (and any additional information requests) will be offered the federal financial aid they are eligible for. At CU Boulder, our policy for university funds gives priority to the neediest students, as determined by the FAFSA.

Application Process

Late December to early spring

  • The first step in applying for financial aid is to submit the FAFSA each academic year (get more info on how to apply). The FAFSA helps us determine your eligibility for grants, loans, work-study and need-based scholarships. The FAFSA typically opens Oct. 1 each year, but was delayed for the 2024-25 school year. We strongly recommend you complete the application by March 1 in order to be considered for all types of aid. 
  • Learn more about the types of aid you may be eligible for.
  • View aid details for you. Certain people & programs have unique aid eligibility and/or requirements.
  • Between the time you apply for financial aid and the time you start classes at CU Boulder, you may be asked to provide additional documentation to determine your financial aid eligibility. This process is called verification. It's important you complete this process because we cannot give you aid without it.

Estimated Cost & Financial Aid

Late April, but depends on when you complete the FAFSA

Receiving Your Aid

One week before classes begin

  • You'll receive your financial aid offer and resources for understanding your aid.
  • As long as you have completed all to-do items from our office, your aid will apply to your university bill one week before the first day of classes (usually a Monday). Any remaining aid will be refunded.
  • In order to keep your aid, it's important to understand the financial aid policies.