The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an essential step for students seeking financial assistance for college. As you consider institutions like Fayetteville Technical Community College for your higher education journey, it’s crucial to submit your FAFSA early to avoid delays in paying for educational expenses such as tuition, books, and supplies. Here are four reasons why you should submit your FAFSA as soon as possible and on a yearly basis:
1. Access to more Financial Aid
Many, but not all, financial aid programs at FTCC including federal, state, and institutional aid operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some types of aid, such as Federal Work-Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, state grants and scholarships, may have limited funding and are exhausted quickly. Submitting your FAFSA early increases your chances of securing the best financial aid package available and the type of aid you receive.
2. More time to compare and plan
Filing the FAFSA early gives students and families more time to compare financial aid packages from different colleges and universities. This allows for a well-informed decision about which school is the most affordable and offers the best financial support overall. Understanding your aid package early can also help you plan for other expenses, such as housing and transportation.
3. Less stress and fewer errors
Waiting until the last minute to complete the FAFSA can lead to rushed decisions and mistakes on the FAFSA. Errors can delay financial aid processing and may result in a lower aid package. Completing the FAFSA early at https://studentaid.gov/ allows both you and/or the school time to review and correct any mistakes before the school’s priority deadlines.
4. Quicker Financial Aid notifications
By submitting the FAFSA early, students can receive their financial aid packages sooner, giving them a clearer picture of their financial situation before deadlines. If loans are needed and offered at your desired college or university, knowing your options in advance will help you make informed borrowing decisions, potentially reducing student loan debt overall.
Completing the FAFSA early is one of the smartest financial moves a student can make when preparing for college. FTCC would love to help you complete your FAFSA. Come visit us in the Tony Rand Student Center, Room 3, at the Fayetteville campus, email finaid@faytechcc.edu, or call us at 910-678-8242 for more information.
Finally, we invite you to join with financial aid advisors to explore valuable educational resources and scholarship information from CFNC, MyFutureNC, and Cumberland Community Foundation. Discover the keys to funding your college education and securing a bright future, and let us at FTCC help you enrich your life and reimagine your future through education!