FAFSA

1. Completing the FAFSA Form video - this video is an overview of what is needed to complete the FAFSA application.  https://youtu.be/UupEQdS2VMY?si=JshQTQaRTwxjFSuZ - video

Note:  The best method to avoid errors in completing the student's FAFSA application is for the student to log into their FSA/FAFSA account first, start the FAFSA application and invite the parent/contributor to participate in completing their portion of the FAFSA form in the Student Demographic section of the FAFSA application. 

Keep in mind - it is the STUDENT'S financial aid application - parents are considered contributors because the student is their dependent.  Each student and contributor/parent need their own FSA ID to complete the FAFSA Application.  

Reminder - Graduating students will complete the 2025-26 FAFSA Application which will use the 2023 IRS tax information.  

2. Create Your FSA ID for the FAFSA Form - video - https://youtu.be/iTb7hMVtzco?si=R1mpo7ibzN5LqKzv      The parent and student will need to create individual FSA ID's .  You can no longer share FSA ID's.  These are individual as they will serve as your own log-in to the FAFSA as well as your electronic signature.    Create Your FSA ID link to complete the FAFSA - Create Account | Federal Student Aid

   3.  Who is my FAFSA Contributor? video - a contributor may be a parent, parent's spouse   

      (stepparent) or if student is married their spouse.

https://youtu.be/u8uubc08CDE?si=hJsghrxtYfA2KJq8

https://youtu.be/HXHaDOOx-Zw?si=-5hcc-CW9hHT8OEg

   4. What Happens After I Submit the FAFSA Application Form?

      https://youtu.be/fqCrS6ETCAs?si=qGOHiRBjqmj6p_Z6

   5.  Where is My Financial Aid?

      https://youtu.be/I1EbAs2XpgE?si=QykHx1TFG9HKXQKx

RDS

• ​Access RDS directly . . . 
  • by calling the RDS Call Center toll free at 1-844-319-3640
  • through CFNC admissions application
  • at NCResidency.org
• When the RDS is complete and the student is approved for in-state tuition, the application is good for 15 months. 

*Information posted here is obtained either from public websites or from information sent to the school. AHS is not responsible for typos or for any missing/incorrect or updated information.

• IRS Data Retrieval tool (finaid.org)
• FAFSA 101: Your Financial Aid FAQs Answered | College Covered
• Reporting Parent Information | Federal Student Aid
• (140) After the FAFSA: What Happens Next - YouTube
• Will a 529 Plan Hurt My Chances of Getting Financial Aid? (thebalance.com)​
• A list of financial aid online resources with weblinks included for both English & Spanish speaking students/families

*Information posted here is obtained either from public websites or from information sent to the school. AHS is not responsible for typos or for any missing/incorrect or updated information.

• ​Navigating FAFSA and RDS to Prepare for College
• Navigating FAFSA and RDS for High School Seniors Preparing for College 
• 10 Things to Know Before You Start RDS
• North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) High School Students

*Information posted here is obtained either from public websites or from information sent to the school. AHS is not responsible for typos or for any missing/incorrect or updated information.

• The CSS Profile requires additional financial information such as tax returns or an institutional application. If parents are divorced, it may require the noncustodial parent to complete the Profile. ​
• The following NC colleges require the CSS Profile: Davidson, Duke University, Elon, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest University. If you are applying to an out of state school, be sure to check the link below to determine if that school requires the CSS Profile.​

CSS Profile -https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/ - Opened on 10/1/24.  CSS financial aid profile through College Board. (Duke, Davidson, Elon, Wake Forest, UNC-Chapel Hill require this in addition to FAFSA).

1. CSS Profile - Getting Started - Getting Started – CSS Profile | College Board

2. CSS Profile Application - Complete the Application – CSS Profile | College Board

3. CSS Profile Participating Institutions and Programs - click link to see colleges that require the CSS Profile Financial Aid application in addition to the FAFSA across the USA.

CSS Profile Resources

• US News and World Report: How to Complete the CSS Profile
• Apply for College Financial Aid – CSS Profile | College Board
• For questions about the CSS Profile, parents can email help@css.profile.org 

*Information posted here is obtained either from public websites or from information sent to the school. AHS is not responsible for typos or for any missing/incorrect or updated information.

It has come to our attention that there have been various phone scams and organizations charging for FAFSA completion. Jamie Pendergrass, president of the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NCASFAA) has issued a notice to all financial aid administrators to make sure that students and parents understand that assistance with FAFSA completion and financial aid advice is completely free of charge. Financial aid administrators are the experts and will work with you to ensure that all information is correct. Correct information is what determines your financial aid package. Financial aid administrators can assure that you receive the grants and scholarships for which you may be eligible.

Federal Student Aid at the US Department of Education will never call and ask for money in order to provide an awards package.

Don’t Get Hooked – Financial Aid Scams. Please see informational flyer.

NC State Education Assistance Authority 
Sallie Mae
US Department of Education
United Negro College Fund
Go College

*Information posted here is obtained either from public websites or from information sent to the school. AHS is not responsible for typos or for any missing/incorrect or updated information.

1. Review Personal 529 Plans & Financial Aid   - check your 529 College Savings Plan options if you have a 529 Plan.  For more information click:  Brannan's Financial Aid Tools - 529 Plans (google.com)
2. Start Scholarship Searches - below are websites that offer a variety of scholarship search options 
   1. Brannan's Financial Aid Tools - Scholarships (google.com)  - scholarship options
   2. CFNC Scholarship Opportunities for NC schools may be viewed at the link provided - North Carolina College Scholarship & Grant Search (cfnc.org) 
   3. College Board offers scholarship resources and may be found at the links below
      1. BigFuture Scholarships: Earn by Planning for College and Career - BigFuture | College Board
      2. Scholarship Search - BigFuture | College Board

• Your High School’s Counseling and Student Services Department - Each high school has a Scholarship bulletin or web site. This is an excellent resource to view many scholarship opportunities.   Email your school counselor or check with Student Services for more info and where it is located on your high school website
• College Financial Aid Department Websites - are excellent resources to find potential scholarships. 
• Finally, a link to The WCPSS Basics of Financial Aid offers additional information about financial aid, scholarships and the entire financial aid process.   Click the link to access this document.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Qz-THpYf_9R1SOTmuEZc6FcKqMqsujPS5hgABDsGw4/edit?usp=sharing