The holidays are over.

As college students stare into empty bank accounts, ravaged from purchases made during the break, spring semester tuition is due.

The federal government combats students’ dismal monetary funds by granting support for education.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 63 percent of all college students receive financial aid through programs such as loans, grants and scholarships.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid creates the opportunity for students to receive financial help.

Julie Mallette, director of financial aid, said students should apply for aid as early as possible.

“Students should apply now,” Mallette said.

The FAFSA acts as documentation of the individual’s financial situation, Mallette said.

In addition to federal support, the FAFSA is also used by N.C. State as a basis to provide state and institutional funds.

The priority deadline is March 1 for a completed FAFSA application to be granted maximum rewards as funds are limited.

“We can only give what we have,” Mallette said.

For students who do not have current information, such as taxes, estimations are appropriate in order to submit an application in a timely manner, according to Mallette. Exact numbers would be required from students upon receipt of financial statements.

Laura Kenny, a freshman in political science, is currently filling out her FAFSA application.

“Students don’t realize how easy it is to apply,” Kenny said.

Other opportunities for financial aid are open to students through NCSU scholarships and grants.

Megan Gross, a freshman in textile engineering, was awarded a scholarship through the textile program.

“There is so much money colleges offer. A lot of the money goes unused,” Gross said.

The colleges on campus offer merit-based, need-based or service-based scholarships to qualifying students who apply. Applications and additional information can be found online through each college’s Web site.

“You just have to ask for it,” Kenny said.