Colorado Launches Ninth Free College Application Days

Residents can apply to participating colleges and universities at no cost through October 22.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in College Applications

Colorado Launches Ninth Free College Application Days

Live Poll

Does eliminating college application fees encourage more students in your area to pursue higher education?

Colorado residents are invited to submit college applications for free as part of the ninth annual Colorado Free Application Days. The initiative runs from October 20 through October 22, 2026, and includes both public and several private institutions.

Why it matters

The program aims to encourage further educational attainment for Colorado residents, building on the state's existing momentum in post-secondary certification and degree completion.

A total of 32 public colleges and universities are participating in this year's program. These fee waivers provide relief from standard application costs that can range between $50 and $100 depending on the institution.

The players

CU Boulder

This is a public flagship research university located in Boulder that serves as a major destination for Colorado students.

CSU - Fort Collins

This land-grant university is the flagship institution of the Colorado State University System.

University of Northern Colorado

This is a public doctoral research university located in Greeley that is participating in the statewide initiative.

The details

Students can apply online by following the instructions for the state program with support from college advisors. The initiative includes notable state schools like CU Boulder, CSU - Fort Collins, and the University of Northern Colorado, along with several private institutions.

Colorado Free Application Days begin on October 20, 2026.
The program ends on October 22, 2026.

Culture Shift

This event follows the trend set by the Colorado state educational attainment goal to increase the percentage of residents with post-secondary credentials. By lowering financial barriers to entry, the initiative seeks to normalize the process of seeking higher education across all demographics.

Residents can utilize this three-day window to apply to multiple institutions without paying standard application fees. Prospective students should work with their college advisors to ensure all required documentation is submitted correctly before the deadline.

The takeaway

Prospective students should prepare all application materials in advance to maximize the limited three-day fee-free window. This initiative offers a practical opportunity for families to reduce the financial burden often associated with the college search process.