Tips for Parents
Stay updated
- Most undergraduates between 18 and 24-years-old are considered dependent for federal, state and university aid. However, most communication from the university, including financial aid offers and tuition bills, are sent directly to the student's CU Boulder email address. It may be helpful to remind your student to forward important communications on to you.
- Visit the webpage to learn more about campus events, news and resources.
Get the most aid possible
- Remind your student to file for financial aid each year by submitting the before March 1 so they don't miss out on scholarship funds.
- Parent's federal tax information and username and password are needed to complete the FAFSA.
- Students should complete the CU Boulder Scholarship Application Between Nov. 1 and March 15 each year.
- Encourage your student to explore other .
- If your family experienced a recent change in income that is not reflected on your student's financial aid application, such as a loss of income, divorce, death in family or unusually high medical expenses, you may request to have our office review your special circumstances.
Know the Security Language
We have a lot of different terms for security and authorizations. Below is how we define it for our students.
Security Access & Authorizations
FERPA - enables the university to talk to your parents about your educational records. There are other types of authorization:
- CU Guest Access: enables your parents to some of your education record online.
- Security Passphrase: a step to your identity before we can disclose any information.
- Authorized Payer Access: allows others to pay your university bill.
- Apply Aid to All University Charges: authorize aid to pay other university charges.