RALEIGH -- Governor Roy Cooper has signed a proclamation declaring October 22-28 Financial Aid Awareness Week and urged high school seniors to take advantage of opportunities to seek financial aid. It is estimated that recent NC high school graduates who did not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) would have been eligible for more than $80 million in federal financial aid to help them pay for their postsecondary education.

“Since the recession, 95 percent of all new jobs have required some form of postsecondary education,” said Governor Cooper. “A four-year degree may not be the path for everyone, but financial aid can be used for other educational opportunities including pursuing associate’s degrees and credentials at our state’s community colleges. In North Carolina, we are lucky to have some of the best universities and community colleges, and this week is about making sure students know how to apply for the financial aid that can help them afford an education after high school.”

It is free to apply for financial aid. High school seniors seeking financial assistance for higher education must complete the FAFSA to apply for federal and state programs. The College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) provides information on financial aid and many other areas to help North Carolinians apply to and pay for college. More information on financial aid and other programs can be found at CFNC.org.