-- More N.C. college students seek state and federal grants,

scholarships and low-interest loans --



    RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 5 /EMWNews/ -- More than 45,000

additional North Carolinians filed the Free Application for Federal Student

Aid (FAFSA) from January 2008 through June 2008, a 22 percent increase over

the same time period in 2007, according to a U.S. Department of Education

report reviewed by College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC). Over

252,000 North Carolina students have filed the FAFSA during the first six

months of the current application period, which remains open throughout the

upcoming school year.



    The FAFSA is a federal form required for a student and family to be

considered for state and federal financial aid for college, including

scholarships, grants and low-interest loans. A North Carolina student who

files a FAFSA is automatically considered for need-based state grants

without having to complete a separate application form.



    "Undoubtedly, CFNC publicity and events such as the state-wide annual

FAFSA Day, combined with new aid programs like the EARN Scholarship, the

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship, the UNC Need-Based Grant, the

Community College Grant and other state programs are increasing awareness

that college funding is available for North Carolinians," said Steve

Brooks, executive director of the N.C. State Education Assistance

Authority.



    Brooks continued, "North Carolina invests in the future of its citizens

by offering more than $600 million in state aid per year, making college

access and success possible for many lower and middle income students.

Filing a FAFSA is free - and it may make a big difference in helping

families find money for college."



    North Carolina is among the top states with significant increases in

students applying for financial aid to attend college. North Carolina's 22

percent growth exceeded the national average increase of 16 percent.



    In fact, during the month of July 2008, the CFNC call center handled

more than 23,800 college financial aid inquiries on its toll-free number

1-866-866-CFNC - a 33 percent increase over the same month last year.

    About CFNC



    College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), a free service of the

State of North Carolina provided by Pathways, College Foundation, Inc. and

the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, helps students plan, apply

and pay for college.



    The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority is the State

agency that promotes access to higher education by administering financial

aid and savings programs, informing students and families about paying for

college, teaching educators about financial aid administration, and

advocating for resources to support students.



    Pathways is a state-based initiative including North Carolina's

Department of Public Instruction, the University of North Carolina System,

the North Carolina Community Colleges, and the North Carolina Independent

Colleges and Universities working together to increase access to college

for all North Carolinians.



    College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit corporation serving North

Carolina students and families since 1955, administers a portfolio of more

than $3 billion, including low-interest federal education loans, the

state's college grant programs and the tax-free "529" college savings

program on behalf of the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority.



    CFNC offers its resources via telephone, toll-free at 1-866-866-CFNC or

on its website at CFNC.org.