Paying for College—It’s Easier than You Think

If you’ve begun searching for a college, you’ve probably already thought about all the important things: location, majors offered, size, etc. Perhaps some of the most important—and most stressful—aspects of choosing a college are the money questions. How much does it cost? How am I going to pay for it?

Think of it as an investment in your future. What value is your dollar buying? And what kind of resources can you call on to make your dollars go farther? Here are some facts to think about:

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (2008) recognized Colorado State as one of the nation’s “best value” public universities.
Last year, CSU awarded more than $160 million to students through grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Sixty-three percent of CSU students receive some form of financial assistance.
All freshmen who apply for financial aid receive a financial aid package from various sources (a combination of loans, work-study, grants and scholarships based on eligibility) designed to cover their full cost of attendance.

Where to look for financial help

There are plenty of places to look for financial aid through CSU and elsewhere. Don’t forget to check out these resources:

Student Financial Services website: sfs.colostate.edu
Colorado State University website: www.colostate.edu
Websites for each of Colorado State’s academic colleges
Dean’s office in your academic college
Private, professional and community organizations
Places of employment, places of worship and foundations
Your high school counselor
Your local library
- The College Blue Book
- Ask the reference librarian for additional listings
Web scholarship searches
- Navigate to our scholarship searches page.

Many ways to finance your education at Colorado State University

Applying for financial aid is easier than you might think. You’re automatically considered for some merit-based scholarships when you apply for admission to CSU by February 1. For other merit- and need-based scholarships, complete the CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA) online through RAMweb (ramweb.colostate.edu) after you apply for admission. Academic departments offer some scholarships, too, so be sure to contact your major department.

Most students qualify for some type of financial aid. You must be seeking a degree and register for at least six regular on-campus credits to receive financial aid. Most scholarships require 12 regular on-campus credits. For a complete list of the scholarships offered by CSU, estimated costs or other financial aid, visit the Student Financial Services website at sfs.colostate.edu.

Colorado State offers a variety of programs to help you pay for your college education, including both need-based and merit-based aid:

Employment: Student Employment Services helps students find jobs (on and off campus), maintains an on-call registry for temporary work, and provides information on seasonal and summer employment. Visit sfs.colostate.edu or check “Student Job listings” on RAMweb (ramweb.colostate.edu) after you’re admitted.
Work-Study: Work-study opportunities are plentiful on our campus. Work-study is part-time University employment that helps you pay your college expenses.
Grants: Grants do not have to be repaid. They are awarded based on financial need.
Loans: Loans must be repaid, but not all loans are alike. Interest rates and repayment plans vary?some are based on need, while others are not. Some loans are available for you, and some are designed for your parents. Remember to borrow wisely. Never borrow more than you need.
Scholarships: Colorado State University offers a number of scholarships and awards based on factors that may include academic achievement, talent in a specific area and/or financial need. Deadlines and application processes vary.

Need-based financial aid

The only form you need to be considered for need-based aid (grants, work-study, subsidized and subsidized loans) is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov. Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. Even some types of merit-based aid (scholarships) require the FAFSA. CSU’s FAFSA Federal School Code is 001350. The information you provide on the FAFSA will determine the type and amount of financial aid you’ll receive. March 1 is the priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA. Detailed instructions and links to key financial aid sites are available on the Student Financial Services (sfs.colostate.edu) website.

Merit-based scholarships

Review the “Scholarships” section of the Student Financial Services website for details about Colorado State University scholarships and for links to other free or low-cost scholarship searches. You’ll also find some helpful tips there to steer clear of scholarship scams. To apply for scholarships offered by Student Financial Services and your academic college, complete the CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA), available online through RAMweb (ramweb.colostate.edu ) beginning Dec. 1. The deadline is 11 p.m. (MST) March 1.

How to apply for financial aid at CSU

First, be sure to apply for admission. That automatically puts you in line for some scholarships. For other assistance, you must apply separately. Go ahead and apply for financial aid even before you hear whether your application for admission has been accepted.
Apply for a Department of Education PIN (both student and parent) at www.pin.ed.gov, so both you and your parents can electronically sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web.
Complete federal income tax returns for both student and parent(s) before you apply for financial aid.
Apply for financial aid on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov by March 1. (Be sure to list Colorado State as one of your school choices. Our federal school code is 001350.)
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from Student Financial Services.
Watch your mail for your financial aid award notice beginning in March for early applicants. You can also view your awards at ramweb.colostate.edu (log in using your CSU eID).
Submit loan promissory notes, complete entrance counseling, and meet all requirements by Aug. 1 for fall semester.