To be able to complete the FAFSA, both the student and at least one parent will need to create FSA ID accounts in advance so that they can process correctly.  

Go to the FSA ID Account Creation website to complete this important step.

Federal Student Aid comes from the federal government.  It is based on your family’s financial status and provides money that helps you pay for your college expenses.  

Examples includes grants (which does not have to be re-paid), loans (which must be repaid; however, federal loans have lower interest rates), and work-study (which is money that is earned through an on- or off-campus job).

This is the website: FAFSA.gov

You are not committing to anything by filling out the FAFSA! 

The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is the application by which students that meet the qualifications can apply for this aid. Students who do not have lawful immigration status and who do not meet the qualifications listed above are also encouraged to apply for institutional aid using the CASFA. Students who are eligible for Federal Title IV aid by completing the FAFSA should not complete the CASFA.

Here is the website: cdhe.colorado.gov/students/preparing-for-college/colorado-application-for-state-financial-aid