Colorado Free Application Days return Oct. 7-9

DENVER — Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education announced Thursday that the state will host its eighth annual Colorado Free Application Days from Oct. 7-9.

For three days, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, along with many private institutions, will waive application fees for Colorado residents applying to undergraduate programs. The initiative, now in its fifth year as a three-day event, aims to remove financial barriers and encourage more students to pursue higher education.

“By eliminating application fees, we are opening doors for more Coloradans to pursue college and build a brighter future,” Polis said in a statement. “I encourage Colorado students who are interested in a postsecondary path to take advantage of this opportunity.”

CDHE Executive Director Angie Paccione said the program represents more than cost savings. “Free Application Days are more than just an opportunity to save money; it’s a gateway to possibility,” Paccione said. “By removing financial barriers, we’re empowering every student to take that first bold step toward their dreams.”

Eligibility and fee waiver details

The program is open to Colorado residents applying to undergraduate programs, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and certificates, at public institutions or participating private colleges.

Fee waiver instructions are posted on CDHE’s website, with methods varying by institution. Community colleges and area technical colleges waive application fees year-round, while several other schools have permanently eliminated resident fees.

Why it matters

Colorado ranks fourth in the nation for the percentage of its workforce with postsecondary credentials, according to Lumina Foundation. Yet CDHE reports that only about half of high school graduates continue their studies and fewer than half complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is key to accessing financial aid. Nearly three-quarters of jobs in Colorado now require postsecondary education.

In 2024, nearly 66,000 applications were submitted during the free period, saving students more than $2.8 million. A large share came from students of color and first-generation students, who benefit most from reduced barriers to higher education.

What students should do now

• Begin working on applications early. Most platforms allow students to save progress before Oct. 7.
• Prepare required materials such as essays and letters of recommendation.
• Submit applications between Oct. 7 and Oct. 9 to take advantage of the fee waiver.
• After applying, complete the FAFSA or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) to maximize financial aid opportunities.