Financial Assistance Resources | Colorado Mesa University

24-25 FAFSA Updates and Changes

IRIS and Financial Aid held a virtual information session to highlight the new updates and changes to the upcoming 2024-2025 FAFSA. View the recording here.

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TRUE: Due to major changes occurring to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) the 2425 FAFSA will soft launch some time in December.

The 2425 CASFA will also be delayed.

Learn more about FAFSA Simplification and the changes occurring to the FAFSA.

BUSTED: The FAFSA has information buttons for most questions and studentaid.gov has how-to videos and a list of common FAQs.

BUSTED: The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year and is used for financial aid offers for the following school year. For example, the 2023-2024 FAFSA was opened on October 1, 2022. Filling out the FAFSA as close to October 1st as possible is recommended, as some aid outside of the federal Pell grand and federal loans is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

BUSTED: At least one parent who is on the FAFSA and has a valid social security number is required to create a FSA ID. That is their electronic signature which will applied to the FAFSA prior to submitting the FAFSA at completion.

BUSTED: No matter your parents’ income, you should still fill out the FAFSA. You will need a FAFSA on file if you want to work on campus and even to receive some scholarships and state grants.

Plan Ahead!

Use our budget worksheet to map out finances for next semester.

Budget Worksheet

Explore Your Financial Options

Submit your 2023-2024 FAFSA to apply for grants, federal loans, and work study funds. Some scholarships require students to complete a FAFSA. Fill out the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/

Complete the Scholarship Application in your MAVzone to apply for all CMU Foundation Scholarships. Check out our how to video for tips on the Scholarship Application.

Also apply for any scholarships outside of CMU! You can access a list of outside scholarship resources here.

CMU offers a variety of payment plan options. You can view the different options in the ePay application in MAVzone. Learn more about ePay here.

Students can search for on campus jobs using the Handshake application in MAVzone. If you were not offered work study through the FAFSA, be sure to apply for work study funds through the MAVworks application. *The MAVworks application opens August 1* MAVworks Application

Alternative loans are provided by a third party lender and can be used in combination with other financial aid (grants, federal loans, scholarships).

Research, compare, and apply for a private alternative loan at elmselect.com.

CMU Student Services has compiled community and other campus resources on their website. Check out food, housing, wellness, and other resources here.

Schedule Financial Counseling

IRIS is here to support you! To discuss your financial situation and review all options available, schedule a financial counseling appointment.

Schedule Appointment