Click here for our Financial Aid Overview with helpful links, tips and tutorials

FAFSA

Colleges and Universities determine financial need based on the submission of the Office of Federal Student Aid's FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  Completing the FAFSA is a very important first step in the financial aid process. The 2024-25 FAFSA application will open before December 31st.

FAFSA Help Resources/Information Center (chat, call, email)

Video tutorials and other resources at the FSA Outreach YouTube Channel

Local FAFSA support:

Financial Aid Experts at CMC are available for 1:1 FAFSA completion support

Phone: (970) 947-8322

Email: finaid@coloradomtn.edu

Book an appointment: coloradomtn.edu/financial-aid/contact/

More info is available on CMC's 2024-25 FAFSA Simplification webpage and playlist.

CSS PROFILE

Hundreds of private schools and a few public institutions use Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile) in addition to the FAFSA to determine a financial aid package. A fee is required to submit the CSS Profile (which is managed by the CollegeBoard). Always consult each college's financial aid page for their requirements. Be warned, the CSS Profile is fairly involved, click here for a detailed overview and here for CollegeBoard's CSS Profile customer support.The financial aid offices of the indivdual colleges may also be able to offer assistance.  CSS Profile is free for families making up to $100,000. Click here for information about a CSS fee waiver.

US COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES THAT MEET 100% OF DEMONSTRATED FINANCIAL NEED(some with and some without loans)

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MERIT AID

Many colleges and universities also offer significant merit aid/scholarships (based on academic performance/special talents), irrespective of financial need.

Consult each school's website for merit-based opportunities, because sometimes separate applications and/or priority application deadlines are required to be considered for merit aid.

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SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Many schools inside and outside of Colorado offer special opportunities for first generation college students and for other under represented populations.  Please ask your Post-Secondary Counselor about these opportunities.

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STATE & REGIONAL PROGRAMS

College Opportunity Fund - The State of Colorado offers per credit tuition stipends at participating public and private colleges and universities in Colorado.

Western Undergraduate Exchange - out-of-state students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at participating schools.

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NATIONAL,  REGIONAL & CORPORATE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Post-Secondary Counseling office is NOT ABLE to stay current regarding all national, corporate, state and regional scholarships, however, we are familiar with three significant (full-ride) scholarships:

Boettcher Scholarship: This highly competitive, merit-based scholarship for Colorado high school seniors, provides what is essentially a full-ride to any four-year institution in Colorado. The Boettcher Foundation supports Colorado’s top students by providing an excellent in-state education, a vast network of alumni and community leaders, and access to additional opportunities that enrich their time in college. To see if you are a competitive candidate, please click here to complete the competitiveness assessment.Deadline Nov. 1st

Daniels Scholars: The Daniels Scholarship Program offers a comprehensive, four-year college scholarship that provides financial and personal support focused on helping Daniels Scholars succeed in college, and in life. The Daniels Scholarship can be used at any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States.Deadline Oct. 15th

QuestBridge: QuestBridge is a powerful platform that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities.QuestBridge is looking for high school seniors who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges.Deadline Sept. 27th

For more information about these opportunities, please see Charlie or Karen.

***Below is a list of scholarship search engines we suggest for independent scholarship research:

Fastweb

CollegeBoard BigFuture

Cappex

RaiseMe

Scholar Snapp

ScholarshipAmerica.org

Scholarships.com

StudentScholarships.org

Unigo

Please keep in mind, you should never pay to apply for a scholarship.

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MEETING RECORDINGS

College Financial Aid Night10/5/21

Slides|Meeting Recording

Noche de ayuda financiera10/5/21

Slides|Meeting Recording

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LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year, the Aspen community offers a generous variety of scholarships to Aspen High School graduating seniors. In 2023, 30+ donor groups and organizations presented nearly $350,000 in scholarships and awards to 53 deserving students.  Aspen High School coordinates most local scholarships into one general online process for students. The Local Scholarship process begins each year in January.

Refer to the Local Scholarship webpage for more information.