FAFSA Day will be held Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to Noon in the Atrium of the Wayne Learning Center. The event is free and open to the public.

WCC’s Financial Aid office will provide one-on-one or small group help with FAFSA completion and submission. They can answer any questions about paying for college and the different types of financial aid offered.

There is no requirement to accept any financial aid offered, but the FAFSA can help individuals understand their options.

By filling out the FAFSA, prospective and current students could access grants and scholarships that they do not have to pay back, work-study programs that allow them to earn money while working at the school they attend, and student loan options.

One option is the Next NC Scholarship, a new financial aid program that helps NC residents in households making $80,000 or less. For those who are eligible, this scholarship will cover more than half, it not all, of tuition and fees at any community college or public university in the state.

The Next NC Scholarship combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that is easier to understand and makes education more affordable so that more individuals can pursue higher education.

To apply for the Next NC Scholarship, students must submit the FAFSA form. If eligible, they will receive the scholarship. There are no additional forms to fill out.

You can register for FAFSA Day here. Registration is not required but recommended.

WCC encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing accommodations or have questions about access, contact the Accessibility Counselor at 919-739-6729.