The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now open.
The instructions below are still applicable to Spring 2025 Admits
wishing to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA.
Read ALL Instructions
- Make sure to thoroughly read each question in order to give the proper answer. Most FAFSA mistakes are made by simply putting your first name in the box that is asking for your last name. Avoiding those simple mistakes will make the processing go much faster and more smoothly.
- Do not skip any questions. If you skip any required questions you will not be able to continue on to the next page of the FAFSA. If you are unsure, please refer to the help icons on the website or contact the financial aid office.
You (the student)
- Your name must exactly match the name on your Social Security Card.
- Marital status - this is the student's marital status as of the very day that the student fills out the FAFSA.
- Student's Income and Assets - Student's earnings and taxes as reported on the Federal tax form - 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, or 1040X.
- Student Status - the student will be asked a series of questions to determine their dependency status.
- If you are able to answer "yes" to at least one of the questions, you will be considered provisionally independent and will be able to move on to fill out the rest of the FAFSA with only your (and spouse's, if married) tax information. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation of your status once your FAFSA is received.
- Students who answered "no" to all questions must include parents' income information, otherwise the FAFSA will be incomplete.
- If you are over the age of 24, you are automatically independent.
Parent Information
- Parents' earnings and taxes as reported on the Federal tax form - 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, or 1040X.
- Report taxes paid, NOT taxes withheld.
- If interest or dividends are reported on your taxes, the principal source must be reported on the FAFSA under investments.
Household Information
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Include the following people in the family size if they live with the student and will receive more than half of their support from the student between July 1 and June 30 of the academic year:
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the student’s dependent children (including children who live apart due to college enrollment)
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other dependents
Do not include unborn children.
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Schools where you are applying
- You may list up to twenty schools that will receive the results of your FAFSA.
- Federal School Code for Colorado Mesa University is: 001358.
- For other school codes, call the financial aid office of the school you wish to attend or check with your high school counselor.
Signature and Date
- Students and parents of dependent students will need to apply for an FSA ID online. This FSA ID will be your electronic signature.
For additional help:
Contact IRIS at 970.248.1177