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.

Colorado community and area technical colleges never charge to apply for admission - It is free to apply year-round!

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. Learn more about the test-optional policy.

Get advice directly from Colorado colleges and universities regarding if you should submit your SAT/ACT scores.

My Colorado Journey is a free, groundbreaking statewide platform that connects you to work, education, support services and action planning. 

After you apply, it's important to file the 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).

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 in the month of October, as part of the 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. 

In 2025, the eighth annual Colorado's Free Application Day$ took place from Tuesday, Oct. 7 through Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. 

Applicants who submitted their admission applications to Colorado's colleges and universities during this three-day period could do so for free.

• 71,504 applications (9% increase from 2024) were submitted during October 7 - October 9, 2025
• More than $2.4 million saved by applicants in waived application fees
• 36% of applications were submitted by students who are the first generation in their family attending college

• 49% of applications were submitted by students of color

  News Release: Free Application Days Saves Students $2.4 Million in Application Fees