College application fees can range from $50 to $80 according to Clindinst and most students apply for more than one school. These fees can quickly add up. Oct. 18-20, Colorado college-bound students can now apply for free.
For the fifth time, all Colorado college-bound students are eligible to take advantage of three days without application fees. Residents of Colorado who are applying for undergraduate programs within the state of Colorado are eligible.
The day was established to encourage Coloradans to attend college and to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
In 2021, over 62,000 applications were submitted to Colorado colleges during a three-day period. This was a 10% increase over the previous year's submissions on the free day.
“I am happy to be announcing this year's free application days and hope that Coloradans considering going to college take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Removing application fees allows students to get one step closer to their dream school,” said Gov. Jared Polis. “I am passionate about saving people money and making it possible for more Coloradans to reach their academic and life goals.”
"The opportunity also hopes to encourage anyone who is considering applying to do so and to make it more accessible to apply and explore different options," a news release from the Colorado Department of Higher Education states.
Of the students who took advantage of the free day in 2021, 45% were students of color and 37% were first-generation students. More than 2,200 students used the opportunity to transfer into a Colorado school, according to the news release.
In total more than $2.5 million was saved by college-bound students in application fees in 2021.
CDHE encourages students to begin the application process and save their work prior to the Oct. 18-20 window. The state department reminds students to pay attention to the college's application requirements for when to submit additional application documents.
“Colorado Applies Month allows students to take some time to delve into future career aspirations and ventures,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE. “One of our priorities is to increase FAFSA and CASFA completion among high school seniors. Colorado Free Application Days not only supports that goal but also encourages residents to live up to their fullest potential.”
