An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
- Benjamin Franklin

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Get Help Paying for College

What is financial aid?

Financial aid is money that is given or borrowed to help pay for college. It can come from federal, state, local, school and private entities. North Carolina and the federal government award millions of dollars each year to help students pay for college. So where to start?

Fafsa
Start With FAFSA

Always start with the FAFSA because it’s necessary to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.

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Grants Scholarships
Grants & Scholarships

After you've submitted your FAFSA, start looking into grants and scholarships. These are types of aid that you typically do not have to repay.

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Work Study
Work-Study Programs

This federal program allows students to work part-time jobs to help pay for their education expenses. Some schools have their own work-study programs as well.

See what's available

Student Loans
Student Loans

Once you've exhausted all other forms of financial aid, it may be time to consider a student loan. Students and parents can find education loans to help cover college costs.

Find out how