UCCS Financial Aid
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a simple form that can be filled out by current and prospective students to determine whether they are eligible for financial aid. The FAFSA can tell you which specific loans you qualify for, based on your financial circumstances.
The Key to Getting Aid is Applying Early
Easily apply for federal student aid online using the UCCS FAFSA Code (004509). This application must be completed by the priority deadline of March 1 of each academic year.
Navigating FAFSA Tutorial
FAFSA might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry—you’ve got this, and we’re here to help! This step-by-step tutorial makes it easy to navigate the application process and maximize your financial aid opportunities. Whether you're a first-time applicant or looking for a refresher, this video breaks it all down with clear instructions and tips to help you succeed.
UCCS Financial Aid Packaging
Clyde’s Commitment assures Colorado students, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, guaranteed admission to UCCS. We will waive the application fee and offer guidance to help better understand the path forward in becoming a member of our Mountain Lion Family. Clyde’s Commitment is always non binding and a promise UCCS has helping all students to harness their power for unlimited possibilities!
UCCS is committed to promising students who are Federal Pell Grant eligible and Colorado residents a total grant (free monies) award of $12,500 each year they are enrolled at UCCS, which will cover tuition and fees along with books. This is a priority packaging award program therefore students must renew their FAFSA each year as well retaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility and meeting the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements each semester.
To be considered for a Clyde’s Pride priority packaging award, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be processed by March 1st. Additionally, if additional documents are requested, they must be submitted by June 1st each year.
Priority packaging awards are comprised of financial aid programs such as Federal campus-based programs (Federal SEOG and Federal Work-Study), State of Colorado Grants and UCCS grants.
If your FAFSA is processed after March 1, your award package may not include the additional grant shown in the graphs included in your planning letter. Federal Pell Grants and loans will continue to be awarded after the deadline.
Final award eligibility will be determined by the following factors:
- Financial aid file completion date
- FAFSA processing date prior to March 1st.
- Cost of attendance (COA)
- Residency – full Colorado resident (no residency exception)
- Full-time or part-time enrollment
| Award | SAI (-1500-6655) |
| Pell Grant | $7,395 - $740 |
| Other Grants | $5,105 - $11,760 |
| Total Grant | $12,500 |
Undergraduate, resident, priority students are awarded grants in fixed tiers. The sum of Pell and other grants will equal the bottom row of the table.
In addition to grants, all eligible students will be packaged with Federal Direct loans according to their eligibility.
| Award | SAI (-1500-6655) | SAI (2600+) |
| Pell Grant | $7,395 - $4,845 | $4,745 - $0 |
| Other Grants | $3,600 | $0 |
In addition to grants, all eligible students will be packaged with Federal Direct loans according to their eligibility.
All eligible students will be packaged with Federal Direct loans according to their eligibility. Grant funds will be subject to funds availability up to $4000 to students enrolled full time in the SAI range of -1500 - 4600.
| Annual Loan Limits | |||
| Grade Level | Max. Subsidized | Max. Unsubsidized | Total Yearly Amounts |
| Freshman (DEP) | $3,500 | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| Freshman (INDEP) | $3,500 | $6,000 | $9,500 |
| Sophomore (DEP) | $4,500 | $2,000 | $6,500 |
| Sophomore (INDEP) | $4,500 | $6,000 | $10,500 |
| Junior/Senior (DEP) | $5,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
| Junior/Senior (INDEP) | $5,500 | $7,000 | $12,500 |
| Graduate | - | $20,500 | $20,500 |
Students who do not qualify for priority aid will receive packages containing loans and federal entitlements. Pell grants will be awarded, as usual, but other state and institutional grants are not awarded.
Interested in summer financial aid? All you need to do is enroll in summer classes to be considered for UCCS Summer financial aid.
For more information check out the Summer Packaging Page