2024 Colorado Free Application Days Was Oct. 15-17, 2024
The seventh annual Colorado Free Application Days was held on Tuesday, October 15th - Thursday, October 17th. The preliminary total of applications submitted during the 3-day period was 67,343! Official data to come in December.
View Colorado Free Application Days Instructions.
The Colorado Free Application Days campaign is an initiative designed to inspire more Coloradans to continue their education. From Tuesday, Oct. 15 through Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions will waive their application fees, making it free for anyone to submit an application. By waiving application fees—a common barrier to higher education—Colorado Free Application Days aims to improve access to further education and training, which is becoming increasingly critical in the state’s rapidly changing economy.
The days cap off Colorado Applies Month, a five-week, statewide campaign that encourages high school juniors and seniors – and adults – to select an education or training option that’s best for them and apply to that program when eligible to do so. The statewide push is designed to increase Colorado’s college-going and FAFSA and CASFA completion rates. The campaign aims to support low-income and first-generation students and to help keep Colorado students in state.
Click here to view the Communications Toolkit
Colorado Institutions Which Are Free to Apply to as an Undergraduate Resident Year-round:
Public Colleges and Universities
- Adams State University
- Colorado State University
- Colorado State University Pueblo
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Western Colorado University
- All two-year and community colleges
- All area technical colleges
Private Colleges and Universities
- Colorado College
- Regis University
FAQ
- Who is Eligible to Participate in Free Application Days?
All residents of Colorado who are applying for undergraduate programs at all state public and some private Colorado colleges and universities are eligible to submit their admission applications for free on Oct. 15 - Oct. 17, 2024. Undergraduate programs include undergraduate level certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. This means all of the following applicants are eligible:
- First-time freshmen
- Transfer students
- Returning students
- Applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree
Applicants for graduate-level programs are not eligible.
- Are there Waivers Year-Round for Those Experiencing Financial Hardship?
Almost all colleges and universities have application fee waivers for financial hardship during the entire year. As such, if you are struggling to pay an application fee and wish to submit your admission application before (or after) Free Application Day$, review the instructions or contact the admission office at the college/university you want to apply to for more information.
CDHE would like to acknowledge the following institutions that no longer charge an application fee for Colorado residents year-round:
- Adams State University
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins
- Colorado State University, Pueblo
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Western Colorado University
Also, community colleges and area technical colleges have always had no application fees.
- It is always free to apply to Colorado's community and area technical colleges
Colorado community and area technical colleges never charge to apply for admission -
It is free to apply year-round!
- Should I submit my SAT/ACT Scores?
First-time freshmen applicants have the option to include or not include their SAT or ACT scores with their college applications as Colorado colleges and universities are now test-optional. This can make the college application process even easier for applicants. To learn more about the test-optional policy click here.
And to get advice directly from Colorado colleges and universities regarding if you should submit your SAT/ACT scores, click here.
- My Colorado Journey is here for you
My Colorado Journey has resources that help you discover your talents and interests, find a matching education or training program and successfully submit an application.
- Next steps after Free Application Days
After you apply, it's important to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your ticket to grants, scholarships and work study positions that can put college in reach. Learn how you can get your piece of the pie!
If you don't qualify for federal aid, you may qualify for state aid through the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). Learn more here.
- Why do we have Free Application Days
To inspire more Coloradans to continue their education, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions allow students to apply for free on Tuesday, Oct. 15 - Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, as part of the seventh annual Colorado Free Application Day$.
Colorado Free Application Day$ caps off Colorado Applies Month, a five-week campaign that guides 11th- and 12-grade students and adult job seekers along the application process.
The statewide push is designed to increase Colorado’s college-going and FAFSA completion rates. Despite being one of the most educated states in the country, Colorado sent just 50.5% of 2020 high school graduates to a college, university or certificate program, and less than 50% of students submit a FAFSA application—a key indicator of students’ likelihood to continue their education.
By removing barriers for students to achieve a credential, Colorado can increase the number of students who complete their programs and enter the workforce with a degree or competitive skills. Nearly 75% of Colorado jobs require a postsecondary credential. Colorado Free Application Day encourages residents to live up to their fullest potential.
- 2023 Free Application Days Results
In 2023, the sixth annual Colorado's Free Application Day$ took place from Tuesday, Oct. 17 through Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.
Applicants who submitted their admission applications to Colorado's colleges and universities during this three-day period could do so for free.
- 2022 Free Application Days Results
In 2022, the fifth annual Colorado's Free Application Day$ took place from Tuesday, Oct. 18 through Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
Applicants who submitted their admission applications to Colorado's colleges and universities during this three-day period could do so for free.
- 2021 Free Application Days Results
In 2021, Colorado's Free Application Day was expanded to become Free Application Day$! The fourth annual statewide initiative grew from one day to three days and took place from Tuesday, Oct. 19 through Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021.
Applicants who submitted their admission applications to Colorado's colleges and universities during this three-day period could do so for free.
- 2020 Colorado Free Application Day Results
View results for free application day 2020 - thank you to all who participated and helped make the day a success!
All 32 state colleges and universities and several private institutions waived admission application fees for Colorado residents on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, as part of the third annual Colorado Free Application Day. Additional details are included in this press release. Free Application Day success data cited in these resources include:
- 56,896 total applications submitted
- Over $2.3 million in application fee savings
- 44% were submitted by students of color
- Almost 30% were submitted by first-generation students