How to Apply for Federal Student Aid

1. Get a PIN. Before beginning the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) you should apply for a personal identification number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN will allow you to sign your FAFSA electronically and and to correct processed FAFSA information online, if needed. DO NOT SHARE YOUR PIN WITH ANYONE! If you are reporting parent information then one of your parents must also sign your FAFSA application. So your parent will also need to apply for his or her own PIN.
2. USE THE FAFSA ON THE WEB WORKSHEET.  The FAFSA Worksheet is optional but most applicants find it helpful in filling out the FAFSA. The FAFSA Worksheet will help you collect the information you need to fill out the FAFSA online.
3. COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION.  Fill out the online application which can be found at : www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to list NCCC's Federal School Code 001936 so your application results will be sent electronically to NCCC.
4. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. After you submit your application, make sure to print the Confirmation page that shows your confirmation number and estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The confirmation number is your assurance that the application has been successfully submitted. Keep this confirmation number for your records.
5. FOLLOW UP ON YOUR FAFSA. Your application will be processed by the Department of Education and you should receive an email from them with a link to your Student Aid Report (SAR). If you did not list an email address on the FAFSA, you will receive your SAR by mail. You should review your SAR for any necessary corrections or updates. If you do not receive your SAR from the Department of Education within three weeks, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and select: "Check the Status of a Submitted FAFSA." 
6. Important things to KNOW: The NCCC Office of Financial Aid uses information from the FAFSA to determine if you are eligible to receive federal student aid from grants, loans, and work-study programs. Some NCCC Scholarships require you to fill out the FAFSA. So be sure to fill out a FAFSA even if you do not expect to qualify for grants. Your 2008/2009 FAFSA can be sent to up to ten schools at a time.
7. FREE HELP WITH YOUR FAFSA IS AVAILABLE. ONLINE - There are "Help" buttons on every page of the online application that will take you to additional help. You can also click on the "Live Help" button to chat with a Department of Education customer service representative directly online between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight Eastern time. BY PHONE - For FAFSA help you can call toll-free between the hours 8 a.m. and midnight Eastern time, 1-800-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 1-800-730-8913 (TTY) for the hearing impaired. IN PERSON - You can stop by the Financial Aid Office at NCCC (located in Sanders Hall) for help answering your FAFSA questions or visit your high school counselor.
8. INFORMATION. You can reference Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid. This guide from the Department of Education covers financial aid topics from preparing for college to repaying student loans.

Submit your FAFSA application as soon as possible.

If you are applying for Fall 2007-Summer 2008, the last day to submit an application is June 30, 2008.

If you are applying for Fall 2008 NCCC's priority deadline is April 1, 2008.