3. Fill out and submit the free application for FAFSA
Ideally, this is completed as soon after October 1 of your senior year as possible. Don’t think you’ll qualify for financial aid? You may be surprised. One thing is sure: if you don’t fill out a FAFSA, you won’t qualify. The results of your FAFSA are the only "application" needed for many federal and state scholarships and grants. File early to be considered for all available aid. Don’t wait until after you hear about admission. Start your FAFSA form now or visit the College Foundation of North Carolina website. Completing the FAFSA means you are considered for federal student aid and specifically NC state aid at any NC community college, NC independent college, or one of the UNC institutions.
The Department of Education uses a standard formula in processing your FAFSA to determine how much you and your family should be able to contribute to your education. The amount is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The difference between college costs and your EFC is your “financial need.”