Watch this video about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from StudentAid.gov to learn how you can access grants, loans, and work-study jobs to help fund your education.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Start with the FAFSA
The majority of CCU students qualify to receive some level of financial assistance. In order to be considered for any type of financial aid, students must fill out a FAFSA.
CCU's Student Financial Services office exists to partner with you in your college investment. The step-by-step financial aid guide below will help you understand the financial aid application process, beginning with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you're asking yourself, "Do I need to fill out a FAFSA for graduate school?" The answer is "yes."
Financial assistance for graduate students is offered, and the graduate student financial aid application process is the same as for undergraduate students. Additional information regarding financial aid basics, applying for scholarships, tax benefits, student loan repayment, graduate financial aid, and much more can be found on the NASFAA website.
Key FAFSA Dates
- The FAFSA is available on October 1 each year. This change gives students an earlier indication of their financial aid status and awards.
- The FAFSA collects income and tax information from an earlier tax year. The FAFSA now requests tax information from the "prior-prior" tax year. For example, the 2022-23 FAFSA requires tax information from the 2020 tax year. The FAFSA is easier to complete as students have their taxes completed by the time the FAFSA is filled out.
| Starting classes at CCU | FAFSA year | Earliest FAFSA is available | Tax year required on the FAFSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024 | 2023-24 FAFSA | October 1, 2022 | 2021 |
| Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025 | 2024-25 FAFSA | December 30, 2023 | 2022 |
Can I choose which year’s tax information I provide on the FAFSA?
Which FAFSA do I complete?
If you're starting classes at CCU Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, you'll complete the 2023-24 FAFSA. If you're starting classes at CCU Summer or Fall 2024, you'll complete the 2024-25 FAFSA. Please see chart above.
What if my income is substantially different than the tax year required on the FAFSA?
You will still need to provide the “prior-prior” tax year information. You can contact Student Financial Services and let them know your situation has changed.
Where can I get more information on the FAFSA?
Applying for Financial Aid at CCU
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The 2024-25 FAFSA is now available. (Colorado Christian University's school code is 009401.) New updates were made to simplify the FAFSA and to better protect applicants' sensitive information. Students completing the 2024-25 FAFSA should input income and tax information directly from their 2022 federal tax return onto their online FAFSA. For the most accurate and prompt results, do not estimate income or taxes on the FAFSA.
- The Department of Education will select some students who have completed the FAFSA for a process called verification. You are notified on your FAFSA Submission Summary if you have been chosen, and you will need to submit additional documentation to Student Financial Services. CCU’s financial aid verification process is completed entirely online through the Verify My FAFSA system. Minimum additional documentation includes IRS tax transcripts for you and your spouse, and a verification worksheet completed and signed by you and your spouse.
- Complete the Adult Undergraduate Admission process or Graduate Program Admission process as quickly as possible. The Student Financial Services office cannot review your file for awarding unless you are admitted to a degree-seeking program. Admission requirements include a final high school transcript or diploma, verifying completion of your high school degree. No financial aid funds can be disbursed without proof of high school or GED completion, and students may be dropped from classes without verified high school or GED completion.
- Once you have been awarded financial aid, you will receive an email advising you to log in to Self-Service Financial Aid and view the financial aid that is available to you. You will need to accept or decline your awards online under the My Awards tab in Self-Service Financial Aid. Because of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, all student loans are now offered through the Federal Direct Loan Program. If you have been awarded student loans, go to the U.S. Department of Education Direct Loans site and sign your Master Promissory Note. Students who have previously received Federal Stafford loan funds from CCU must complete a new MPN. If you are a first-time Federal Stafford Loan borrower at CCU, you must also complete an Entrance Counseling Interview.
- If you are an undergraduate student and have been awarded Colorado State grants, you need to submit a Colorado Residency form online. (Your CCU login will be required to access this form.) If you’re an undergraduate student and have been awarded a College Opportunity Fund grant, you must also complete the COF stipend application on the College Assist website.
- To maintain state and federal financial aid eligibility, students must be enrolled in coursework that satisfies the degree requirements for an eligible program of study. Coursework that is not required to meet degree program requirements will not be eligible for state or federal financial aid. Once students have earned the number of credits required to graduate and met all other degree requirements, they may not continue to receive financial aid to maintain studies at CCU. For additional information on maintaining financial aid eligibility, please review the CAGS Financial Aid Handbook.
- CCU correspondence to students is primarily through email. Students are responsible to keep their email contact information up-to-date and check their email inbox regularly. Students’ current account information is always accessible in Self-Service Student Finance.
- Do your research on outside scholarships! There are many scholarships available for students who wish to pursue them.
- Secure payment arrangements for all charges not covered by financial aid before the semester begins. Payment options include cash, check, credit card, and electronic check (PDF). See Payment Options for adult students for more details.
- To view your account summary, including tuition and fee charges, pending financial aid, and payment history, please go to Self-Service Student Finance and click on “ Account Activity.” You can view your statement of account and make payments on an outstanding balance. To view past term history, please select the appropriate term.
- Keep copies of all information you fill out and submit to CCU, including your FAFSA. Additional information regarding financial aid at CCU can be found in the Financial Aid Handbook.