Colorado families are leaving millions of dollars in federal aid unclaimed, according to Colorado Public Radio. In 2025 the state ranked 44th for FAFSA completion, with roughly 49% of students filing the form. Chevy Cunningham of the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC), a nonprofit based in Aurora, said more than $42 million in federal grant dollars go unclaimed each year.
Free aid‑application assistance offered
To address the gap, ECMC and community partners will hold a free Financial Aid Frenzy and Community Resource Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Colorado Denver Student Wellness Center. Attendees can receive hands‑on help with FAFSA and Colorado’s CASFA applications, including Spanish‑language support, scholarship resources, college and career information, food, giveaways and entertainment.
Cunningham emphasized that even families who think they earn too much should file the FAFSA, noting, “Even if you're a millionaire, you still want to complete the FAFSA because it might be the gateway to additional aid that somebody else is requiring or going to give to you.” She also urged students to pursue scholarships continuously, saying, “My students who have the most financial aid and the most scholarships have applied to hundreds of scholarships.”
The fair is open to learners of all ages—high school students, adult learners and prospective transfer students. Advance registration is encouraged, and registered participants will receive a code for free parking. Organizers will also award scholarships and raffle tours of historically Black colleges and universities through Denver‑based RISE 5280.
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