Beginning your fafsa...
Start with creating your FSA ID INFO HERE
Students can prepare by following these key steps outlined by NASFAA,
which includes signing up for an FSA ID.
Go to FAFSA Free application for federal student aid
Here are some key items to have on hand or to think about when beginning:
Plan together - there is a lot of information needed and a parent and the student need to work together.
Gather personal information for both the student and the parent (Drivers License, SSN, TIN#)
Tax Information from the previous year
Bank Statements
List of Schools the student is applying to
THIS LINK has a lot of helpful information including: how to set up a username and password (FSA ID), a guide to gathering personal information, resources for families to prepare for different situations, and more. Take a look for more information to support you through the FAFSA process!!
fafsa information.pdfClick arrow in upper corner to see presentation.
READ MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING 2 AND 4 YEAR COLLEGES. STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS AND THE VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN RECEIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE. HERE
FAFSA stands for The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is a form that must be filled out by all students applying for need-based financial aid. Applications can be submitted for the 2020-2021 school year beginning October 1st, 2020. The FAFSA can determine whether you qualify for different forms of aid such as Federal Pell Grants, state aid, or private aid.
For more information about the FAFSA visit https://studentaid.gov/
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. By filing the FAFSA, you can become eligible for federal, state, institutional, and private scholarships, grants, merit aid, and self-help aid (like work-study and federal student loans).
What is the CSS Profile?
The CSS Profile is an online application that some colleges and scholarship programs use to award non-federal financial aid.
When do the applications open?
The 2025-2026 FAFSA (the application you'll file in senior year of high school) is set to open on October 2024 in a limited capacity. It will be open to all student on or by December 1, 2024. Be mindful of priority filing deadlines set by each college.
The 2025-2026 CSS Profile will open on October 1, 2024. Be mindful of priority filing deadlines set by each college.
Do I need to complete the applications?
Every student, regardless of their post-secondary plans should file the FAFSA in their senior year of high school, and then refile each year the continue on in trade school, community college, or 4-year university.
If your college requests the CSS profile, you should file it in addition to the FAFSA each year.
CSS+Profile+vs.+The+FAFSA®.pdfFin Aid and FAFSA updates - BCS 12-2023.pdfSpanish Financial Aid presentation from CFNC. Click video to view.
Spanish Financial Aid presentation from CFNC. Click video to view.
Once you've filled out the FAFSA, and received your Student Aid Report (SAR)-- what's next? Devon McCarthy-James from CFNC helps breaks down your next steps,
