Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education on Wednesday announced the sixth annual Colorado Free Application Days campaign, which is designed to inspire adults in the state to continue their education beyond high school.
The event will begin Tuesday, Oct. 17 and will continue through Thursday, Oct. 19. All 32 public colleges and universities and several private colleges in Colorado will waive their application fees, making it free for those interested to submit an application to the school of their choice.
College application fees have recently been identified as a barrier for adults to apply to schools.
“Colorado Free Application Days aims to improve access to further education and training, which is becoming increasingly critical in the state’s rapidly changing economy,” the news release stated.
“Colorado Free Application Days is a great way for people considering applying to one of the 32 public universities to begin the process at no cost. I am committed to making higher education more accessible, and by removing barriers like application fees, we are saving people money and helping Coloradans achieve their goals,” Polis said.
The program has been an annual event in the state for six years, but it is the third year that it has taken place over the course of three days, rather than just one.
Last year, there were nearly 64,000 applications during the three-day period. More than 45% of applications came from students of color, and more than a third were from first-generation students, according to the news release.
Applicants may review admission and fee waiver information for each university and college participating before the event’s start to make sure they have the required materials ready and available.
There is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted per individual.
“I’ve always been a firm believer of success simply being opportunity meets preparation, and Colorado Applies Month is just that. CAM allows students to prepare for their future and begin making their dreams possible,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE. “Increasing FAFSA and CASFA completion is paramount and Colorado Free Application Days is one of our most significant campaigns.”
October also brings Colorado Applies Month, a “five-week, statewide campaign that encourages high school juniors and seniors – and adults – to select an education or training option that’s best for them and apply to that program.”
Colorado Applies Month is designed to increase Colorado’s college-going and FAFSA and CASFA completion rates while supporting low-income and first-generation students and keeping Colorado students in the state.
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education set a strategic goal to increase the number of Coloradans benefiting from valuable career skills, obtained while in high school or via post-secondary education because of changing workforce demands, and have stated that, at a minimum, “enable additional lifetime earnings greater than the cost of attendance” in its plan for increasing the number of Coloradans going on to higher education, Building Skills for an Evolving Economy.
“Increasing post-secondary enrollment and reducing equity gaps – the racial disparities in educational attainment – are priority strategies to improve access and reduce costs for Coloradans,” the news release said.
