Helpful Hints from Student Financial Services Regarding Paying for College

Financial Aid

It’s not too late to apply for financial aid for the 2010-2011 academic year. Financial aid funds are still available to help pay tuition, housing, and other expenses related to attending Colorado State. To apply for financial aid, follow these steps:

• Apply for a U.S. Department of Education PIN.  Both parent and student can apply for a PIN.  The PIN permits you to sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically.
• Apply for financial aid on the Web at FAFSA.  Once you submit your application, the information will be transmitted electronically to Colorado State University.
• Check your financial aid application status and awards online on RAMweb. RAMweb will indicate if action is required.

College Opportunity Fund

Undergraduate Colorado residents should be sure to apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF).  When students register for classes on RAMweb they will be prompted to complete COF lifetime authorization. CSU will then request COF funds on behalf of the student each semester to help pay their tuition.

University Billing Statement

Your student’s Fall University billing statement will be available online in mid-August and the Fall payment due date is September 10th.The Spring University billing statement will be available online in mid-January and the Spring payment due date is February 10th.

Notification when the statement is available online will be sent as follows:

• Students will receive an e-mail at their University e-mail address. Parents, families and other designated parties will receive e-mail notification at the e-mail address designated by their student.
• Parents and other designated parties can view and pay the bill online
• Students can add or change designated individuals anytime on their RAMweb account

Student Employment

Students who are interested in working part-time while they are in college have many different employment options. Job listings for on-campus employment (work-study and student hourly) and off-campus employment are listed on RAMweb. Studies show students who work 10-15 hours per week while attending college tend to do well academically. In addition, they develop good time management skills.

American Opportunity, Hope & Lifetime Learning Education Tax Credits

Parents may be able to claim the American Opportunity, Hope & Lifetime Learning tax credits for tuition paid for their dependents. CSU will e-mail students on how to obtain a 1098-T from their RAMweb account. This will be done by the end of January each year, and can be used when you file your taxes. We recommend that you check with your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information.

Scholarships for 2011-2012

Although scholarships have already been awarded  for 2010-2011, it’s never too early to start thinking about applying for scholarships for the following year. Students apply for scholarships through their academic college and Student Financial Services each year by completing the CSU Scholarship Application, available on RAMweb each year on December 1 and the deadline is March 1.

Have questions or need more information? If you have questions regarding financial aid and student billing at Colorado State, contact Student Financial Services, located in Centennial Hall. The phone number is (970) 491-6321.

Hope Scholarship/Lifetime Learning Tax Credits

Parents may be able to claim the Hope Scholarship/Lifetime Learning tax credits for tuition paid for their dependents. CSU will send a 1098-t by the end of January each year, which can be used when you file your taxes. We recommend that you check with your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information.