Learn how Financial Aid works!

Complete these steps before you fill out the FAFSA:

• Create your CFNC account
• Complete NC Residency Determination Service (RDS)
• Create FSA ID
• Compile Necessary Documents:

• • Your parents' SSNs if they have SSNs and you're a dependent student
  • Tax Returns
  • Records of child support received
  • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms

Be sure to pay attention to these dates, so that you maximize your opportunity to receive financial aid. 

•             UNC System priority deadline: June 1, 2026

•             Community Colleges priority deadline: Aug 15, 2026

•             Private Institutions: As soon as possible-pending

•             Federal Deadline: 11:59pm central time on June 30, 2027