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Financial Aid Services

The financial aid process can be overwhelming for new students. College Foundation, Inc. (CFI) is here to help you provide your students with top-notch financial planning services. With over 65 years of experience, we offer financial aid workshops, educational opportunity programs, and more.  

Financial Aid Workshops

We'll come to you! CFI Financial Aid experts are available to provide financial aid workshops in high schools across the state. Learn about the North Carolina Student Incentive Grant, the North Carolina Assist Loan Program, and more. In addition, we offer program materials that you can use at your school's workshop. Fall and winter are popular times for workshops to help prepare students and parents for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so contact us soon, as our schedule fills up fast. 

New Financial Aid Administrator Training

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) provides two new financial aid administrator trainings each year, typically in May and October.  The training program is specifically designed for aid personnel with experience in financial aid administration of three years or less.

NCSEAA partners with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) for the use of their comprehensive instructional materials for the federal portions of this training.  Seasoned financial aid professionals present on the following topics:    

  • Application Process (FAFSA)
  • Campus-Based Programs
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Direct Loan Program
  • NC Residency Determination
  • Needs Analysis
  • Packaging and Notification of Awards
  • Pell Grants and IASG
  • Professional Judgment
  • Return of Title IV Funds
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • State Student Aid Programs
  • State Aid Program Review
  • Student Eligibility
  • Verification

Spring 2025 New FAA Training: May 12-14, 2025
Where: Cape Fear Community College
Registration Link: https://register.etransfer.com/cgi-bin/acct/OI1AG3TER4/displayForm.pl?dir=Z32SAL3A_2024

The training details and registration information are sent via the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NCASFAA) and College Foundation, Inc. electronic mailing lists prior to training. For additional information, contact Michelle Hemmer at mhemmer@ncseaa.edu.

Other NCSEAA Training Opportunities

Fall 2024 NCSEAA-CFI One Day State Aid & Portal Training

Where:

  • North Carolina Central University (October 15, 2024)
  • Cape Fear Community College (November 21, 2024)

Registration Link: https://register.etransfer.com/cgi-bin/acct/OI1AG3TER4/displayForm.pl?dir=UQMLOAJ1_2024

Educational Opportunity Programs

The Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACRAO) offers educational opportunity programs across the state each fall. Students (and their parents) can take the opportunity to browse these local college fairs and speak to college admission representatives. CFI representatives will also be available, so be sure to encourage your students to discuss financial aid information with them. 

NC Student Assist Loan

The NC Student Assist Loan is an education loan that helps bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and other financial aid. The loan is available to students who are North Carolina residents and students who reside outside of North Carolina but are attending an eligible non-profit Title IV institution in North Carolina. With features comparable to federal direct loans, this may be the right loan to help cover college costs.

  • Fixed interest rate
  • 0.25% interest rate reduction for auto-draft payments
  • No origination fee
  • Available to undergraduate or graduate students
  • Deferred payments while in school and for 6 months after enrollment

NC Parent Assist Loan

The NC Parent Assist Loan is an education loan for parents that can bridge the difference between the cost of attendance and other financial aid. The loan is available to parents of benefiting students who are North Carolina residents attending an eligible non-profit Title IV institution in the US and parents of benefiting students who reside outside of North Carolina but are attending an eligible non-profit Title IV institution in North Carolina. With features comparable to federal direct loans, this may be the right loan to help cover college costs.

  • Fixed interest rate
  • 0.25% interest rate reduction for auto-draft payments
  • No origination fee
  • For parents of undergraduate students