FAFSA

The FAFSA- or Free Application for Federal Student Aid- is a free federal application to connect students to financial aid. Typically it is most largely associated with the need-based federal PELL grant. This application is also used for many other grants and scholarship programs, as well as a requirement to complete to be eligible to receive federal student loans. It is recommended that all graduating Seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary programs complete their FAFSA, even if you do not think you will receive any grant money. It is not uncommon for people to be surprised that they do qualify for some aid! Additionally, the FAFSA needs to be completed prior to each year that you plan to attend school. It opens October 1 of each year for the following aid year. 

For current 2027 graduating students, they will be completing the 2027-2027 FAFSA, as you complete the FAFSA based on the academic year that you will be enrolled in college.

Need help?  ACC Help page. CFNC Help page. 

Websites for Scholarships

Find your favorite one or two websites at least and stick with it. These sites often times feature more national scholarships (meaning a larger pool of applicants), but it may still be worth the time and effort to try, depending on your goals for scholarship money.