If you apply for financial aid, you will likely need to borrow federal and or private student loans as part of your financial aid package. We strongly encourage students to exhaust all federal loan eligibility before borrowing a private student loan as federal loans generally have better terms and conditions. Below is some general information about each type of loan. To learn more, visit our Student Loans page.
Determine Eligibility for Federal, State and Institutional Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional
aid. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) and respond promptly to any
requests for additional information from the Financial Aid &
Scholarships Office. We strongly encourage students and families to learn about the differences in Federal vs. Private student loans in order to make an informed decision.
Eligible undocumented students who do not meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, but who qualify for Colorado ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow) are encouraged to complete the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) to determine your eligibility for aid through the State of Colorado.
Research and Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships are gifts, and in most instances, do not have to be repaid. Visit our Scholarships page for information on applying for scholarships through CU Denver.
Determine How Much To Borrow