Gov. Perdue Proclaims February 13-19, 2012 as Financial Aid Awareness Week in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Bev Perdue has proclaimed February 13-19, 2012 as Financial Aid Awareness Week in North Carolina.  The proclamation urges N.C. students and families to learn more about the process of applying for financial assistance for college.  The week culminates with FAFSA Day on Saturday, February 18th.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility for most financial aid programs to assist in the cost of higher education.

On FASFA Day, college financial aid officers and specialists will be available at more than 300 locations across North Carolina to help high school seniors and families complete and submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Most FAFSA Day sites will be open between 9:00 a.m. until noon on February 18th to offer free assistance.  Registration is encouraged.   To find locations and times and to register for FAFSA Day, go to CFNC.org/fafsaday or call toll-free 1-866-866-CFNC (2362).

Another option for students and parents with a few questions on completing the FAFSA is the FAFSA Phone-In offered every Tuesday night in February, including the night of February 14 during Financial Aid Awareness Week.  Financial aid specialists and experts will be available to answer specific FAFSA questions on the toll-free number, 1-866-866-CFNC (2362), between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

According to the Governor's proclamation, more than 350,000 students in N.C. have applied for financial aid to help pay for college costs and many of our state's leaders, including former governors, judges, civic leaders, educators and other professionals were financial aid recipients.  The proclamation points out that those who have benefitted from financial aid over the years are now repaying the state through their talents, services and increased tax revenues. 

Financial Aid Awareness Week is sponsored by the N.C. Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.  The Association also joins College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) and the State Employees' Credit Union to make FAFSA Day available.

About CFNC

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the State of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college. CFNC is a partnership of Pathways, the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, and College Foundation, Inc. 

• Pathways, created by the N.C. General Assembly in 1999, is a state-wide initiative to increase the college-going rate of North Carolinians by providing: comprehensive college and career planning resources; electronic applications and transcripts accepted by all 110 North Carolina colleges and universities; and, information on student financial aid and college affordability. Pathways is administered by The University of North Carolina General Administration in collaboration with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the N.C. Community College System, and the N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities.

• The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), established in 1965, is the State agency that promotes access to higher education by administering financial aid and savings programs, informing students and families about paying for college, teaching educators about financial aid administration, and advocating for resources to support students.

• College Foundation, Inc. (CFI), a nonprofit corporation serving North Carolina students and families since 1955, administers a portfolio of more than $3.3 billion, including education loans, the State's college grant programs, and the tax-free "529" college savings program on behalf of the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority. CFI also delivers information to North Carolina students and families about paying for college and provides technology services for CFNC.org.

CFNC offers resources toll-free at 1-866-866-CFNC and at CFNC.org.

SOURCE College Foundation of North Carolina