Financial aid application for undocumented ASSET students
If you are an undocumented student that does NOT qualify for federal aid, you can still apply for financial aid through the state of Colorado via the CASFA (Colorado Application for State Financial Aid).
Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET): undocumented students who meet Colorado Mesa University admission requirements and have been accepted for admission are eligible for in-state tuition at Colorado’s public higher education institutions.
In 2019, the General Assembly passed H.B. 19-1196, Financial Aid For Students With In-state Tuition, which allows state aid to be awarded to students who do not have lawful immigration status but have resided in the state for at least three years before graduating from a Colorado high school or passing a high school equivalency exam.
The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is the application by which students that meet the qualifications can apply for this aid. Students who do not have lawful immigration status and who do not meet the qualifications listed above are also encouraged to apply for institutional aid using the CASFA. Students who are eligible for Federal Title IV aid by completing the FAFSA should not complete the CASFA.
Read more about the CASFA on the Colorado Department of Higher Education website
Financial aid and tuition for ASSET students
ASSET students can qualify for the following financial aid and tuition benefits. Students must apply for COF and work-study
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COF (College Opportunity Fund)
Students must apply for COF separately to receive aid.
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In-state residency rate
ASSET students are eligible for the same residency rate as in-state students.
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Colorado Student Grant
If the Colorado Student Grant is offered as an award, students must accept to receive aid.
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Colorado Work-study
If work-study is offered as an award, students must accept and apply for an on-campus job to start receiving this aid. Learn more about work-study and student employment.
How to apply
Create an account
Note: If you are eligible for federal aid through the FAFSA, you are NOT eligible for CASFA aid and should not submit an application.
Visit the CASFA application page and create an account with the Colorado Department of Higher Education student portal.
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Create an account
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Confirm you are not eligible for the FAFSA
When you create your account, confirm you cannot complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
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Follow on-screen instructions to set up your account, then click "Register"
Note: If you do not have a SSN or ITIN, then leave that field blank.
Apply
Enter your SSN or ITIN if you have it; if not, leave the field blank.
“Residency” refers to living in the state of Colorado, not immigration status.
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Log in to start your application
Click the blue Actions icon to begin your application.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application
You will need the following information to complete the CASFA: High school diploma or graduation information, dependency information and income tax returns. If you are a dependent, you will need income tax returns from your parents, as well.
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School List
Select Colorado Mesa University as one of the schools you are planning to attend; you can submit up to 10 schools if you have applied to different schools and are not sure which to attend yet.
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Sign the Form
Certify the statements and information you have provided are true and correct. Next, submit an electronic signature or chose a paper form to sign and send to CMU Financial Aid Office.
Review and accept your award offer
You will be contacted via your MAV email 2-3 weeks after submission when the application is processed.
After your CASFA is approved and processed, you will receive an award offer from the Financial Aid office.
If no other documentation is requested, first time students will receive an award letter in the mail in addition to being able to view their award online. Returning students will view their award offers online only.
NOTE: The calculation for the award offer(s) is complete and correct, based on the information you provided in your CASFA. Financial aid award offers may be subject to change due to changes in your financial, academic, enrollment status and/or changes in the availability of funds.
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View your award offer
Click the “Award Offer” tab to see the financial awards being offered to you.
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Accept your financial aid award
On the "Award Offer" tab scroll to your award to accept a full or partial offer.
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Accept Terms and Conditions
You must agree to CMU’s terms and conditions to receive financial aid. After accepting an award you will be asked to accept terms and conditions.
Need help with the CASFA?
IRIS staff is available to help you fill out the CASFA. Contact us for assistance.
Get help