ATTENTION NC 529 Account owners:  Beginning at 4 pm ET on April 23, 2026, online Account transactions will be frozen as the NC 529 Plan replaces the Age-Based Tracks with new Target Enrollment Portfolios.  Please ensure that any Account changes, transactions, and enrollment applications are completed PRIOR to this time. READ MORE HERE.

NC Countdown to College FAQs

FAFSA

To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you'll need information for both you and your parents (if you are considered a dependent student). This includes personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), driver's license number (if applicable), and A-Number (if not a U.S. citizen). You'll also need tax information, including federal tax returns, W-2s, and records of any untaxed income. Review what information you will need to complete the FAFSA before getting started.

To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you should go to www.studentaid.gov/FAFSA.

The StudentAid.gov account is the username and password you use to log in to U.S. Department of Education (ED) online systems.  The student and one of the parents (if dependent) will need individual accounts in order to complete and submit the FAFSA. Note that this acts as your legal signature and shouldn’t be created or used by anyone other than you. You’ll use your account every year to complete a FAFSA. Here is additional information about the StudentAid.gov account.

Visit our FAFSA 101 webpage for more information on the FAFSA or contact us at 866.866.CFNC (2362) option and select option 2.