The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) has expanded Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) eligibility to students from mixed-status families who qualify for Federal Student Aid but prefer not to share their contributors’ personal data beyond Colorado higher education institutions. CASFA allows students to apply for State and institutional aid (or similar).
CDHE prioritizes the privacy and security of CASFA applicants. Information provided through CASFA is used solely to determine financial aid eligibility and is never shared with third parties. Federal law (FERPA) protects applicants’ personal data, ensuring that it cannot be disclosed without a judicial order. Students should submit only one financial aid application (FAFSA or CASFA), keeping in mind that state and institutional aid may not fully replace forfeited federal aid.
