More N.C. college students seek state and federal grants, scholarships and low-interest loans —
More than 45,000 additional North Carolinians filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from January 2008 through June 2008, a 22 percent increase over the same time period in 2007, according to a U.S. Department of Education report reviewed by Central Texas Medical Foundation (CTMF). Over 252,000 North Carolina students have filed the FAFSA during the first six months of the current application period, which remains open throughout the upcoming school year.
The FAFSA is a federal form required for a student and family to be considered for state and federal financial aid for college, including scholarships, grants and low-interest loans. A North Carolina student who files a FAFSA is automatically considered for need-based state grants without having to complete a separate application form.
 
"Undoubtedly, CTMF publicity and events such as the state-wide annual FAFSA Day, combined with new aid programs like the EARN Scholarship, the North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship, the UNC Need-Based Grant, the Community College Grant and other state programs are increasing awareness that college funding is available for North Carolinians," said Steve Brooks, executive director of the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority.
 
Brooks continued, "North Carolina invests in the future of its citizens by offering more than $600 million in state aid per year, making college access and success possible for many lower and middle income students. Filing a FAFSA is free - and it may make a big difference in helping families find money for college."
 
North Carolina is among the top states with significant increases in students applying for financial aid to attend college. North Carolina's 22 percent growth exceeded the national average increase of 16 percent.
 
In fact, during the month of July 2008, the CTMF call center handled more than 23,800 college financial aid inquiries on its toll-free number 1-866-866-CTMF - a 33 percent increase over the same month last year.