Early Bird

Colorado Free Application Day is Oct. 13

The third annual event helps remove barriers for potential Roadrunners.

By Lindsey Coulter

October 6, 2020

Metropolitan State University of Denver will join some of Colorado’s private institutions along with all 32 public institutions in the state for Colorado Free Application Day on Oct. 13. This means students across the state can apply for free without application fees to multiple schools in Colorado. This is a huge benefit, particularly for low-income students, as the application fee can serve as a major barrier to applying to college. By removing this financial barrier for students to achieve a credential, Colorado Free Application Day encourages residents to live up to their fullest potential.

Colorado Free Application Day is designed to increase the state’s stagnant college-going and FAFSA completion rates, according to a statement from the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Despite being one of the most educated states in the country, Colorado sends just 56% of high school graduates to a college, university or certificate program, and just 50 percent of Colorado students submit a FAFSA application – a key indicator of students’ likelihood to continue their education.  

For MSU Denver, increasing higher-education accessibility is already a year-round effort. The University maintains a low application fee and always waives fees for returning students. Free Application Day, however, is a great boost. In 2019, the University received roughly 3,900 applications.

“This date may seem early, but it aligns with new trends of students applying to multiple schools and then deciding where they want to attend,” said Garret Spradlin, assistant director of Admissions. “We will see an increase in applications, but the job isn’t done. Admissions will stay in contact with applicants and encourage students to participate in campus visits, connect with their admissions counselors, take next steps and more – improving the odds that those students will enroll for future semesters.”

Encouraging students to apply early also helps ensure that they are on track to complete their FAFSA and Colorado application for State Financial Aid (CAFSA) and other materials on their way to becoming a Roadrunner.

In the lead-up to Free Application Day, the MSU Denver community is invited to join in the effort. Be sure to use #FreeAppDayCO to let your social networks know MSU Denver is supporting college access. You can also direct students to the Free College Application Day website or the MSU Denver admissions site for more information.

REMINDER: The 2020-21 FAFSA opened Oct. 1. Submitting early gives students a better understanding of how affordable an MSU Denver education can be and gives them time to look for additional scholarships and resources if needed.