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College Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Advisor Program (FAAP) helps students and families find money for college. Each high school has a Financial Aid Advisor who is available one day a week in the student services center. Advisors work with seniors and their families to explore options to pay for education after graduation. Each year, FAAP supports more than 9,000 students.
What FAAP offers
Individual Help
Seniors can get one-on-one support to find, apply for, and receive financial aid from federal, state, and college sources.Workshops
Advisors join school counselors and PTAs to host workshops for students and families.Resources
Printed guides and online tools are available to guide you through the financial aid process.Timeline for Financial Aid
August - June
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Search for scholarships.
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Check with colleges and their financial aid offices.
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Read your school’s scholarship bulletin and visit WCPSS Scholarships.
September – April
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Meet your school’s Financial Aid Advisor.
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Get your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID).
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Complete the FAFSA online application starting Oct.1.
September – December
Know these deadlines:
- North Carolina: Apply as soon as possible after October 1.
- Federal: Submit by June 30 after graduation. Make any updates by September 15.
- College: Check each college’s deadline and how they define it.
October - February
- Attend college fairs and workshops.
- Use the NC Residency Determination Service for in-state tuition and state grants.
November - May
- Watch for your Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Look for award letters and messages from colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is financial aid?
It is money to help pay for college.When do I apply?
Submit your FAFSA after October 1 of your senior year.How do I apply?
Go to FAFSA.gov.
- Complete and submit it online (recommended).
- Or print and mail it.
- Or request a copy by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID.
How often do I apply?
You must complete the FAFSA every year you are in college.What happens after I apply?
Your FAFSA will calculate your Expected Family Contribution. Colleges will create a financial aid package to cover your costs.What if the aid is not enough?
Talk with your college’s financial aid office. They may offer options if your finances have changed.What are the real costs?
Ask each college about extra costs like books, supplies, parking, and health insurance.Additional Resources
- FAFSA Application
- WCPSS Scholarships
- College Foundation of North Carolina
- Federal Student Aid
- The College Board
Visit each college website for their financial aid details.
Find Your Financial Aid Advisor
Contact Your School’s Financial Aid Advisor
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money used to pay for your education. It can be given, lent, or paid to you.
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How will I know if I am eligible?
More people are eligible than you might think. In fact, more than 70 percent of students today receive some form of financial aid.
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When do I apply?
After October 1 of the student's senior year, you may submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to start the financial aid process. Plan to complete your income taxes as early as possible, as this information is required on the FAFSA. This form is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
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How many forms are required to apply for financial aid?
Every student must complete the FAFSA. Some colleges also require the CSS Profile and the use of IDOC. Be sure to check your college choices to see if they require the CSS Profile. Review the participating institutions and programs..
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What is the process once I've applied for aid?
The FAFSA is used to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is the amount that your family will be expected to contribute to your first year of college. Once you've chosen a college, that institution's financial aid officers (FAOs) will put together a package of grants, scholarships and/or loans that will be applied to the difference between the cost of attending and your EFC.
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What if the package isn't enough?
There may be some room for negotiation, particularly if your family's financial situation has changed since you submitted the FAFSA. Be sure to discuss alternative funding sources with your college FAO.
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How much does it really cost to go to college?
You should check with the school that you are planning on attending and ask about any extra costs such as parking or health insurance.
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How often do I need to apply for financial aid?
You will need to complete the FAFSA and other forms every year that you are in school. Many scholarships and grants may be granted only for your freshman year, so be aware of this and try to plan accordingly. Reapplying will typically help families if your siblings start college while you are still in school. Changes in federal law may have an impact on the financial aid you receive.
