DENVER ~ Denver, CO - The eighth annual Colorado Free Application Days have been announced by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and Governor Jared Polis. From Tuesday, October 7 to Thursday, October 9, 2025, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado, as well as many private institutions, will be waiving application fees. This three-day event has been a success for the past five years and aims to remove financial barriers for students looking to continue their education.

Governor Polis expressed his excitement about the campaign's return and its impact on opening doors for more Coloradans to pursue college and build a brighter future. He encouraged all interested students to take advantage of this opportunity to apply without any cost. The Governor's public service announcements in both English and Spanish can be viewed by the public.

Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE, emphasized that Free Application Days are not just about saving money but also about providing a gateway to possibility. By removing financial barriers, every student is empowered to take that first bold step towards their dreams. Dr. Paccione believes that education should be accessible to all and this campaign is one powerful way of making that vision a reality.

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All Colorado residents applying for undergraduate programs at public institutions or participating private colleges are eligible for the fee waiver from October 7-9. CDHE has provided fee waiver information for each participating college and university on their website, with different methods of obtaining the waiver depending on the institution. Community colleges and area technical colleges already waive application fees year-round, while some other institutions have permanently eliminated resident fees.

The importance of increased credential attainment is highlighted by Lumina Foundation's data which shows that 50.7% of Colorado's labor force holds a post-high school credential and earns at or above the wage benchmark - ranking fourth among all states, DC, and Puerto Rico. However, challenges still exist as CDHE's 2023 Pathways to Prosperity report reveals that only about half of high school graduates go on to pursue postsecondary education and less than half complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a critical gateway to financial aid. With nearly 75% of jobs in Colorado now requiring postsecondary credentials, it is crucial to increase credential attainment.

To make the most of this opportunity, students are advised to begin working on their applications now and save their progress before the waiver window opens. They should also prepare all necessary materials such as essays and letters of recommendation. The application period will be open from October 7-9, 2025. After applying, students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) to maximize their chances of receiving financial aid.

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In 2024, over 66,000 applications were submitted during the free application period, saving students more than $2.8 million. A significant number of these applications came from students of color and first-generation students - key populations that stand to benefit greatly from increased access.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education works with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to support students and advocate for policies that maximize higher education opportunities for all. The department believes that every Coloradan should have access to education beyond high school in order to pursue their dreams and improve our communities. Their strategic plan, "Building Skills in an Evolving Economy," outlines their goals and vision for the future.

In conclusion, the eighth annual Colorado Free Application Days is a great opportunity for students in Colorado to apply for college without any financial barriers. With the support of Governor Polis and CDHE, this campaign aims to increase credential attainment and provide equal access to education for all Coloradans. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by preparing their applications early and submitting them during the designated period in October 2025.

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