A college education is an investment in your future. We encourage you to explore the many options available for paying for college.
Developing a financial plan can make your dream of attending college a reality. We hope this information will answer many of your questions and provide the ideas you need to get started on your journey.
Families rely on many different resources to pay for college. As you prepare, think about:
| Colorado Resident** | Non-Resident | |
| Base Tuition and Fees (based on 15 credits per semester) | $8,088 | $18,858 |
| College Opportunity Fund stipend credit (Colorado residents) | -$2,670 | 0 |
| Student's Share of Base Tuition and Fees | $5,418 | $18,858 |
| In addition to base tuition, there is a supplemental tuition charge per credit hour for undergraduate students enrolled in high cost/high demand programs and/or upper division courses. For more information about tuition and fee charges, visit www.colostate.edu/Depts/Registrar | ||
| Costs vary among students depending on the decisions you make. Below are estimates to help you approximate your costs. You may be able to economize by reducing your costs in any of the following areas. | ||
| Living Allowance | $7,092 | $7,092 |
| This is the cost based on a standard residence hall room with meal plan B. Other residence hall plans are available at varying costs. Visit www.housing.colostate.edu | ||
| Books and Supplies | $ 990 | $ 990 |
| Books can cost more or less, depending on your major. | ||
| Miscellaneous | $1,692 | $2,392 |
| Includes personal expenses and transportation. | ||
| Health Care | $450 | $450 |
| Does not include health insurance cost; includes cost for over the counter health needs. | ||
| Total Estimated Costs for the Year | $15,642 | $29,782 |
*These are the estimated costs for 2007-2008; 2008-2009 may be higher.
** If you are a Colorado resident, be sure to apply for the College Opportunity Fund at www.collegeincolorado.org.
The following chart shows how much money you could earn by working part-time during fall and spring semesters.
| Pay Rate | Working 10 hours/week |
Working 15 hours/week |
| $7.00 | $2,240 | $3,360 |
| $8.00 | $2,560 | $3,840 |
| $9.00 | $2,880 | $4,320 |
Colorado State University's user-friendly payment plan allows for the student's bill to be paid in thirds over the first three months of each semester. This can help if you are trying to cash-flow all or part of your college expenses.
| Charges | Fall | Spring |
| 1/3 tuition, fees, residence hall, and other charges due | August | January |
| 1/3 tuition, fees, residence hall, and other charges due | September | February |
| 1/3 tuition, fees, residence hall, and other charges due | October | March |
Financial aid is money that you receive from the government and other agencies to help you pay for college. It is a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Grants and Scholarships do not need to be repaid. Grants are based on financial need. Most scholarships are based on academic merit or demonstrated talent in a certain area.
Work-Study is government funding for student employment. Need-based work-study is based on financial need. Merit work-study is not need-based. It is awarded to students who are working in a position that is related to their future career goals.
Loans must be repaid after you leave college. The loans are at a low interest rate and the government offers flexible repayment plans.
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is available on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov or at colleges, universities, and high schools throughout the United States.
For priority consideration, apply by March 1. Colorado State University awards financial aid based on complete and accurate data; therefore, it is advisable to complete federal income tax returns for both student and parent(s) before you complete the FAFSA.
Colorado State University's Federal School Code is 001350.
You may qualify for some type of financial aid. You must be degree-seeking and registered for at least 6 regular on-campus credits to receive financial aid. Last year, we awarded more than $150 million to students through grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
The information you provide on the FAFSA is used to determine what type of financial aid you will receive. Students from lower income families receive grants and work-study; most students receive loans. Remember to borrow wisely. Never borrow more than you need.
Yes. For some scholarships, you are considered automatically when you apply for admission, and for others you must apply separately. Review the other sections of this "Freshman Scholarship Guide" for specific information on scholarships at Colorado State University.
Check with the following for more information on scholarships.
Fall 2007 - Apply for admission to Colorado State University.
December 2007-March 2008 - Many scholarship deadlines occur.
February 1, 2008 - Priority filing date to submit a complete Application for Admission to be considered for selected admissions-based scholarships.
March 1, 2008 - Priority date to apply for 2008-2009 financial aid.
Colorado State University Scholarship Application (CSUSA) deadline.
March 2008 - Student Financial Services starts notifying students of their 2008-2009 financial aid offers.
August 1, 2008 - Priority date to accept your loan(s), submit all loan promissory notes, and meet entrance counseling requirement.
| Student Financial Services | Office of Admissions |
| 103 Administration Annex | Spruce Hall |
| Colorado State University | Colorado State University |
| 1065 Campus Delivery | 1062 Campus Delivery |
| Fort Collins, CO 80523-1065 | Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062 |
| (970) 491-6321; FAX: (970) 491-5010 | (970) 491-6909; FAX: (970) 491-7799 |
| sfs.colostate.edu | admissions.colostate.edu |
| E-mail address: Visit our Web site and select "E-mail a Counselor" | E-mail address: Visit our Web site and select "Contact Us" |
| Student Employment Services | |
| 133 Student Services | |
| Colorado State University | |
| 1065 Campus Delivery | |
| Fort Collins, CO 80523-1065 | |
| (970) 491-5714; FAX: (970) 491-1975 | |
| ses.colostate.edu | |
| E-mail address: Visit our Web site and select "E-mail a Counselor" |