North Carolinians are leaving millions of dollars on the table each year when it comes to paying for college.

That’s because they are not filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. It’s an issue that has mobilized educators at both the local and state level because FAFSA completion is a strong indicator of college attendance.

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“Students who complete the FAFSA are certainly more likely to enroll,” Johnston County schools lead counselor Kim Lewter said.

88% of students who complete a FAFSA attend college, compared to 49% of students who do not, according to myFutureNC.

“In order to ensure today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs, North Carolina has set an ambitious goal – 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 will hold a high-quality degree or credential by 2030. An important early step in earning a credential is completing a FAFSA, which unlocks access to financial aid at the federal, state, and college level,” the College Foundation of North Carolina’s website reads.

FAFSA opens the door for scholarships, grants and federal loans.

“Some scholarships, you can’t be considered for unless you’ve completed the FAFSA,” Lewter said.

The JoCo Commissioners Promise Program is an example of that.

“[It] basically allows the class of 2023 to attend Johnston Community College basically tuition-free for the first year,” Lewter said.

myFutureNC reports North Carolinians leave more than $100 million dollars in federal money on the table each year.

Toni Blount, the regional impact manager for myFutureNC, said they are taking several steps to improve completion in the state.

“We’ve identified school districts that have real opportunities for success,” she said. “We’ve invited them to participate in a financial aid pilot program.

She said they’re providing resources, webinars and funding to 22 school districts across the state. They are also planning a financial aid summit scheduled for June.

College Foundation of North Carolina also provides a FAFSA tracker, where people can see the latest completion numbers.