FAFSA Resources

Learn How Financial Aid Works

Follow these essential steps to secure funding for your education. Ensure you complete the preliminary steps before starting your FAFSA application.

Step 1: Required Preparations

Create your CFNC account: Visit the College Foundation of North Carolina website to set up your profile.
Complete NC Residency Determination (RDS): This confirms your eligibility for in-state tuition and state grants.
Create your FSA ID: This serves as your legal electronic signature for federal student aid documents.

Step 2: Compile Necessary Documents

Gather the following information for both the student and parents (if the student is a dependent):

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for parents and students.
Most recent federal Tax Returns.
Records of child support received.
Current balances for all cash, savings, and checking accounts.
Net worth of any investments, businesses, and farms.

In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all educational programs without discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.

Important Financial Aid Deadlines

To maximize your opportunity to receive financial aid, please ensure all applications are submitted by the following priority dates:

UNC System Priority Deadline: June 1, 2026
Community Colleges Priority Deadline: August 15, 2026
Private Institutions: As soon as possible (Pending)
Federal Deadline: June 30, 2027 (11:59 p.m. Central Time)

Questions? Contact the Financial Aid office or visit the CMS Employee Intranet for further guidance[cite: 144].