College and FAFSA Guides for CT and NC Families

Plain-English guides and calculators for the 2027-28 FAFSA, Connecticut's CHET 529 deduction, North Carolina's rules and the education tax credits.

How to use this page
  • Guides explain the FAFSA, 529 plans and education tax credits for Connecticut and North Carolina families.
  • Calculators show the math only. You enter your own numbers.
  • The FAFSA is free at StudentAid.gov. Nothing here recommends a plan, investment or lender.

Key dates

DateWhat
Sept. 23, 2026The 2027-28 FAFSA opened (U.S. Department of Education)
Dec. 31, 2026Last day for 2026 CHET contributions to count toward the 2026 Connecticut deduction
Feb. 15, 2027Connecticut FAFSA priority date, and the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship deadline
June 1, 2027North Carolina FAFSA priority date for UNC System schools and community colleges
June 30, 2028Final federal deadline for the 2027-28 FAFSA

Applying for aid

Guide2027-28 FAFSA Guide for CT and NCKey dates, the 2025 tax year, what assets count, how 529s and small businesses are treated, and CT and NC state aid.Read the guide →
CalculatorStudent Aid Index (SAI) EstimatorA rough SAI estimate from your own numbers.Coming soon
WorkbookCollege Aid Planning Kit 2027-28A printable checklist and worksheet set for the 2027-28 aid year.Coming soon

Saving and paying

GuideCHET and 529 Plans in CT and NCConnecticut's CHET deduction and five-year carryforward, NC's rules, qualified expenses and the 529-to-Roth rollover.Read the guide →Calculator529 / CHET Deduction CalculatorYour 2026 Connecticut deduction plus how carryforward is used.Open calculator →GuidePaying for College: How the Pieces FitGrants, work-study, each federal loan type and the new Parent PLUS limits, defined in plain English.Read the guide →GuideTrump Accounts ExplainedThe $1,000 Treasury deposit, Form 4547 and how the account compares with a 529.Read the guide →CalculatorTrump Account CalculatorDeposits to age 18 at 0% and at a rate you choose, with basis. An illustration only.Open calculator →

Tax time

GuideEducation Tax Credits (AOTC and LLC)The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits, income limits, Form 1098-T and coordinating with 529 withdrawals.Read the guide →

More guides

Family and retirement money guides · For individuals and families · All calculators · Tax deadlines

FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education. Enhance Finance LLC isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the Department.

Frequently asked questions

Is the FAFSA free?

Yes. File it free at StudentAid.gov.

When should Connecticut students file the 2027-28 FAFSA?

Connecticut's priority date is February 15, 2027. The Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship also needs the FAFSA by February 15.

When should North Carolina students file?

By June 1, 2027 for priority at UNC System schools and community colleges, and as soon as possible after October 1, 2026 for private colleges.

Do you recommend 529 plans or investments?

No. These pages explain the tax rules and forms. They don't recommend any plan, investment, lender or product.

Free education only. Not tax, legal, investment or retirement-planning advice, and not a recommendation to open, fund, buy, sell or hold any account, investment or product. Enhance Finance LLC does not sell investments or financial products. Rules change, so confirm with the official source linked on this page (such as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, the CT Department of Revenue Services or the NC Department of Revenue) before you act, and ask a tax professional about your own situation.

Have a tax question about the FAFSA, a 529 or education credits?

Book a call with Andrew

Or call (475) 242-7941. Services are priced by quote.

Enhance Finance LLC · Andrew Nocera, Tax Preparer & Small-Business Finance Consultant. Based in Connecticut and working with North Carolina clients remotely.

Not tax, legal or investment advice. Figures are estimates for education. Checked November 2026.