The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and Gov. Jared Polis are pleased to announce the ninth annual Colorado Free Application Days, taking place Tuesday, Oct. 20, through Thursday, Oct. 22.
During the three-day event, all 31 public colleges and universities in Colorado, along with many private institutions, waive application fees, removing a financial barrier and making it easier for students to continue their education.
“Colorado Free Application Days encourages more students and learners to take the next step towards a successful education and career journey. Last year more than 70,000 Coloradans submitted an application, saving Coloradans $2.4 million in application fees,” Polis said. “I encourage all Coloradans considering college or career training to take advantage of Free Application Days and explore options, submit applications for free, and move closer to achieving their goals.”
“Pursuing education beyond high school can be a transformative step for learners at every stage of life,” said JB Holston, executive director of the CDHE. “Whether students are graduating from high school, returning to college or seeking new skills for today’s workforce, this initiative helps more Coloradans explore their options, take the next step and build a strong foundation for long-term success.”
All Colorado residents applying to undergraduate programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, certificates and other eligible credentials at participating public and private institutions, may apply for free from Oct. 20-22.
The CDHE has posted fee waiver information for each participating college and university. Fee waiver methods vary by institution. Community colleges and area technical colleges waive application fees year-round, and several other institutions have permanently eliminated application fees for Colorado residents.
According to the Lumina Foundation's 2024 Credentials of Value data, 51.7 percent of Colorado's labor force ages 25-64 hold a postsecondary credential that leads to earnings at least 15 percent above the median earnings of a high school graduate.
Colorado also ranks among the nation's leaders in educational attainment, with 64.3 percent of adults ages 25-64 holding a postsecondary credential. Yet challenges persist. The CDHE's Pathways to Prosperity report found that only about half of Colorado high school graduates immediately enroll in postsecondary education and FAFSA completion rates remain below desired levels, limiting access to financial aid opportunities.
Additionally, according to the 2025 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, 77 percent of Colorado's top jobs typically require a postsecondary credential for entry, underscoring the growing importance of education and training beyond high school for long-term economic success.
Begin working on applications. Most application platforms allow students to save their progress before the waiver period begins.
Prepare materials such as essays, transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Submit applications from Oct. 20-22.
Complete the FAFSA or CASFA to maximize financial aid opportunities and determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study and other forms of aid.
In 2025, Colorado students submitted 71,504 applications during the three-day event, saving more than $2.4 million in application fees. Participation increased by 9 percent compared to 2024, demonstrating continued demand for opportunities that reduce financial barriers to higher education. Notably, 36 percent of applications came from first-generation students and 49 percent were submitted by students of color, highlighting the program's role in expanding college access for populations that have historically been underrepresented in higher education.
View a complete list of participating institutions and fee waiver instructions.
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