Independent Students

Independent Youth are identified through the Office of Financial Aid. Students who meet the definition of an independent student are supported through the Independent Pathways program, which provides assistance with educational funding resources, Student Affairs support, and guidance designed to empower long-term student success.

A student may be considered independent after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if any of the following apply:

• At any time since turning 13, both parents were deceased, the student was in foster care, or the student was a dependent or ward of the court.
• The student is an emancipated minor.
• Someone other than a parent or stepparent has legal guardianship of the student.
• The student has been identified as an unaccompanied youth who is homeless, or self-supporting, and at risk of homelessness.
• The student has other circumstances that prevent contact with their parents as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.

You Are Not Alone

We understand that navigating college independently can feel overwhelming. The Independent Pathways Team exists to ensure you have access to the resources, guidance, and encouragement you deserve. Whether you need help with financial aid or academic advising, food and housing support, campus connections or just someone to talk to, we’re here for you!

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, and continuing into future years, students will be required to submit an application each academic year in order to enroll in the FosterEd program. 

The 2026-2027 FosterEd application will open on March 1, 2026, and will be available under the 'To Apply' tab on the FosterEd website. Please be mindful that there is a deadline for completion of the application each semester.  Make sure to check your eligibility on the Colorado FosterEd Fact Sheet.

To qualify for FosterEd funding, students must submit the following to the Aims Community College Financial Aid office:

1. Copy of Foster Ed application each year
2. Confirmation of Foster Care in Colorado
3. Copy of ETV application if eligible
4. FERPA Consent Form
5. Complete the appropriate year FAFSA or CASFA

EmpowerEd is a state-funded program, administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, that provides financial assistance at participating in-state public institutions of higher education for students who experienced homelessness, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, while enrolled at a Colorado high school.

Please note that students are required to submit an EmpowerEd application each school year they plan to enroll. Each academic year will include fall, spring and summer terms. To ensure that a student receives funding for all relevant academic terms, please apply by the deadlines listed at the EmpowerED link below. Students should only complete one application per school year.  Be sure to check the Colorado EmpowerEd Fact Sheet to confirm your eligibility.

EmpowerED Application

To qualify for EmpowerED funding students must submit the following to Aims Community College Office of Financial Aid:

1. Copy of EmpowerED application each year
2. Complete the appropriate year's FAFSA or CASFA.

Your contacts for FosterED, EmpowerEd or Independent Youth designations in the Office of Financial Aid are Lorna Finlay and Kooper Smith. Contact financial.aid@aims.edu or call (970) 339-6548.