Carteret to Host FAFSA Day on July 18 - Carteret Community College

Paying for college may be more affordable than you think.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a current college student, an adult returning to school, or someone looking to start a new career, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps you can take toward making college more affordable.

To help students and families navigate the process, Carteret Community College is hosting FAFSA Day on Friday, July 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Wayne West Building, Room 303. This free event offers personalized, one-on-one assistance from the College’s Financial Aid team to help attendees complete and submit their FAFSA with confidence.

What is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free application used to determine your eligibility for financial assistance to help pay for college. Completing the FAFSA may qualify you for:

Federal Pell Grants
Scholarships
Federal Work-Study opportunities
Student loans
State and institutional financial aid programs

Many students and families assume they won’t qualify for financial aid, but that’s often not the case. The only way to determine your eligibility is by completing the FAFSA. In fact, many scholarships and financial aid programs require a completed FAFSA, regardless of your family’s income.

Why Attend FAFSA Day?

Completing the FAFSA can sometimes feel confusing, especially if you’re filing for the first time. That’s why Carteret Community College is bringing together Financial Aid professionals who are ready to answer your questions, explain each step of the process, and help you submit your application correctly.

Whether you need help creating an FSA ID, understanding what information is required, or simply want someone to walk through the application with you, FAFSA Day is designed to make the process easier and less stressful.

Parents, spouses, and contributors who are required to provide information on the FAFSA are encouraged to attend alongside the student.

Who Should Attend?

FAFSA Day is open to anyone planning to attend college, including:

High school seniors
Current Carteret Community College students
Returning adult learners
Students transferring to another college
Anyone considering enrolling in college for the first time

What Should You Bring?

To help ensure a smooth experience, attendees should bring:

Your FSA ID (and your parent or contributor’s FSA ID, if required)
Your Social Security number (if applicable)
A valid photo ID
Your completed 2024 federal tax information for the 2026-2027 FAFSA
Records of untaxed income, if applicable
Current bank account balances and investment information, if requested

If you are under the age of 24, a parent or legal guardian should accompany you, as their information may be required to complete your FAFSA.

Don’t have an FSA ID yet? No problem. Financial Aid staff can help you create one during the event.

Take the First Step Toward Your Future

College is an investment in your future, and financial aid can help make that investment more affordable. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, certificate, or workforce credential, Carteret Community College is committed to helping you access the resources you need to succeed.

Join us for FAFSA Day and let our Financial Aid team help you take the next step toward achieving your educational goals.

Event Details

FAFSA Day
Friday, July 18
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wayne West Building, Room 303
Carteret Community College

Register today: https://events.carteret.edu/event/carteret.events.1733666

Registration is encouraged so you’ll receive event reminders, updates, and additional information about what to bring before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should complete the FAFSA?
Anyone planning to attend college should complete the FAFSA, including high school seniors, current college students, returning adult learners, and transfer students.

Do I have to pay to complete the FAFSA?
No. The FAFSA is completely free to complete. If a website asks you to pay a fee, you are not using the official FAFSA application.

I don’t think I’ll qualify for financial aid. Should I still complete the FAFSA?
Yes! Many students are surprised to learn they qualify for financial aid. A completed FAFSA is also required for many scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Do my parents have to provide information?
It depends on your age and personal circumstances. Some students are required to include parent information, while others are considered independent. Our Financial Aid staff can help determine what is required.

Can my parent or spouse attend FAFSA Day with me?
Absolutely. If a parent, spouse, or other contributor is required to provide information on your FAFSA, we encourage them to attend with you.

How long does it take to complete the FAFSA?
Most applications take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your individual circumstances.

What happens after I submit my FAFSA?
Once your FAFSA is processed, the Financial Aid Office will review your application. If additional information is needed, you’ll be contacted. If you qualify, you’ll receive information about the financial aid available to you.

What if I’ve already completed my FAFSA?
You’re still welcome to attend! If you have questions about your financial aid or need assistance with your next steps, our Financial Aid team will be happy to help.