FAFSA

To best apply, carefully read instructions and questions regarding the FAFSA via www.fafsa.gov. Review the FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, as well. In summary, to be eligible to apply and receive financial aid:

• All eligible applicants must be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the US.
• All eligible applicants must have a valid social security number, a high school diploma or GED, and be enrolled in an eligible higher education degree or education program. 
• All eligible applicants must maintain satisfactory academic progress during the application process. 
• All eligible applicants must not owe a refund on a federal student grant or be in default on a federal student loan. 
• All eligible applicants must be registered for the Selective Service System. 
• All eligible applicants must not have a conviction for the sale of illegal drugs while they are receiving federal student aid. 

Eligible applicants should:

• Send in your FAFSA application before you have been accepted to UCCS.
• File your FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible, estimating your income if necessary.
• List the UCCS Federal School Code (004509) in your application.
• Clarify your parent’s marital status.
• Leave no question unanswered.
• Make sure your FAFSA is complete and accurate before sending it.
• Complete a new FAFSA application each year aid is needed.
• Contact Financial Aid for more information and help. 

Do not make these common mistakes: 

• Entering incorrect Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
• Entering incorrect income tax information
• Entering incorrect Social Security numbers
• Stating incorrect information regarding marital status
• Leaving answers blank
• Clicking the submit button 
• Not checking for a confirmation email from the US Department of Education (USDOE)

• Keep copies of all information, including your FAFSA confirmation and your Student Aid Report (SAR) for your records.
• Review your email from USDOE, which contains your SAR and important information regarding your financial aid.
• Frequently check and quickly respond to requests from the UCCS Financial Aid office; failure to provide extra information will delay your application (requests will show up in your myUCCS Portal “to-do list”).
• Supply your name and Student ID number on all documents and information submitted to the Financial Aid office. 
• Apply for UCCS scholarships early (the deadline for most scholarships is March 1).
• Report all outside awards or scholarships through your myUCCS Student Portal account (Financial Aid may have to adjust your financial aid award accordingly to prevent excess financial aid awards. 
• Submit a “Special Circumstances” appeal if your family situation has changed, altering the aid you may receive.
• Contact the Financial Aid office for guidance