Paying for College

Financial Aid

Student financial aid is available for most students. Your family's financial situation determines the types and amounts of aid you are eligible for. You should apply for financial aid every year, regardless of your financial situation. At UCCS, it costs nothing to apply, and it can give you valuable information for planning and budgeting.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the financial aid application for UCCS. Enter school code 004509 on the FAFSA when submitting your application. Once you submit your FAFSA, UCCS will contact you with information regarding the grants, loans, and work study awards you are eligible for. UCCS has a priority date of March 1st. Students may apply for financial aid at any time, however, students that apply before the priority date will have access to the most aid.

For more information about the financial aid process, eligibility, and other topics, visit the UCCS Office of Financial Aid.

Loans

Loans are borrowed money that can be used to pay for educational expenses, but must be repaid after a certain period.

For Undergraduates:

For Graduates:

Of all things that bug students, it would usually be how the repayment works for student loans. Click Here to find out about it.

OR Calculate your repayment using The Repayment Estimator

Loans should be the last option you have towards financial aid for your college. There are many other ways to gain financial aid without the need to make repayments.

To find out more information check out UCCS Education Loans OR Studentaid.gov

Grants

Grants are financial aid awards that, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. Grants may be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other miscellaneous educational expenses. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for grants. Grants are awarded based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office will evaluate eligibility and notify students of their awards with an Award Letter.

For Undergraduates:

For Graduates:

To find out more information check out UCCS Grants OR Studentaid.gov

Work Study

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.

Quick Look at a Work Study

  • part-time employment while you are enrolled in school.
  • available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need.
  • available to full-time or part-time students.
  • It’s administered by schools participating in the Federal Work-Study Program. (for UCCS it's Student Employment)

NOTE: If you’re interested in getting a Federal Work-Study job while you’re enrolled in college or career school, make sure you apply for aid early. Schools that participate in the Federal Work-Study Program award funds on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more information check out UCCS Student Employment OR Studentaid.gov

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial aid awards that do not need to be repaid. These awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of the two. Many scholarships have additional requirements as well. For example, you may have to be a resident of a particular state, be involved in extracurricular activities, have a special talent, or be pursuing a specific major.

More Tips on Scholarships

  • Your Scholarship Search: Create a scholarship portfolio approximately a year prior to enrolling in school so you can get a head start on the process.
  • When getting started on your search ask yourself:
  • Get a great recommendation
    • What am I passionate about?
    • What organizations are my family and I a part of?
    • Where do I work?
    • What’s my family situation?

Beware of scholarship and financial aid scams; it is important that when searching for scholarships you do it through reputable organizations. Learn more about scholarship scams.

  • High school counseling office
  • Your employer or your parent’s employer
  • Library
  • Community organizations, typically there is less competition for local awards
  • College in Colorado has an easy-to-use search tool with links to other scholarship sources