Grand Valley high school seniors and other local residents planning to attend college can apply to public institutions across Colorado without paying application fees this week. Colorado’s ninth annual Colorado Free Application Days will take place from Sunday, Oct. 20, through Tuesday, Oct. 22.
During these three days, all 31 public colleges and universities in Colorado, alongside some private institutions, will waive application fees for Colorado residents applying to undergraduate programs. This includes applications for associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and other eligible credentials, offering a direct financial benefit to students in Mesa County considering options like Colorado Mesa University or other state schools.
According to a news release, over 70,000 Coloradans submitted applications during last year’s event, which resulted in an estimated $2.4 million in savings on application fees for students. The release also stated that participation in last year's event increased by 9% compared to 2024. Additionally, 36% of applications received were from first-generation students, defined as those whose parents did not complete a four-year bachelor’s degree.
JB Holston, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), emphasized the program's broader impact in the news release. He noted that the initiative helps “more Coloradans explore their options, take the next step, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.”
The CDHE's own Pathways to Prosperity report highlights that roughly half of Colorado high school graduates enroll immediately in postsecondary education. The report also identified that completion rates for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) remain below desired levels, which can limit access to crucial financial aid opportunities for many students.
It is worth noting that some institutions already offer year-round fee waivers. Community colleges and area technical colleges in Colorado, such as Western Colorado Community College in Grand Junction, generally waive application fees throughout the year. Furthermore, some institutions, like Colorado Mountain College, have permanently eliminated application fees for all of their programs for Colorado residents.
Students do not need to wait until Sunday to begin their applications. Most application platforms allow students to save their progress, meaning they can start working on their applications at any time and then submit them during the Oct. 20-22 waiver period to avoid fees, according to the news release.
Eligibility requirements and the specific fee waiver methods can vary by institution. For more information regarding Colorado Free Application Days and a list of participating colleges, residents can visit the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s website.
