College Planning: Time to file for federal student aid

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the federal form used to determine what type and how much financial aid a student is eligible for. This form is required by all colleges, public and private, in determining financial aid awards. Families may begin filling out this form online Jan. 1.

While the FAFSA has a federal filing date of June 30, 2012, each state and school has a different deadline. In the state of North Carolina, that date is different with every school. Students must check with the financial aid administrator for the date of the school they are interested in.

In most cases, the state filing date is much earlier than the federal filing date – often mid-February and early March. In general, the earlier you apply, the better your chances are, if you qualify, as money is doled out on a first come, first served basis and does run out.