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Information for Middle School Students and Their Parents

You Can Go to College

Helpful Information for Free

You May be Eligible for Financial Aid

Always Apply

Begin Preparing for College Now

Key Messages to Remember

You Can Go to College

The world today is very different than it used to be. In today's society, you cannot afford NOT to go to college. You don't have to be rich to go to college today. There is more than $50 billion in financial aid available in this country each year.

You can go to college, even if no one in your family has gone before. But it is never too early to start saving for college. If you and your family are able to save a little something each month, look into North Carolina's National College Savings Program.

Helpful Information for Free

Now is also the time to start learning about scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. There is no need to pay for scholarship and financial aid searches. College Foundation of North Carolina provides you with a financial aid search and with links to national scholarship search programs, free of charge.

You May Be Eligible for Financial Aid

Most financial aid is based on need, and a simple equation is used to determine the amount for which you might qualify:

Cost of education - What your family can afford = Aid eligibility

CFNC can provide you with an overview of the types of aid that you may qualify for using the College Aid Calculator. By answering a few questions online, you can obtain information about your estimated eligibility to receive grants and loans to attend college. The formula above provides only an estimate of your eligibility now; as you get closer to high school graduation, your circumstances may change.

Always Apply

When it comes time for you to think more concretely about financial aid, remember one important factor: you must APPLY for it. If you think you might not qualify, APPLY ANYWAY. Always remember that you will have nothing to lose by trying, and everything to gain.

Begin Planning for College NOW

It is never too early to start saving for college. Whether your contributions will be large or small, just getting started is important. Take a look into North Carolina's National College Savings Program for different options.

Key Messages to Remember

For more detailed information about how financial aid works, you can visit other parts of "Paying for College" on this Website. But while you are still in middle school, you don't have to spend lots of time on the details. For now, you just need to remember three important things:

It is possible for you to go to college. And it's the best investment in your future that you and your parents can make.
You can afford to go to college. Help is available, and we can help you find it.
Save money for college if you and your family can. North Carolina's National College Savings Program can help.


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