Investing in Student Futures: Financial Aid as a Catalyst for Postsecondary Access & Success

The 3rd Annual Financial Aid Summit brought together 380 attendees from across North Carolina, including high school counselors and college financial aid advisors, in a highly engaging and collaborative two-day event focused on increasing student access to financial aid resources.

At the heart of the summit was a shared understanding that financial aid is not just a form—it’s a lifeline. With FAFSA completions currently at 52% statewide, leaders across sectors emphasized that improving access and support must be a collective priority. myFutureNC, which aims to increase FAFSA completion to 80% by 2030, reinforced that financial aid directly impacts whether students enroll, persist, and complete a postsecondary credential.

Key sessions focused on simplifying the financial aid process, equipping educators and community leaders with the tools to guide students, and showcasing high-performing districts like Columbus County Schools, where proactive outreach led to over 82% FAFSA completion. Attendees also collaborated in regional planning sessions and developed strategies to implement during the 2025-2026 school year. Link to EdNC Article.

Financial aid is a team sport. Ensuring students can afford college isn’t just the responsibility of families or schools—it’s a statewide mission. And with the right supports in place, every student in North Carolina can have a real shot at success.

The Financial Aid Summit would not have been possible without the following sponsors: Ellucian, Gear UP NC, myFutureNC, Equitable Foundation, John M Belk Endowment, NC State Education Assistance Authority, and NC Education Lottery.