To apply for grants, loans, work-study and some scholarships you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal, state and university aid programs.  Even if you think you may not be eligible, we encourage you to apply.  The FAFSA is available October 1st. We encourage you to file your FAFSA online as soon as possible to avoid errors and ensure faster processing. ECU's priority deadline is March 1.