FAFSA
The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Students planning on entering college in the fall after graduation are able to complete their FAFSA application starting in December 2023. States and schools have limited funds, so don't delay!
Completing the FAFSA determines your eligibility for state, federal and school based financial aid to help pay for college….no matter how much families make or have saved for college.
ALL students planning on going to college should complete the FAFSA!
Do you have your FSA ID?
Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents.
Want More Access to Scholarships, Grants, Loans and Work Study Programs?
The FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Most students who apply will be eligible to receive federal loans, scholarships, grants and be eligible to participate in work-study programs to help families pay for the cost of college. ANYONE (no really, anyone) can fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA portal opens on October 1 so start filling it out as soon as possible!
Visit their website for more details, or stop by and ask your counselor for more information!
College Planning Guide for High School Students
Differences Between Grants, Scholarships & Loans
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
Watch these videos for more information!!
North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) High School Students
Seniors applying to In-State NC Public Colleges and Universities must fill out the RDS form in order to be eligible for In-State Tuition. Here are Important Things to remember and steps on how to complete the form.
WHY RDS:
QUALIFY FOR In-state TUITION at NC public colleges and universities
BE ELIGIBLE FOR NC state GRANT consideration at all NC colleges and universities
DO RDS FIRST:
BEFORE College Admission Applications
WITH Your parent/legal guardian (in most cases)
FAFSA TOO Make it easy – do FAFSA too -- much of the information is the same
GO TO RDS: www.ncresidency.org
STEP 1: LOGIN to RDS using your CFNC User Name and Password
STEP 2: UPDATE your Profile (BE ACCURATE – SSN and Date of Birth are critical)
STEP 3: RDS Online Interview with parent/legal guardian (you need their information)
social security numbers (or other identifiable number)
tax return information, vehicle registration, and driver’s license
voter registration and other information about residency in North Carolina
STEP 4: UPLOAD documents (RDS tells you if you need documents – not everyone does)
REMEMBER:
BE ACCURATE Mistakes cause BIG problems
FINISH RDS Online Interview cancelled, if NOT complete in 25 days
DON’T GUESS RDS checks your answers with NC State Agencies
Guessing = NON-resident
SUBMIT DOCS RDS shows if you need documents and which ones – not everyone does
UPLOAD or send to RDS
NOT done without required documents (you have 25 days)
RDS STATUS SCREEN – when you finish, you see:
YOUR RCN Residency Certification Number (unique identifier never changes)
CLASSIFICATION “Resident” or “Non-Resident” AND “In-State” or “Out-of-State” tuition
DOCUMENTS 20% of students required to submit documents
RDS shows if you need documents and which ones – NOT everyone does
NOT done without required documents (you have 25 days)
DON’T AGREE with your determination?
Review your status at RDS. Login at www.NCresidency.org
RECONSIDERATION to correct or enter additional information
APPEAL to provide special information -- you have 10 days to request
Call RDS toll-free: 844-319-3640
NEXT -- DO YOUR COLLEGE ADMISSION APPLICATION(S):
Go to CFNC.org APP HUB (RCN prefills on CFNC applications)
Go to college website (enter RCN when asked)
Student Aid Report
Once you've finished filling out the FAFSA, visit the Student Aid Report helpful hints website to learn more about managing your money!
Learn more about the FAFSA and get help understanding it by visiting the Mapping Your Future website
Here is more information and other important grant and scholarship resources!
Paying for college can come in many forms. They may include loans, work-study, grants and scholarship. The links below will help you begin the process of funding your education. You can also search the College Scorecard to find what school is a good fit for you financially.
Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The PIN Web Site (not required but speeds up processing of the FAFSA)
Student Aid Estimator: Estimates eligibility for student aid
https://www.commonapp.org/how-pay-college
Guide to Paying for College - Financial Aid, Scholarships, Savings, & Student Loans
Other Scholarship Websites
North Carolina Tuition Waiver Program
UNC institutions and NC community colleges will permit certain individuals to attend classes for credit or noncredit purposes without paying the required tuition. Individuals eligible for this tuition waiver include children of law enforcement officers who died or were permanently disabled in the line of duty. Contact the financial aid office of the college student is planning to attend for information.
Click here to view the presentation for information about FAFSA, RDS and Free College Application Week: