Free expert help applying for college financial aid will be available on February 20 at locations across North Carolina. With the cost of college rising, financial aid is more important than ever for many North Carolina families, but some eligible students aren’t taking advantage.
According to a recent study, North Carolina high school graduates missed out on a reported $87.6 million in Pell Grants, free federal money for low- and middle-income students. The study also found that 47% of NC high school graduates didn’t fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or failed to complete it. The average eligible North Carolina student left $2,038 in financial aid on the table.
To help students access available financial aid, the College Foundation of North Carolina, the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the State Employees’ Credit Union will host FAFSA Day on February 20, 2016.
To participate:
- Register at a participating location near you online or by phone at 866-866-CFNC
- If possible, file student’s and parents’ 2015 taxes ahead of time
- Bring an FSA ID for the student AND for one parent, student’s and parents’ federal 1040 tax forms for 2015, and a 2016-2017 FAFSA on the Web worksheet with you
For more information, take a look at our tips on student loans at ncdoj.gov.