We want you here. No one else has your ideas, interests, or abilities. Regardless of your background or financial resources, we’re committed to supporting everyone’s access to financial aid resources. In 2023-2024, 76% of first-time, full-time students received financial aid.
Types of Aid and How to Apply
Merit Scholarships
- Who can apply: Incoming freshmen
- How to apply: We only need your application for admission to CSU. No separate application is needed.
- When to complete: Apply for admission by the regular decision dates for your applicant type.
You’ve worked hard in the classroom. We value that. Freshmen students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on the information you include in your application for admission.
Ram Transfer Scholarship
- Who can apply: Incoming transfer students pursuing their first bachelor's degree
- How to apply: We only need your application for admission to CSU. No separate application is needed.
- When to complete: Apply for admission by the regular decision dates for your applicant type.
You’ve worked hard in the classroom. We value that. Transfer students are automatically considered for this merit-based scholarship based on the information you include in your application for admission.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
- Who can apply: Freshmen and transfer students who are residents of select western states or jurisdictions of the U.S. Pacific Islands
- How to apply: We only need your application for admission to CSU. No separate application is needed.
- When to complete: Apply for admission by the regular decision dates for your applicant type.
If you are not a resident of Colorado but live in the western United States or select jurisdictions of the U.S. Pacific islands, you may be eligible for a tuition reduction of up to $10,000 per year through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) award.
Asset and Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA)
- Who can apply: Undocumented students
- How to apply: Apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF), complete the affidavit, and submit a CASFA
- When to complete: After you're admitted to CSU. The priority date for completing the CASFA is March 1.
In the state of Colorado, there is a law that allows eligible students who identify as undocumented to receive in-state tuition and state financial aid at Colorado colleges. This is known as ASSET, which stands for Colorado’s Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow.
Colorado State University Scholarships
- Who can apply: All students
- How to apply: Fill out the CSUSA and any extra documents requested
- When to complete: After you're admitted to CSU. The application opens October 1 and the deadline is March 1.
The Colorado State University Scholarship Application (CSUSA) is a one-stop shop for applying to most scholarships at CSU. Filling out this application will put you in the running for all the CSU scholarships you are eligible for. Usually, you only need to fill out the CSUSA for consideration, but some scholarships may require additional materials like letters of recommendation or work samples.
Federal Financial Aid
- Who can apply: U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- How to apply: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using CSU school code 001350.
- When to complete: After you're admitted to CSU. The application opens in December and the priority deadline is March 1
Simply put, the FAFSA is a free form that students and families can fill out every year that helps determine their eligibility for some financial aid. While it isn’t required, it is highly recommended that you submit it. Even if you don’t think you’ll need the aid or you’ll be eligible, the FAFSA sometimes is required for other scholarships or programs that you might be interested in.
Federal financial aid includes grants, loans, and work-study programs.
