Sending your child to college this fall? Here’s how to make sure you have the finances covered.
Getting Ready with Financial Aid
Complete Financial Aid Requirements
Check the financial aid requirements on your student’s RAMweb account. If you have access through FAMweb, you can view these too. Make sure all necessary documents are completed so financial aid can be processed.
Accept Terms & Conditions
Before financial aid can be applied to your student’s bill, they must accept CSU’s Financial Aid Terms and Conditions on RAMweb.
Colorado Resident? Apply for COF
If your student is a Colorado resident, they can receive a stipend of $116 per credit hour by authorizing the College Opportunity Fund (COF) on RAMweb.
Accept or Decline Financial Aid
Your student can accept or decline any loans or work-study offers on RAMweb. Grants are automatically accepted on your student’s behalf. We recommend first-time loan borrowers accept their loans and complete all loan requirements before fall semester starts.
Notify CSU of Outside Scholarships
If your student receives a scholarship from outside CSU, the check can be sent to the CSU Cashier’s Office.
Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan
If your student needs additional help to pay for college, the Parent PLUS Loan may be an option. A parent must complete a PLUS loan application and pass a credit check.
Set Up FAMweb
Want to view your student’s bill, grades, or financial aid? Ask your student to give you access through FAMweb on RAMweb. You can view billing information, financial aid details, grades, unofficial transcripts, and more.
To discuss your student’s records with the Office of Financial Aid, your student must complete a FERPA consent form.
Make a Plan to Pay for College
Review Your Student’s Bill
Your student will get an email when their billing statement is available on RAMweb. They can add additional email addresses for others to receive these notifications through FAMweb. Bills include tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, and any credits from financial aid or payments. Fall bills are due by September 10th. If financial aid exceeds the bill, your student will receive a refund.
View the Understanding The University Billing Statement resource document for more information on billing statements.
Waive the Student Health Insurance Program (if applicable)
If your student has their own health insurance, they must waive CSU’s plan by September 4th. Otherwise, they’ll be automatically enrolled.
Contact Your 529 Provider (if applicable)
If using a college savings plan, send your student’s CSU bill to the provider. Checks should be sent to the Cashier’s Office.
Many 529 College Savings Plans let you make payments electronically, saving time and allowing you to track payments in real-time. When withdrawing money from your 529 account, ask your plan manager if you can use a digital option.
Check Out Payment Options
Students must pay their balance by the September 10th fall semester due date unless enrolled in the CSU Payment Plan. Past due balances will incur a 1.5% monthly fee. Balances must be paid to register for future semesters or get official transcripts.
Help Your Student Create a Budget
This fall might be the first time your student manages their own money. Encourage them to use CSU’s online Financial Wellness modules to learn budgeting skills.
Need More Information? Visit the Office of Financial Aid’s FAQ page for answers to common billing and financial aid questions.
