Financial Aid Tips

April is Financial Literacy Month and the perfect time to take a closer look at your finances, build healthy money habits, and make sure you're on track to meet your goals—both in school and beyond.

Whether you're just starting your college journey or getting ready to graduate, understanding your financial options and responsibilities is key.

Here are a few essential financial literacy tips every student should know:

Know Where Your Money Comes From (and Where It Goes)

Start with a simple monthly budget. Track your income—including financial aid, scholarships, part-time jobs, or parental support—and compare it with your expenses like rent, books, food, transportation, and entertainment. Apps like Mint or You Need a Budget (YNAB) can help.

Understand Your Financial Aid Package

Know the difference between grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. If you’ve accepted loans, make sure you know your loan servicer, interest rates, and repayment options. Planning now can prevent surprises later.

Use Credit Wisely

Credit cards can be a helpful tool—but only if you use them responsibly. Always pay off your balance on time to avoid interest and fees. A good credit score can help you down the road when renting an apartment, buying a car, or even applying for certain jobs.

Start Thinking Long-Term

It might feel early, but learning about saving, investing, and student loan repayment options can pay off big later. Even setting aside a small amount each month can help build smart habits now.

Ask Questions and Use Your Resources

You’re not alone! Understanding finances can be overwhelming, but there’s help available.

Need Help Navigating Your Financial Journey?

Contact the Office of Financial Aid—we’re here to answer your questions, help you make informed decisions, and support you, every step of the way.

You got this!

We want our students to be aware of some common myths about financial aid. Whether you are applying for scholarships, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA), there are many opportunities available to make college more affordable.

Myth: I won’t qualify for financial aid, so there is no point in applying.

Truth: Financial aid is available to students of all income levels. Even if you think you will not qualify, you may still be eligible for need-based grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities. The only way to know for sure is to apply!

Myth: I cannot get financial aid if I am not a U.S. citizen.

Truth: If you’re an eligible non-citizen, you may still qualify for federal or state financial aid, including scholarships and the CASFA, for Colorado residents. Do not let this myth hold you back—apply!

Myth: Financial aid only covers tuition.

Truth: Financial aid can help cover much more than just tuition. You can use it for books, supplies, housing, and transportation. Applying for financial aid is the key to unlocking a wide range of resources that can support your college journey.

Myth: I must pay back the scholarships and grants I receive.

Truth: Scholarships and grants are typically free money! You do not have to pay them back, unlike loans. This makes them a valuable resource for reducing the cost of your education.

Why Should You Apply?

The financial aid application process is free and could save you thousands of dollars over your college years.

• Scholarships can help reduce educational costs and do not need to be repaid. Many are based on your academic achievements, interests, and community service, so apply early and often!
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens doors to federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and federal loans. Completing your FAFSA is an essential step in securing the funds you need.
• If you do not qualify for FAFSA, we encourage you to complete the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid to ensure you do not miss out on your financial aid options.

If you have questions or would like personal guidance, schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Specialist today. We are here to help you through the application process at a time that works for you.

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!