For just three days next week, students will be able to apply to colleges across Colorado free of charge as part of the state’s Free Application Days campaign.

Now in its eighth year, the campaign will extend from Oct. 7-9 and waive application fees for all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, in addition to some private institutions. Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, said waiving application fees helps to remove financial barriers and make education more accessible to aspiring students.

“By eliminating application fees, we are opening doors for more Coloradans to pursue college and build a brighter future,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “I encourage Colorado students who are interested in a postsecondary path to take advantage of this opportunity to apply to college without a cost.”

The initiative itself was created to “to inspire more Coloradans to continue their education” and increase the state’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rates. Currently, less than 50% of Colorado students submit a federal student aid application.

Colorado sent roughly 50% of 2020 high school graduates to a college, university or certificate program, according to data from the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Meanwhile, nearly 75% of Colorado jobs require a postsecondary credential.

In 2024, over 65,000 Coloradans submitted college applications during Free Application Days, saving a cumulative $2.8 million in waived fees.

Who’s eligible?

All Colorado residents applying to undergraduate programs — including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and certificates — at all state public colleges or participating private colleges may apply for free from Oct. 7-9, according to a state news release.

Eligible applicants include first-time freshmen, transfer students, returning students and applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree, according to the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

How to apply

Each institution has its own instructions for undergoing the fee waiver process, such as submitting codes or utilizing a drop-down menu. The Colorado Department of Higher Education’s website offers fee waiver information for each participating college and university, which can be found by visiting CDHE.Colorado.gov/COFreeAppDays.

Community colleges and area technical colleges waive application fees year-round. Colorado Mountain College, for example, does not charge an application fee to apply for admission.

The Department of Higher Education suggests that students work on applications now in order not to miss the deadline, as most platforms allow students to save their progress before the waiver window opens.

After applying, students complete their federal or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid to see if they qualify for federal, state or institutional aid.