This is a fantastic time for high school seniors and their families to focus on the next exciting chapter: college. This week is all about making the college application process easier and more affordable. Here’s what you need to know about making the most of this opportunity, including how to take advantage of free applications, use resources like NC College Connect, and the importance of the FAFSA.

 

Free College Applications!

During College Application Week, which runs from October 20-26, 2025, many North Carolina colleges and universities waive their application fees. This is a significant saving, as fees can typically run up to $75 or more per application. To take advantage of this, students must apply through the CFNC.org Application Hub. A wide range of public and private institutions are participating, and you can find the full list of participating colleges on the CFNC website. It’s important to note that all 58 North Carolina community colleges offer free applications year-round.

 

NC College Connect: Your Direct Path to Admission

For many North Carolina public high school students, the path to college is now even simpler with NC College Connect. This program offers direct admission to certain in-state colleges and universities for eligible students.

Here’s how it works:

• Eligibility: If you are a senior at a North Carolina public high school with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher and have met the necessary course requirements, you may be eligible.
• Personalized Admissions: Instead of applying to a long list of schools, you’ll see a personalized list of institutions to which you are automatically admitted in your NC College Connect portal.
• Simple Acceptance: To claim your spot, simply log into the NC College Connect portal, review your list of admitted institutions, and complete a simple form for each college you are interested in attending.
• Deadlines: Keep in mind that application deadlines vary by institution, so be sure to check the specific deadlines for the colleges on your list.

 

Don't Forget the FAFSA!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your key to accessing the largest source of financial aid to pay for college. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

Here's what you need to know:

• Who should fill it out?: Everyone! Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, many scholarships and loan programs still require the FAFSA.
• When to file: The FAFSA for the 2026-27 school year is already open. It’s best to file as soon as possible, as some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to submit your FAFSA form is June 1, 2026, for UNC System institutions and August 15, 2026, for North Carolina community colleges.
• What you'll need: To complete the FAFSA, you and your parents will need your Social Security numbers, federal income tax returns, W-2s, and records of any other money earned. You will also need bank statements and records of investments.
• Creating an account: Both the student and at least one parent will each need to create a StudentAid.gov account to access and sign the FAFSA form online.
• Next NC Scholarship: The FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for the Next NC Scholarship, which can help many North Carolina students attend community college for free.

By taking advantage of College Application Week, exploring your options with NC College Connect, and completing the FAFSA, you are taking important steps toward your future. This week is a great opportunity to get a head start on your endless possibilities!