10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Colorado
You don't have to go into deep debt to earn an online degree in Colorado. Many online colleges in the state accept FAFSA so students can use financial aid.
Many jobs require a college degree, but tuition can be expensive and no one wants to be saddled with high-interest student loans for the rest of their lives. With FAFSA, you can access financial aid options that lead to affordable tuition costs.
Students who want to learn online can choose from many online colleges that accept FAFSA. Keep reading to discover the best affordable online colleges in Colorado that accept FAFSA.
10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Colorado
To receive financial aid from the government or your school, you'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most accredited colleges and universities accept FAFSA, regardless of whether you're an online student or are studying on campus.
Colorado is home to several colleges and universities that offer online learning and accept FAFSA. You can check them out below; all programs listed hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
1. Adams State University
Adams State University is a public university in Alamosa, CO. It offers online degree programs at the associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctoral degree levels in areas of study like:
- business administration
- communication
- education
- sociology
Adams State offers over 200 scholarships to undergraduate students each year, and as it is a public university, tuition is lower for in-state students than for out-of-state students. When filling out your FAFSA, use the FAFSA code 001345 for Adams State.
2. Colorado Christian University
At Colorado Christian University, students can choose various online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Colorado Christian University is a private, nonprofit Christian university in Lakewood, CO.
Students at CCU can earn degrees in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and education. The school offers scholarships and grants to increase the affordability of its tuition rates, and students should use the FAFSA code 009401.
3. Colorado Mesa University
The online programs offered at Colorado Mesa University include online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs. These are available in areas of study like business, nursing, and management.
Colorado Mesa University is a public university in Grand Junction, CO. It offers multiple financial aid programs, including the CMU Promise, which covers the cost of tuition for eligible in-state students. To find out if you qualify, use the FAFSA code 001358.
4. Colorado State University
Colorado State University is a public research institution in Fort Collins, CO. It offers a variety of online bachelor's and master's programs, as well as a few doctoral degrees, online in fields such as:
- computer science
- economics
- human development
- soil and crop sciences
Students at Colorado State can utilize many types of state and federal financial aid, as well as programs through the university, to pay for their higher education. The university's federal school code is 001350.
5. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global is a member of the Colorado State University System. CSU Global is based in Denver but only offers online education � it does not offer any programs in person.
At the global campus, students can earn online bachelor's and master's degrees as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates in areas of study like business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and healthcare administration. Out-of-state students pay the in-state tuition rate, and multiple scholarships are available. CSU Global's FAFSA code is 042087.
6. Metropolitan State University of Denver
The online programs at the Metropolitan State University of Denver are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Degrees are available in fields such as business, communication, nursing, and social work.
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a public university in Denver. It offers numerous financial aid options, including the Roadrunner Promise, which covers tuition costs for eligible college students. MSU Denver's FAFSA code is 001360.
7. Regis University
Regis University is a private Catholic school in Denver. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas of study like:
- business administration
- cybersecurity
- healthcare administration
- liberal arts
The school offers scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to help undergraduate and graduate students pay for their degrees. The university's FAFSA code is 001363.
8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs can complete undergraduate and graduate programs online. Online degrees are available in various fields, such as criminal justice, education, healthcare sciences, and human services.
This school is a public research university in Colorado Springs and is part of the University of Colorado System. Students at UCCS can take advantage of multiple scholarship opportunities, and the university's FAFSA code is 004509.
9. University of Colorado Denver
Another member of the University of Colorado System is the University of Colorado Denver. Online learners can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas of study like business administration, criminal justice, communications, and psychology.
The University of Colorado Denver is a public research university in Denver. It offers multiple scholarship options to students, and its FAFSA code is 004508.
10. University of Denver
The University of Denver is a private research school in Denver. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as:
- communication
- healthcare administration
- information technology
- supply chain management
Several scholarships are available to students at the University of Denver. Students should use the FAFSA code 001371.
Applying for FAFSA in Colorado
The U.S. Department of Education's FAFSA determines what need-based aid students qualify for. Below, we've broken down the basic steps of applying for FAFSA.
Eligibility
The eligibility requirements to fill out FAFSA are pretty simple. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, you must have graduated or be preparing to graduate from high school or have an alternative like a GED, and you must be planning to attend an accredited institution of higher education in the fall.
All students should apply for FAFSA if they have financial need, regardless of whether or not you think you'll be approved. Some scholarships that are not need-based still require the FAFSA form information.
Steps To Apply
Students applying for FAFSA must complete the following steps:
- Create an account on StudentAid.gov.
- Gather the information you need, which will include your family's tax returns and bank statements. If you're still a dependent of your parents, you will need their Social Security numbers, and if you are married, you'll need your spouse's.
- Fill out the application, which takes about an hour. You'll then be asked to list the codes for all schools you're applying to, even if you haven't been accepted yet.
- Sign and submit your FAFSA.
You can track your FAFSA application through your StudentAid.gov account. Your FAFSA will determine what state and federal financial aid you qualify for, and your school will use your FAFSA to determine what institutional aid you qualify for.
FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Colorado
Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about using FAFSA for colleges in Colorado.
Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in Colorado?
As long as your online school is accredited, you should be able to use FAFSA. Nearly every regionally accredited institution accepts FAFSA, but if your college is nationally accredited, you should double-check.
How Do I Know if an Online College Accepts FAFSA?
There are a few ways to find out if your online school accepts FAFSA. You can check the financial aid section of the school's website or call the school's financial aid office directly. You can also search for your school on the Federal School Code List.
Can Pell Grants Be Used for Online Courses?
As long as your college is accredited and takes FAFSA, you can use the federal Pell Grant to pay for online courses, just as you could if your courses were in-person. For more information, reach out to your school's financial aid office.
Earn Your Degree Online Today
If you're ready to start your online degree, check out the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today for more information on their online programs, enrollment process, and financial aid.