Financial Aid Tips

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now open and ready for you to apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year. For more information, check out the video on Filling out the FAFSA® Form. Additionally, the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is set to open by December 15th.

To help you get a head start on your financial planning, we encourage all students to use the Net Price Calculator on our website. Please note that our costs have not been finalized for the 2025-2026 academic year. This tool can still help estimate your potential financial aid offer and give you a better idea of what to expect for the upcoming year.

For those ready to begin the FAFSA® process, the Office of Federal Student Aid will host free virtual events on December 10th. These sessions will walk you through creating your StudentAid.gov account and completing the FAFSA form. These sessions will also include information tailored for both dependent and independent students, ensuring everyone has the support they need to apply. All sessions are open to students and their families or anyone hoping to learn more about the process. Please be sure to register in advance to attend the sessions.

The Colorado Mountain College Office of Financial Aid is here to help with questions. Students and families, staff or faculty, high school counselors, or anyone who needs support navigating financial aid can drop into our Virtual Open Office Hours or schedule an appointment to complete the form.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) typically opens on October 1 each year. However, for the second consecutive year, the FAFSA will be delayed. The 2025-26 FAFSA is scheduled to open to all applicants on December 1, 2024. For students planning to attend school in fall 2025 and do not currently have a Federal Student Aid account, one can be created prior to the 2025-26 FAFSA launch.

Additionally, the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is delayed. The Colorado Department of Higher Education hopes to open the CASFA on December 1, 2024.

Currently enrolled students who haven’t completed the 2024-25 FAFSA or CASFA, it’s not too late!

As always, the Financial Aid Team at Colorado Mountain College is here to assist with any financial aid questions. We encourage students, staff, and counselors to drop into our General Virtual Advising Hours or schedule an appointment.

If you’re borrowing student loans, you need to be on top of your game. Here are a few things every borrower should be aware of:

• Loan Repayment: Make sure you understand your loan terms, including the interest rate and repayment plans. Don’t forget to explore options like deferment or forgiveness if needed—these can make a huge difference!
• Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! Staying on top of deadlines is crucial. Whether it's for financial aid, scholarships, or other important forms, missing a date can cost you money.
• Understand the fine print: Always read the terms and conditions of your financial aid award or loan offer so there are no surprises later.
• Look for more resources: Scholarships, employer tuition assistance, community aid—there are lots of options out there. Don’t stop with just the financial aid we offer.
• Need help? The Financial Aid Office is always here to guide you through the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

For more details on student loans and repayment, check out this guide and log in for personalized info on your loans.

Fall is almost here! Are you ready? If you haven’t sorted out your financial aid yet, there’s still time. Here’s what you need to do:

• Haven’t received your financial aid offer yet? Log in to Basecamp and check your Financial Aid Self Service portal. There might be actions you need to take—don't wait!
• Has your financial situation changed? If you or your family have gone through something big—like a job loss—you might qualify for a Special Circumstances Appeal. Reach out to the Financial Aid Office to see if you can adjust your aid.
• Qualified for work-study? If you’ve been awarded work-study, it’s time to start looking for a job! Check out the available positions [here] and email the Work-Study Team at workstudy@coloradomtn.edu to let them know which one you’re interested in. Get ahead of the game and start earning some extra cash this semester!