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FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
2021-2022 FAFSA Walkthrough
Financial Aid & FAFSA Overview
Filling out the FAFSA:
Filling out the FAFSA:
Opens Oct 1, 2025
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
Your SSN / ITIN # & your parent's SSN / ITIN #
Your Drivers License
Your Alien Registration Number if not a Citizen
Federal tax information and tax returns for parents
Records of untaxed income
Info on cash; bank account balances; investments & assets
Step 2: Create an FSA ID
a username and password combination, that allows you to sign your FAFSA® form electronically
If you are a dependent student, your parent will need an FSA ID too (if they don't have an SSN, they won't be able to create one, and will have to print the signature page)
Step 3: Apply!
Need Help? Click on the blue question mark next to each question for more information
Click on "Contact Us" to email FAFSA with a question or live chat with technical support staff
Residency Determination Service (RDS)
Residency Determination Service (RDS)
Steps to Complete RDS:
Steps to Complete RDS:
Log in through CFNC.org
You will be asked questions regarding your physical address, time living in NC, and other domiciliary acts.
For students who do not have a social security number, you will answer "No" to the first question of the form and will be considered an out-of-state resident.
For students whose parents do not have a social security number, complete the RDS and include your parents' ITIN, which starts with a 9. Complete an appeal and send the necessary documents to show that you live in NC.
Colleges will use your RCN to bill you as an in-state or out-of-state resident
What you need for the FAFSA and RDS_Table_English.pdfWhat you need for the FAFSA and RDS_Table_Spanish.pdf
If you made a mistake on the initial RDS form or if your circumstances changed:
Submit a Reconsideration within 25 days
If you feel you correctly completed the application but were given an inaccurate residency status:
Submit an Appeal within 10 days
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
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