37,932 college applications were submitted to North Carolina colleges and universities as part of College Application Week, sponsored by College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) and the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACRAO). Students at 293 high schools across N.C. participated in the event that helped high school seniors apply online to college using CFNC.org. Special focus was placed on first-generation and students who might not otherwise apply to college.

Students were able to apply on CFNC.org to any of North Carolina's 110 community colleges, public universities and private colleges. Some private institutions waived their normal applications fees for students during the College Application Week event. In addition, all University of North Carolina campuses and the remaining private institutions waived their normal application fees for students with demonstrated financial need. Eligible students obtained a College Board fee waiver from their high school counselor. Students who are eligible for SAT fee waivers are usually eligible for application fee waivers, as well. North Carolina's 58 community colleges do not charge application fees.

The activity during this year's event brings the total number of admissions applications submitted online at CFNC.org (since August 1) for 2009 enrollment at N.C. colleges and universities to 143,803, or an average of 1,283 online college applications per day since August 1.

Governor Mike Easley declared Nov. 10-14 College Application Week in North Carolina. According to the N.C. Commission on Workforce Development, by 2014 North Carolina will need more than 400,000 new workers with at least a bachelor's degree to be competitive in the global economy.

About CFNC, NCSEAA, Pathways and CFI

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), a free service of the State of North Carolina provided by Pathways, College Foundation, Inc. and the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, helps students plan, apply and pay for college.

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority is the State agency that promotes access to higher education by administering financial aid and savings programs, informing students and families about paying for college, teaching educators about financial aid administration, and advocating for resources to support students.

Pathways is a state-based initiative including North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction, the University of North Carolina System, the North Carolina Community Colleges, and the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities working together to increase access to college for all North Carolinians.

College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit corporation serving North Carolina students and families since 1955, administers a portfolio of more than $3.5 billion, including low-interest federal education loans, the state's college grant programs and the tax-free "529" college savings program on behalf of the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority.