CASFA:Colorado Applicationfor State Financial Aid
CASFA opens the door to state and institutional financial aid for Colorado students who are not eligible to file the FAFSA — including students without lawful immigration status who meet Colorado's ASSET residency requirements, and other non-U.S. citizen students seeking institutional aid at Trinidad State.
At a Glance
What CASFA Does
In 2019, the Colorado General Assembly passed H.B. 19-1196, Financial Aid for Students with In-State Tuition, opening state financial aid to students who don't have lawful immigration status but meet Colorado residency requirements. CASFA is the application students use to apply.
What it is
A Colorado state application — separate from the federal FAFSA — that determines eligibility for state and institutional financial aid.
Who it's for
Colorado ASSET students (SB 13-033) who lack lawful immigration status but resided in Colorado at least three years before graduating high school or completing an equivalency exam, plus other non-U.S. citizen resident and non-resident students seeking institutional aid.
Who it's not for
Students who qualify for federal Title IV aid should complete the FAFSA instead of the CASFA.
Which Should I File?
CASFA or FAFSA
Most students should start with the FAFSA. CASFA exists for students the FAFSA doesn't cover.
File the FAFSA if…
- You're a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (e.g., permanent resident).
- You qualify for federal Title IV student aid.
File the CASFA if…
- You don't have lawful immigration status but meet the three-year Colorado residency requirement under ASSET (SB 13-033).
- You're a non-U.S. citizen resident or non-resident student who wants to be considered for Trinidad State institutional aid, even if you don't meet the ASSET criteria above.
Common Questions
CASFA FAQ
CASFA is a safe, straightforward way to apply for state financial aid if you're a Colorado ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) student. Non-U.S. citizen resident and non-resident students can also use the CASFA to apply for institutional aid.
CASFA applications have been accepted since October 1, 2020. You can start your application any time after that date.
Resources
More financial aid resources
Contact Us
Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.
- TitleAdministrative Assistant III
- DepartmentFinancial Aid
- LocationTrinidad, Colorado • 209 Berg
- EmailLeslie.Hollingsworth@trinidadstate.edu
- TitleCounselor
- DepartmentFinancial Aid
- LocationTrinidad, Colorado • 209 Berg
- Emailamy.diaz@trinidadstate.edu
- TitleCounselor
- DepartmentFinancial Aid
- LocationAlamosa, Colorado • 104G Main
- EmailJennifer.Hutchens@trinidadstate.edu